Sotheby’s will be offering one of the most significant items from Michael Jordan’s career, his 1998 NBA Finals Game 2 Air Jordan 13s.
These shoes are from the famous ‘The Last Dance’ season and the only complete pair of Jordan’s game-worn shoes from the 1998 NBA Finals to be authenticated by The MeiGray Group.
Sotheby’s has estimated the value of the historic Air Jordans to be $2-4 million, making them the most valuable sneakers ever to appear at auction.
The Bred Air Jordan
The Air Jordan XIII Bred is one of the most iconic sneakers of all time, particularly given its association with Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls.
Bred Air Jordans are a reference to the ‘Black and Red’ colourway of the sneakers. Michael wore these shoes in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals, which was his final season with the Bulls.
These Bred Air Jordans are among the final public releases of an Air Jordan sneaker during Michael’s playing career with the Bulls, and the pair up for auction would be the last that he ever laced up in an NBA game.
Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals
Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls (1997-1998) is referred to as “The Last Dance.”
The season culminated in a rematch of the 1997 NBA Finals, with the Bulls facing off against the Utah Jazz. In Game 2, Michael scored 37 points in a Bulls victory while wearing the Bred Air Jordan XIII sneakers during the second half of the game.
These historic sneakers are the only complete pair worn by Michael Jordan in an NBA Finals game from any of his six NBA Finals series that have ever been photo matched and authenticated by The MeiGray Group.
VICTORIAM | PART II
The VICTORIAM sales series is a two-part online auction series that will also feature game-worn sports artefacts from some of the most talented and renowned athletes to ever compete. These include Tom Brady, Roger Federer, and Kobe Bryant.
A special highlight of the sale is a one-of-one red varsity jacket from the recent limited edition capsule collection between Off-White™ and the Chicago Bulls.
The jacket features a classic Bulls logo on its back and special detailing with signatures from the 2022-23 Chicago Bulls team in the interior lining. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to support the work of the Virgil Abloh Foundation.
The current record for a pair of sneakers at auction is the earliest known Michael Jordan Regular Season Game Worn Nike Air Ships, which sold for $1.472 million in 2021 at Sotheby’s.
The current record for game-worn sports memorabilia at auction is Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 jersey, which sold for $10.1 million in 2022 and is also the most valuable Michael Jordan sports memorabilia item ever sold.
Conclusion
The sale of Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 2 Air Jordan 13s is a significant moment in the sports memorabilia market, as these historic sneakers are expected to set a new auction record.
As Michael Jordan continues to be a pervasive figure in sports and pop culture, these sneakers represent a piece of basketball history that is sure to captivate the attention of collectors and fans alike.
With the VICTORIAM sales series also offering game-worn sports artefacts from other legendary athletes, this auction is not to be missed.
Images: Sotheby’s