Michael Jordan Might Regret $9.5 Million Chicago Mansion Sale as Real Estate Agent Drops Bold Claim

“Gangnam Style” was still the song of the summer, when NBA icon Michael Jordan first listed his Highland Park, Chicago mansion for sale. Initially, it was listed at a price of $29 million but after it went unsold it sat at $14.855 million beginning in 2015. This unusual price was chosen because the individual digits added up to the number 23, Jordan’s iconic Chicago Bulls jersey number. Yet, he found no takers. It was only in December last year that the 56,000-square-foot property was finally sold for just $9.5 million, a staggering $19.5 million price drop from the initial asking price.

For someone as sharp in business as Michael Jordan, this must have been tough to take. Jordan has been business-savvy since his playing days and has built a net worth of $3 billion, but having waited so long to sell his luxurious Illinois estate, did His Airness make a mistake in selling it off for so little? One real estate agent who worked for Jordan certainly thinks so.

According to Business Insider, luxury real estate expert Kofi Nartey, who handled Michael Jordan’s listing for 11 months in 2015, believes the NBA icon could have walked away with a much better deal. And honestly, considering Nartey’s impressive client list—including stars like Nick Young, Jason Kidd, Neve Campbell, Matt Kemp, and Kevin Durant—you’d think Jordan’s mansion would’ve been a slam dunk sale.

So, what went wrong?

For starters, by the time Nartey got involved, the mansion had already been sitting on the market for seven years. That’s a long time for any property, let alone one as unique as Jordan’s. And while Nartey managed to generate buzz and increase showings, he never got the chance to close a deal. Primarily because before he could, he had left his company, and the listing had stayed behind.

As he explained to Business Insider, “I only had the listing for 11 months in 2015. I changed companies and the listing stayed with the old company — and then that company lost the listing.”  But here’s the kicker—Nartey strongly believes that with a little more time, he not only would have sold the mansion himself but also for a higher price. “Given the initial momentum and increase in visibility — the increase in excitement and showings — I think we would have been able to get more than $9.5 million,” he claimed.

And honestly, he might have a point. Selling Jordan’s home wasn’t like selling just any other high-end property. As Nartey pointed out, the best houses in the area are around 10,000 square feet. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan’s mansion stood at a mind-blowing 56,000 square feet! “There’s no real comp for it,” Nartey said. But finding buyers was becoming an increasingly difficult challenge.

According to Nartey, he would receive calls from serious buyers to someone asking him whether they could “play Michael one-on-one for the house?” Nartey continued attempts to raise the profile of the house in order to land a buyer and even talked to Jordan to sell a story behind such a lavish property and he found one.

“I wanted to begin repositioning the marketing strategy by changing the price. I picked numbers that added up to the number 23: $14,855,000. That became international news alone.” Notably, Jordan kept the asking price at $14.855 million for nine years, till the sale closed.

“I offered prospective buyers a pair of each Jordan shoe that had come out in the buyer’s size if they bought the home. That made international news,” Nartey added.

Despite his and Jordan’s best efforts, they could not sell the property. Jordan tried to sell it at auction in 2013 but was unsuccessful after no buyer was willing to pay the auction minimum of $13 million. Prices set by Jordan continued to fluctuate. The asking price went up from $16 million to $24.7 million in 2015, before dropping back down.

The mansion was recently listed at $14.8 million and went under contract in September before finally being sold two months ago. It was later revealed that Real estate executive John Cooper, who has lived in the Chicago area for over 10 years, made the purchase on his 42nd birthday paying $9.5 million for the property.

Cooper recalled being drawn to the Bulls, especially Jordan, after moving to the Chicago area and seeing news of the NBA legend’s home going up for sale in 2012.

“I remember seeing the home for sale and thinking how cool it would be for the person that buys the home,” Cooper told the Journal Star. But what led to such an extravagant property going unsold for over a decade?

One thing to keep in mind is that the mansion was customized according to the needs of Jordan, who wanted to be away from the paparazzi. This meant any buyer would have to do considerable rework to make it suited to their best taste. Still, you would believe with Jordan’s star power it should have been sold out much earlier but Chicago Tribune real estate columnist Bob Goldsborough mentioned the challenges Kofi Nartey and other sellers might have faced.

According to Goldsborough, the building has a 90s institutional look to it. “The land is sort of land-locked behind some other houses, railroad tracks and a nature preserve. So, the land isn’t easily developable,” Goldsborough said.

Last month it was reported that Cooper, who calls the estate “Champions Point,” is selling its shares. Bids start at $1 million dollars and investors will have to help cover annual expenses. Offers are being accepted through March. So with that said, let’s take a look at awaits people will be paying a visit to Jordan’s elite mansion.

Inside Michael Jordan’s Illinois mansion

Ever driven past a house so legendary that even its front gate is a must-see attraction? Well, MJ’s Illinois mansion is exactly that. The 56,000-square-foot estate is an extension of the man himself—elegant, iconic, and undeniably customized to his legacy. From the unmistakable No. 23 gate (a favorite selfie stop) to subtle Air Jordan logos scattered throughout, the home is filled with nods to his career. But don’t expect anything over-the-top. It’s all done with style, not excess.

Sitting on seven acres of pure privacy, the estate is wrapped in lush evergreens and a forest preserve, giving it a secluded, almost retreat-like feel. There’s even a fish pond adding to the serenity. The long driveway leads to a jaw-dropping entrance, and once inside, it’s clear—this place was built from scratch to be a monument to Michael Jordan’s success. Nine bedrooms, 15 full baths, four half baths, and a 14-car garage.

And then there are the interiors. A towering triple-height entryway welcomes guests, leading to a grand double staircase that screams luxury. Meanwhile, the floating island kitchen is sleek and modern, while the oversized bedroom suites, marble floors, and natural light bring a balance of warmth and elegance. The color scheme? A classy mix of bronze, brown, and black that ties it all together.

But let’s be real—the best part is the amenities. His Airness didn’t just build a house; he built a personal playground. There’s a full regulation-sized basketball gym (because, of course), a stunning circular infinity pool with a grass island, and even a putting green and tennis court. For those who prefer indoor fun, there’s a card room, a game room, and a cigar lounge with air filtration. And let’s not forget the wine cellar and an enormous workout room.

Clearly, this is a luxury that screams exclusive. But when it came time to sell, that exclusivity might’ve worked against Michael Jordan’s mansion.