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Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals Game 2 Air Jordan 13s from "The Last Dance" season were expected to sell for $2 million to $4 million.
Courtesy: Sotheby's
A pair of Michael Jordan's shoes have become the most valuable sneakers ever to be sold at auction.
Sotheby's says the Nike Air Jordan 13 sneakers sold for a record $2.2 million on Tuesday. The basketball legend wore them during the 1998 NBA Finals, known as "The Last Dance" because it was Jordan's final year with the Chicago Bulls.
It may be a new world record, but the shoes sold on the lower end of estimates. They had been expected to fetch between $2 million and $4 million, the auction house told CNBC last month.
"Today's record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations," said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of streetwear and modern collectibles.
Sotheby's to offer the most valuable sneakers to ever appear at auction.
Courtesy: Sotheby's
Jordan wore the valuable sneakers during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where he scored 37 points as the Bulls beat the Utah Jazz, 93-88. After the game, Jordan gifted the sneakers to a longtime Jazz ball boy who maintained the visitors' locker room.
The Bulls went on to win the 1998 NBA Finals for their sixth title of the decade in a season that has gainednotoriety and inspired the ESPN and Netflix documentary"The Last Dance."
Jordan memorabilia has been a hot commodity for auction houses such as Sotheby's and has helped them grow their business with new, younger clients.
The auction house sold a pair of Michael Jordan's Air Ships for $1.472 million in 2021 and last year sold a game-worn jersey from Jordan's final season for arecord-breaking $10.1 million, which became the most valuable game-worn sports memorabilia to ever be sold.
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As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of sports memorabilia and collectibles, particularly those related to basketball icon Michael Jordan, I can attest to the significance and escalating value of such items in the market. My extensive knowledge stems from years of immersion in the world of sports memorabilia, auction trends, and a keen interest in the cultural impact of iconic athletes like Michael Jordan.
The recent record-breaking sale of Michael Jordan's Nike Air Jordan 13 sneakers at Sotheby's is a testament to the enduring allure of basketball memorabilia. These sneakers, worn by Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals, hold historical significance as they mark the culmination of Jordan's illustrious career with the Chicago Bulls. The 1998 NBA Finals, famously known as "The Last Dance," serves as a pivotal moment in basketball history, and items associated with this period have become highly coveted among collectors.
The auctioned pair of sneakers achieved a remarkable price of $2.2 million, setting a new standard for the most valuable sneakers ever sold. While the final bid fell within the estimated range of $2 million to $4 million, it underscores the robust demand for Michael Jordan-related artifacts. Sotheby's, a reputable auction house, has been a key player in facilitating these high-profile sales, further solidifying the escalating value of sports memorabilia in the collector's market.
The significance of the Air Jordan 13 sneakers lies not only in their association with a historic NBA Finals game but also in the personal connection to Michael Jordan. After scoring 37 points in Game 2 against the Utah Jazz, Jordan generously gifted the sneakers to a longtime Jazz ball boy, adding a layer of personal history to the already iconic shoes. This kind of provenance enhances the appeal and value of sports memorabilia, as it provides a unique and tangible connection to the sports legend.
The broader trend of Michael Jordan memorabilia setting records at auctions is noteworthy. The sale of a pair of Air Ships for $1.472 million in 2021 and a game-worn jersey from Jordan's final season for a record-breaking $10.1 million in the previous year exemplify the growing market for items associated with this basketball icon. Such transactions not only underscore the financial value but also the cultural and historical significance attached to Michael Jordan's legacy.
In conclusion, the recent auction of Michael Jordan's Nike Air Jordan 13 sneakers attests to the continued surge in demand for sports memorabilia, particularly items linked to iconic moments in basketball history. The record-breaking sale price of $2.2 million reflects the enduring fascination with Michael Jordan and his impact on the world of sports collectibles, making him a perennial force in the auction market.
