In a remarkable event that will surely excite basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is set to hit the auction block. Previously held privately, these iconic pieces of sports history are now available for the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by Sotheby’s. Opening on February 2nd, this auction features the sneakers as part of a larger collection and is estimated to fetch between $7 million to $10 million.
Dubbed The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were once treasured possessions of a private collector who obtained them from Tim Hallam, the public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during their reign of dominance in the 1990s. It became a tradition for Jordan to gift Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, resulting in this unique collection coming together.
On display at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, this collection spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Every sneaker in the collection has been personally autographed by Michael Jordan himself, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
The Dynasty Collection, carefully curated by Sotheby’s, showcases various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore during 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 unique “x-strap” design; the iconic “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 mirroring his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
What adds even more allure to this remarkable collection is a set of autographed photographs capturing Jordan in the moments following each championship win, wearing only a single sneaker – with the other already in Hallam’s possession. This playful yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam adds a personal touch to this already extraordinary collection.
Each sneaker within the collection stands as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology throughout the years. The authenticity and history of these sneakers have been meticulously verified, with rigorous certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation conducted by CSG and other experts.
This auction follows the groundbreaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers worn during the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for an astonishing $2.2 million – the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection is more than just a sports memorabilia event; it offers a genuinely unique opportunity to own a tangible piece of basketball history, encapsulating the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport – Michael Jordan.
Don’t miss your chance to bid on these remarkable pieces of basketball and sneaker culture when they go up for auction. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or a devoted fan of Michael Jordan, The Dynasty Collection truly represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a tangible piece of basketball history.