A Nebraska native has added a touch of legendary status to his life by becoming the new owner of Michael Jordan’s iconic Chicago-area mansion. John Cooper, a 42-year-old real estate executive from Lincoln, purchased the sprawling Highland Park estate earlier this month for $9.5 million, finally ending the property’s 11-year stint on and off the market.
The mansion, originally listed for $29 million in 2012, had its price gradually reduced over the years.
A Mansion with a Legendary Legacy
Built by Jordan during his reign with the Chicago Bulls, the 56,000-square-foot property served as a home base for the six-time NBA champion throughout the 1990s.
Set on seven acres, the estate boasts an array of luxurious amenities, including nine bedrooms, 15 full and four half baths, a putting green, a tennis court, a cigar lounge, and a regulation-sized basketball court. The mansion’s most recognizable feature is the signature “23” gate—a nod to Jordan’s iconic jersey number—which has made the property a tourist attraction for years.
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A Birthday Celebration Fit for a King
Cooper, who is a partner at HAN Capital, celebrated his 42nd birthday at the legendary property just weeks after becoming its owner. He invited a close group of friends for a day of festivities, including basketball games on the same court Jordan once played on and rounds of golf on the estate’s putting green.
“This is a dream come true,” Cooper said. “I’ve always been a huge fan of Michael Jordan. Watching him play was like witnessing magic on the court—his ability to make the impossible possible and his defensive dominance were unmatched.”
Plans for the Mansion’s Future
Although Cooper now owns one of the most famous properties in sports history, he doesn’t plan to make it his primary residence. Instead, he hinted at “exciting plans” for the estate, which he will reveal in January. Despite any future developments, Cooper assured that the property’s historical elements, including the iconic “23” gate, will remain untouched.
“This home is perfect the way it is,” Cooper said. “I’ll honor its legacy and ensure it continues to be a symbol of greatness.”
A Personal Connection to the Legend
Having relocated to Chicago over a decade ago, Cooper has followed Jordan’s career closely and admired his impact on basketball and beyond. “My favorite player has always been Jordan,” he said. “The way he could pull off the impossible and dominate on both ends of the court was inspiring. Owning this property is like owning a piece of history.”
A Jewel in Jordan’s Real Estate Crown
While Cooper now owns this piece of basketball history, Michael Jordan still has an impressive real estate portfolio, including homes in his native North Carolina and Florida. The basketball legend and his wife, Yvette Prieto, typically spend their summers overseas, often yachting through Europe, as they did this past summer.
For Cooper, the Highland Park mansion represents more than just a property—it’s a tribute to the greatness of a player whose legacy transcends the game. As he prepares to unveil his plans for the estate, fans and locals alike will undoubtedly be eager to see how this legendary home continues to make history.
