Wed 12 Apr 2023:
On Tuesday, a pair of sneakers worn by NBA icon Michael Jordan sold for $2.2 million, breaking the auction record for game-worn sports footwear, Sotheby’s announced.
In 1998, Michael Jordan laced up a pair of his iconic black and red Air Jordan 13s to bring home a Bulls victory during Game 2 of his final NBA championship — and now they are the most expensive sneakers ever to sell at auction.
The online sale cements Jordan’s position as the most valuable athlete at auctions for sportswear memorabilia.
The sale arrives during “Jordan Year” — a reference to the NBA star player’s iconic jersey number 23. In January, Air Jordan partnered with Sotheby’s to auction off 13 pairs of retro sneakers that were designed in memory of The Notorious B.I.G. All lots outsold their high estimates of $5,000 by multiples, with the highest selling for more than $32,000.
Jordan scored a game-high 37 points as his Bulls side tied the series 1-1.
The price came in just above Sotheby’s low pre-sale estimate of $2 million but well below the predicted high of $4 million.
The auction house said Jordan had autographed the shoes and given them to a ball-boy after the game.
Sotheby’s did not specify whether that recipient was the seller. Nor did it identify the buyer of the size 13 shoe.
The sneakers are known as “Bred” for their black and red color, a style Jordan wore throughout most of his trophy-laden career.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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