These sneakers have gained even more notoriety as they were featured in the popular Netflix series of the same name, which documented Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls.
A pair of signed sneakers worn by the basketball legend Michael Jordan during Game Two of the 1998 NBA Finals, also known as The Last Dance, has been sold for over $2.2 million (£1.8 million) at a Sotheby’s auction. This sale set a new record for one of the most expensive pairs of sneakers ever sold.
These sneakers have gained even more notoriety as they were featured in the popular Netflix series of the same name, which documented Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls.
“Today’s record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations,” tells Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectables.
“Sotheby’s is extremely proud to hold the world record for most valuable game-worn sports memorabilia at auction and the most valuable sneakers ever sold, both of which – to no surprise – are directly tied to the global icon, Michael Jordan.”
Part of Sotheby’s Victoriam collection, a curated collection of sports memorabilia from past and present athletes, were these sneakers. The Victoriam collection is comprised of two parts.
A new record was set by the Air Jordans, surpassing the previous record of $1.8 million (£1.45 million) held by Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1s.
Sotheby’s has sold several pieces of Michael Jordan’s memorabilia at high prices due to their rarity and demand. For instance, in September 2022, Jordan’s jersey, which he wore in Game One of the 1998 NBA Finals, sold for $10.1 million (£8.1 million), making it one of the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia.
Among the latest items to sell were the black and red Air Jordan 13s, commonly known as Bred in the Air Jordan sneaker range, which Jordan wore while scoring 37 points in the Bulls’ victory against Utah Jazz, 93-88. These sneakers were among the last Air Jordan sneaker releases during Jordan’s career with the Bulls.
