In an exciting development for basketball enthusiasts and collectors, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is set to be auctioned off. After being privately held for years, these iconic pieces of sports history will now be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by Sotheby’s. With a pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million, the auction, scheduled to open on February 2nd, offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Dubbed The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were treasured possessions of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during their dominant era in the 1990s. After each Finals victory, Jordan would present Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes, eventually forming this unique collection.
The collection, showcased at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, covers the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 to 1998. Each sneaker in the collection bears Michael Jordan’s autograph, solidifying their authenticity and significance as he was named Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
The Dynasty Collection, aptly named by Sotheby’s, features a range of Air Jordans worn by Jordan throughout his illustrious career. It includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911, the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992) which became the first model without Nike branding, the Air Jordan VIII (1993) with its renowned “x-strap” design, the iconic “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole, the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997), and the early prototype of the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998) modeled after his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this collection are unique signed photographs capturing Jordan in the moments following each championship win, wearing only one sneaker—the other already in Hallam’s possession. This lighthearted but historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam emphasizes the personal connection and significance of this collection.
Each sneaker within the collection serves as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the technological advancements in sneaker design over the years. The authenticity and historical value of these sneakers have been meticulously verified through rigorous certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other industry experts.
This auction follows the recent groundbreaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by fetching a staggering $2.2 million—the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection transcends the realm of sports memorabilia; it presents a rare opportunity for fans and collectors alike to own a tangible piece of basketball history that embodies the enduring legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan.
