In a truly remarkable event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is about to hit the auction block. These iconic pieces of sports history, which have been privately held for years, are now poised to be sold to the highest bidder in an auction organized by the renowned auction house, Sotheby’s. With a pre-sale estimate ranging from $7 million to $10 million, this auction promises to be an exhilarating affair.
The sneakers, known collectively as The Dynasty Collection, were previously in the possession of 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. As a tradition, Jordan would present Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, resulting in the formation of this unique collection.
Displayed for the public at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each of the sneakers in the collection bears the personal autograph of Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP during each of those championship series.
Indeed, The Dynasty Collection aptly showcases a wide array of Air Jordan models that were worn by Jordan throughout his illustrious career. This includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), which was inspired by Jordan’s very own Porsche 911, as well as the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model to feature no Nike branding. The collection also features the Air Jordan VIII (1993) with its 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 mirroring his iconic Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding more allure to this extraordinary collection is a set of unique signed photographs capturing Jordan in the moments following each of his championship wins, with him wearing only one sneaker, while the other already belongs to Hallam. This lighthearted yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam serves as a testament to the personal nature of this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection is not just a memento of Jordan’s evolving style, but also a testament to the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. To ensure their authenticity, these sneakers have undergone meticulous verification processes, including detailed certification and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other industry experts.
This upcoming auction follows the historic sale of another pair of Michael Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for an astounding $2.2 million, thus becoming the highest-priced game-worn shoes ever sold. The auction of The Dynasty Collection goes beyond being a mere sports memorabilia event; it presents a rare opportunity for fans and collectors to own a tangible piece of basketball history, embodying the legacy of one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the sport – Michael Jordan. So, mark your calendars for February 2nd and make sure not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bid on these extraordinary sneakers.
