Historic Sneaker Sale Sets New Benchmark
The world of sports memorabilia has witnessed another groundbreaking moment with the sale of Michael Jordan’s iconic black and red Air Jordan 13s. These game-worn sneakers, which he laced up during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals, have been sold at a record-breaking price of $2.2 million at Sotheby’s auction house in New York.
Source: media.cnn.com
This sale shatters the previous record of $1.47 million, set in 2021 by a pair of Nike Air Ships that Jordan wore earlier in his career. The sale of these sneakers comes at a significant time, known as ‘Jordan Year,’ which commemorates the NBA star player’s iconic jersey number 23.
Source: media.cnn.com
Air Jordan partnered with Sotheby’s to auction off 13 pairs of retro sneakers designed in memory of The Notorious B.I.G. The sale saw all lots outselling their high estimates, with the highest selling for more than $32,000. This is a testament to the enduring popularity of Michael Jordan’s brand and the demand for his game-worn sports memorabilia.
Last year, Jordan’s Game 1 jersey from the 1998 finals became the most expensive item of worn sports memorabilia to sell at auction, fetching $10.1 million. The sale of these sneakers is a significant milestone in the world of sports memorabilia and a reflection of the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan.
The pair of sneakers sold at auction were worn during Game 2 in Salt Lake City, which the Bulls won 93-88 after losing Game 1. Jordan scored 37 points in the game, and the sneakers are the last pair of black and red Air Jordan 13s that he ever wore on the court for an NBA game.
Following the game, Jordan signed and gifted the set of worn shoes to the ball boy in the visitor’s locker room, as he was known to do. The Air Jordan 13 sneakers starred in a sports memorabilia sale called ‘Victoriam,’ which featured items worn by athletes including Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, and Roger Federer.
Several other Jordan items were included in the two-part auction, with a game-worn 1998 Bulls jersey and a pair of 1985 Air Jordan 1s fetching $508,000 and $127,000 respectively. The sale of these sneakers is a significant moment in the world of sports memorabilia and a testament to the enduring popularity of Michael Jordan’s brand.
