A pair of sneakers worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan was sold for a record-breaking $2.2 million on Tuesday at Sotheby’s auction house in New York, making them the most expensive worn sports footwear in history. The sneakers, called “Bred” for their black and red color, were worn by Jordan during Game 2 of the NBA finals in 1998, which was his sixth and final NBA championship title. The autographed pair of sneakers were gifted by Jordan to a ball-boy after the game, and the seller of the sneakers was not the original recipient of the shoes.
The sale of the sneakers surpassed the previous record of $1.5 million, which was set in 2021 for another pair of Air Jordans. “Today’s record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles, in a statement.
Despite setting a world record, the auction price for the sneakers fell below the predicted price of $4 million. The buyer of the sneakers was not disclosed by Sotheby’s. Jordan, who is now 60 years old, spent most of his basketball career playing with the Chicago Bulls and won all of his six championship titles with the team. Nike still pays the retired basketball star millions in royalties from sales of its Air Jordan series of sneakers, according to reports.
The sneakers have gained cultural significance and are widely recognized as a symbol of the Air Jordan brand. The 1998 NBA finals have also been showcased in the hit ESPN/Netflix documentary “The Last Dance.” The sale of the sneakers signifies the ongoing popularity of Jordan’s legacy, and his influence on popular culture continues to remain relevant even after retiring from professional basketball over two decades ago.
In conclusion, the record-breaking sale of Michael Jordan’s autographed “Bred” sneakers for $2.2 million highlights the continued demand for his sports memorabilia and his enduring legacy in popular culture. The sale underscores the cultural significance of the Air Jordan brand and the ongoing influence of Jordan’s basketball career even after his retirement.
Nitin Jain
Morningglobe
