In an extraordinary event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is about to hit the auction block. After being privately held, these iconic pieces of sports history are poised to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by Sotheby’s. Scheduled to open on February 2nd, the auction features these sneakers as part of a larger collection and boasts an impressive pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million.
Known as The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were once the prized possession of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during their era of dominance in the 1990s. It all started as a tradition for Jordan to present Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, which ultimately led to the formation of this unique collection.
The Dynasty Collection was recently displayed at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, showcasing the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each sneaker in the collection has been personally autographed by Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
Sotheby’s has aptly named this collection The Dynasty Collection, which spans 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 “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.
Adding to the allure of this lot is a set of unique signed photographs, capturing Jordan in the moments following each championship win, wearing only one sneaker – the other already in Hallam’s possession. This humorous yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam highlights the personal nature of this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection stands as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. These sneakers’ authenticity and history have been meticulously verified, involving detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other experts.
Following the historical sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for $2.2 million, this upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection is set to make waves. More than just a sports memorabilia event, it offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of basketball history and embody the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan.
As the auction date approaches, collectors and basketball fans alike eagerly await the chance to bid on these remarkable pieces of history. Whether it’s the nostalgia of reliving the Bulls’ championship runs or the desire to own a piece of the celebrated Michael Jordan legacy, the auction of The Dynasty Collection promises an exciting opportunity for both basketball enthusiasts and avid collectors.
So mark your calendars and prepare to join the bidding frenzy for a chance to own a piece of NBA history – Michael Jordan’s championship sneakers. It’s an auction that’s sure to captivate the world of sports memorabilia and leave one lucky winner with a priceless piece of basketball greatness.