April 12, (THEWILL) – A pair of Michael Jordan’s game-worn sneakers sold for $2.2 million on Tuesday, making it the most expensive sports footwear ever sold at auction, according to Sotheby’s.
The former NBA superstar wore the “Bred” Air Jordan 13s during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals, where he led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth championship title. The sale broke Jordan’s own record of $1.5 million for sneakers, which he set in September 2021.
The shoes were auctioned off online and had an estimated price range between $2 million and $4 million. Jordan autographed the sneakers and gave them to a ball boy after the game. It was not disclosed whether the ball-boy was the seller or the identity of the buyer, who purchased the size 13 shoes.
“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, Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectables at Sotheby’s.
Jordan remains the most valuable athlete in auctions for sportswear memorabilia, and in 3022, his jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $10.1 million, making it the most expensive game-worn collectable ever sold at an auction. Wachter said that the popularity of Jordan’s memorabilia is driven by nostalgia for a bygone era.
Even in retirement, Jordan still receives millions of dollars in royalties each year from Nike’s Air Jordan brand of sneakers.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
