6 Sneakers Worn in 90s NBA Finals
"Clear Source + Historical Value... Astronomical Price Expected"
The 'Holy Grail' of sneaker collectors is up for auction, drawing attention. It is the story of six pairs of sneakers worn by 'GOAT' (Greatest of All Time) Michael Jordan during the NBA Finals where he secured the championship.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 27th (local time), auction house Sotheby's plans to showcase six pairs of Nike Air Jordans worn by Jordan in six NBA Finals throughout the 1990s in Dubai.
Michael Jordan.
These sneakers were reportedly kept by Tim Hallum, the Chicago Bulls' public relations officer, who received one shoe from each pair directly from Jordan right after the Finals games ended.
Footage capturing the locker room situation after the Finals shows Jordan smiling while wearing only one shoe.
Since Jordan personally signed the sneakers, the auction price is expected to soar. Previously, Hallum sold the six pairs to other collectors, but the sale prices and buyers were not disclosed.
These sneakers have been nicknamed the 'Dynasty Collection.' Experts predict, "Given their clear provenance and historical value, they will sell for astronomical prices."
Jordan Geller, who is recorded in the Guinness World Records as 'the person who has collected the most sneakers in the world,' said, "The price could range from at least $20 million (about 2.6 billion KRW) to as much as $100 million (about 13 billion KRW)."
Previously, at a Sotheby's auction in 2021, a pair of Nike basketball shoes worn by Jordan during his NBA debut in 1984 sold for $1.472 million (about 1.94 billion KRW).
Also, last year, the jersey worn by Jordan in Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals was auctioned for $10.1 million (about 13.3 billion KRW), marking the highest price ever paid for a game-worn sports collectible.
Regarding this auction, Sotheby's reportedly expects the six pairs of Jordan's sneakers to sell for more than last year's jersey. Sotheby's plans to exhibit Jordan's sneakers in Hong Kong and Singapore following the Dubai showcase.
Meanwhile, Nike's Air Jordan series is considered the origin of the 'sneakerhead' culture, referring to passionate sneaker collectors. Due to the collectible value of limited-edition sneakers, a resell boom has recently emerged, drawing attention as a means of making money.
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