Michael Jordan’s Championship Sneakers Head to Auction: A Collectible Ensemble
In an exciting development for basketball fans and avid collectors alike, a remarkable set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is about to hit the auction block. Previously held privately, these iconic pieces of sports history are now ready to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by renowned auction house Sotheby’s. The auction, set to open on February 2nd, will feature these sneakers as part of a larger collection and is expected to fetch an impressive price in the range of $7 million to $10 million.
Known as The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were originally owned by a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the former public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during the team’s dominant era in the 1990s. A tradition established between Jordan and Hallam led to the formation of this unique collection, with Jordan presenting Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory.
Displayed at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection covers the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 to 1998. Each sneaker in the collection bears the personal autograph of Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
Sotheby’s aptly named the collection The Dynasty Collection, showcasing various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore throughout his illustrious career. It includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911, the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding, the Air Jordan VIII (1993) featuring the iconic “x-strap” design, the “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole, the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997), and the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), an early prototype that mirrors his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this collection are a set of unique signed photographs capturing Jordan in the moments following each championship win, with him wearing only one sneaker – the other already in Hallam’s possession. This charming yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam further emphasizes the personal nature of this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection serves as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and historical significance of these sneakers have undergone rigorous verification, involving detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other experts.
This auction follows the record-breaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s game-worn sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which fetched a staggering $2.2 million, setting the highest-ever price for game-worn shoes. The upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection is more than just a sports memorabilia event; it presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of basketball history, encapsulating the remarkable legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan.