The buyer of Michael Jordan's iconic $9.5 million mansion has been revealed: 'I will honor the legacy of the property'

Originally posted on Basketball Network | By Adel Ahmad | Last updated Dec 29, 2024 4:12 AM ET

Initially listed in 2012 for $29 million, Michael Jordan's Highland Park estate lingered on the market, its price steadily dropping as the years passed. The mansion was finally sold for just $9.5 million in December 2024, a sweet 67 percent discount.

The buyer's identity has been a secret for weeks, but it has finally come to light as the lucky purchaser of the mansion.

A decade of uncertainty

This 56,000-square-foot estate came into existence when the Hall of Famer purchased the land in 1991—the same year he led the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA championship—and completed construction in 1994.

Designed as both a family home and a monument to his illustrious career, the mansion featured a regulation-sized basketball court, a putting green, a circular infinity pool, and even a cigar room.

The iconic gate adorned with the number "23" became as synonymous with the property as it was with its owner. MJ and his then-wife, Juanita, raised their three children here.

The six-time champion's decision to part with it came in 2012, with a listing price reflective of its grandeur. Yet, as years passed and offers dwindled, the price was slashed to $14.855 million in 2015. By the time the last offer was made, the estate had been sold at a cutthroat price.

Michael Jordan has unsuccessfully tried to sell his Chicago area home for the last eight years. It started at $29 million. It is now listed for $14,855,000.

1+4+8+5+5 = 23 pic.twitter.com/YwwpREwU0h
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) May 18, 2020

The buyer

John Cooper was the lucky buyer—a Nebraska native and real estate investor with a lifelong admiration for the basketball legend.

"I remember seeing the house for sale and thinking how great it would be for the person who buys the house. I'm a big fan of Jordan's game. My favorite player to watch was always him. He made shots that seemed impossible and he also did it on defense," he said.

Within weeks of acquiring the estate, Cooper revealed that the mansion would not serve as his permanent residence. However, he committed to preserving its most iconic feature—the wrought iron gate proudly bearing the number "23."

"I will announce some exciting plans for the property in January. I have no major renovation plans. I will honor the legacy of the property. This place is great as it is," he added.

Alongside its basketball court, it boasts a tennis court, a state-of-the-art gym, and a dedicated cigar room—No. 23 has a well-known love for cigars. The Bulls legend reportedly spent upwards of $50 million building the estate, sparing no expense in making it a true sanctuary.

Michael Jordan's Chicago mansion finally sold for $9.5m after 12 years on the market, $20m less than its original price (29m) pic.twitter.com/kcRswi9Dau
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) December 13, 2024

This is just one of the properties the Hall of Famer owns across the U.S., including homes in North Carolina and Florida. Each reflects his evolving tastes and status as a global icon.

This article first appeared on Basketball Network and was syndicated with permission.

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