NBA legend hadn’t budging on asking price in almost a decade
After 12 years on the market and after cutting the original asking price nearly in half, Michael Jordan reportedly has a buyer for his Chicago-area mansion.
“I can confirm that the property is under contract,” real estate agent Katherine Malkin told Patch.com. “I have not confirmed any dates.”
Located in Highland Park, Ill., the custom-built mansion boasts nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a cigar room, a library, an indoor gym, circular infinity pool, a tennis court and a full-sized basketball court.
It also features several Jordan-themed amenities, like a front gate emblazoned with a large No. 23, outdoor putting greens with his trademark Nike Jumpman logo on the flags and a home theatre that displays his likeness on the marquee.
Jordan’s real estate team reportedly considered the custom finishes part of the selling point.
“We haven’t really talked about that (taking down the custom touches) because it’s part of the draw. We don’t look at that as being a hindrance,” Malkin told the Wall Street Journal.
The house, which was built in 1995 when Jordan played for the Bulls, had most recently been listed in 2015 for $14,855,000 US – with the digits cheekily adding up to his famed No. 23.
The property originally had been listed in 2012 for an eye-watering $29 million before cutting the price three years later. It remained on the market until now without budging further.
Despite the lack of interest in the property until now, Jordan held steadfastly at his asking price while also taking a hit in the pocket. Jordan reportedly has paid more than $1 million in property taxes on the mansion while it has been listed and also invested in a new roof.
His Airness, of course, can afford the setback. According to Forbes, Jordan, who recently sold his majority stake in the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets and is worth an estimated $3.2 billion. He also owns and operates NASCAR team 23XI Racing with former champion Denny Hamlin.
The buyer has yet to have been identified.