This is the moment basketball fans (with money) have all been waiting for.
A one-of-a-kind set of six Michael Jordan ‘Championship Clinching’ game-worn Air Jordan sneakers are under auction — with an estimated sale price between $US 7 -10 million.
Sotheby’s, an international auctioneer and private seller of high-end and exclusive products, has listed the items after the current owner put them up for sale.
“This is the Mona Lisa of the sneaker collection and sports memorabilia communities, “ said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s VP and Head of Modern Collectibles.
The collection, widely known as ‘The Dynasty Collection’’, was worn as ‘Air Jordan’ secured each of his championships, resulting in six Finals MVP awards.
“There is no higher level of sports collectible, this is the peak”, Sotheby’s claimed in the auction notes, which represent the most valuable and significant collection of Air Jordan sneakers — or arguably any other sporting memorabilia in history.
The set consists of one shoe of each of Air Jordan VI (1991), Air Jordan VII (1992), Air Jordan VIII (1993), Air Jordan XI (1996), Air Jordan XII (1997), and Air Jordan XIV (1998).
In 2020, Jordan released his famed The Last Dance documentary which chronicled the Bulls’ success during one of the most triumphant eras in sporting history — featuring previously shelved footage.
Some argued it was an attempt to retain his GOAT status, with the likes of Lebron James rising to usurp his throne.
It is said that prior to the 1991 NBA Finals, Tim Hallam, a public relations executive who worked for the Chicago Bulls since 1978, asked Jordan for a sneaker from the star should the Bulls be victorious.
Jordan’s superstition ensured the tradition continued throughout his illustrious career.
“I wanted something that was an actual part of the game, so I asked Michael for one of his shoes,” Hallam said, according to The Pantagraph.
“Now it’s kind of become a standing joke between us.
“Every year after we’ve won the title, Michael will take his shoe off in the interview area, sign it and give it to me.
“It’s kind of funny to see Michael walk around with one shoe on and one shoe off.”
Hallam held the sneakers for more than 20 years, but did not wear them, and has been enlisted by the current owner to assist in the process of selling them to the highest bidder.
Previous sale of the shoes in early 2023 was carried out via private sale, as the owner sought to remain anonymous.