Christie’s Celebrates ‘Gamechangers’ with three online sales led by ‘Original Air’ – Michael Jordan game-worn and player exclusive sneaker rarities in partnership with Stadium Goods.
Christie’s announces its partnership with Stadium Goods to host Original Air: Michael Jordan Game-Worn and Player Exclusive Sneaker Rarities, a landmark online sale offering the most comprehensive sneaker record of Michael Jordan’s era-defining Chicago Bulls career.
With a total of 11 lots including sneakers that are among the rarest of the rare, “Original Air” unites the greatest collection of historic Michael Jordan footwear memorabilia ever offered at one time. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from one of the sale’s lots is designated to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF). Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfils the promise of equality for all Americans.
Beginning in 1985 with the release of the Air Jordan 1, Nike’s Jordan Brand has been at the forefront of a pop-culture movement that has spanned the globe. Put simply, Michael Jordan and his signature line of footwear are the foundational pillars of modern basketball and the worldwide phenomenon of sneaker collecting. From a pre-Jordan Brand, Nike Air Ship Jordan wore during his rookie season ($350,000 – 550,000), to the very pair of the Air Jordan 7 “Olympic” worn in the Dream Team’s gold medal game in 1992 ($50,000 – 70,000), to a pair of classic Jordan 14s worn during practice for his final Bulls appearance ($6,000 – 8,000), “Original Air” provides a one-of-a-kind look at Jordan’s career and his footwear’s impact on sports, culture and style.
John McPheters, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Stadium Goods, remarks, “Michael Jordan’s tremendous impact on basketball and sneakers is universally acknowledged, and it can be easy to think there aren’t any new stories to add to the legend. But as we’ve seen with ‘The Last Dance’ and now with our ‘Original Air’ auction with Christie’s, there are still lesser-known narratives in the legacy that create great interest. The pieces we’ve put together for this auction are truly unique and will have deep resonance for Jordan fans, sneaker connoisseurs and pop culture collectors alike. Additionally, we are pleased to be able to donate proceeds from one of the sale’s most exciting highlights to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.”
“Original Air” includes the Nike Air Ship Jordan worn during Jordan’s pre-professional season and pre-dating his deal, which is expected to fetch up to $550,000 USD, as well as the Air Jordan 7 worn by Jordan for his “Dream Team” appearance at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, estimating $70,000 USD. A pair of classic Jordan 14s worn during practice before the player’s final Bulls game has an estimated value of $6,000 to $8,000 USD.
The auction will run from July 30 to August 13 on Christie’s website.
