On Tuesday, a historic moment unfolded at Sotheby’s as a pair of Air Jordans worn by Michael Jordan during the iconic 1998 NBA finals were sold for a staggering $2.2 million, making them the most expensive sneakers ever auctioned and setting a new benchmark in the burgeoning market that auction houses are keeping a close eye on.
Dubbed as the 1998 NBA Finals Game 2 Air Jordan 13s, these sneakers were offered for sale by Sotheby’s online in a dedicated sports memorabilia auction, with bidding open for over a week.
While Sotheby’s can now proudly claim the record for the highest-selling sneakers, the final result fell toward the lower end of the estimated value, which was set at $2 million to $4 million. Nevertheless, the sale of these iconic sneakers marks a historic moment in the ever-evolving market for sneaker collectors and enthusiasts alike.
One of the contributing factors to the remarkable price achieved by the sneakers was the fact that Michael Jordan had worn them during the legendary 1997-98 NBA season, where the Chicago Bulls dominated the league. This particular season, which has been the subject of the ESPN documentary “The Last Dance”, from 2020, marked the end of a storied era of victories for the team, adding to the historical significance and allure of the sneakers.
Photos: Sotheby’s