Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve spent any time driving through the Chicago suburbs, specifically the leafy, quiet streets of Highland Park, you’ve probably felt the urge to pull over at a very specific set of gates. It’s the one with a massive, silver "23" welded onto the front. That’s the entrance to Michael Jordan’s Highland Park house, a property that has spent more time in the headlines than most NBA players spend in the league.
For thirteen years, it sat there. Empty. Gated. A 56,000-square-foot monument to 1990s greatness that nobody seemed to want to touch. Then, in December 2024, the saga finally took a turn. It sold. But the story didn't end with a moving truck and a quiet retirement for the estate.
Honestly, the "post-Jordan" era of this house is getting weirder by the minute.
The $9.5 Million Sale That Changed Everything
In late 2024, a Nebraska-based businessman named John Cooper finally did what no one else would: he closed the deal. The price? A cool $9.5 million.
Now, to most of us, $9.5 million sounds like a lottery win. But in the context of this house, it’s basically a clearance rack price. Michael Jordan originally listed the place for $29 million back in 2012. He eventually dropped it to $14.855 million—a cheeky nod to his jersey number because the digits (1+4+8+5+5) add up to 23. He held that price for nearly a decade.
He didn't get it.
The market spoke, and it said that a hyper-customized palace on the "wrong" side of the tracks (literally, there are commuter rails nearby) wasn't worth the premium. By the time Cooper bought it, the price had cratered. But Cooper didn't buy it to move in and start hosting Sunday dinners.
Champions Point: Airbnb, Timeshares, and Neighborhood Drama
Once the keys changed hands, the property was rebranded as Champions Point.
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John Cooper, through his firm HAN Capital, has been throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. First, there was a plan to sell "timeshare" weeks for $1 million a pop. That didn't exactly set the world on fire. Then, in mid-2025, the house popped up on Airbnb Luxe.
Imagine that. You could actually book a stay in MJ’s old bedroom.
The rental price was originally floated at a staggering $230,000 a month. It eventually dropped to $89,000. Even at that "discount," you're paying for the ghost of greatness. But the real kicker? Cooper actually removed the iconic Jumpman logo from the center of the indoor basketball court.
Neighbors aren't thrilled. Recently, in late 2025, plans were pitched to the Highland Park City Council to turn the whole thing into an "immersive museum" or a "tourist destination." The locals, who enjoy their privacy and quiet, high-end suburban life, are basically in a state of revolt. They don't want a "living classroom" for personal transformation next door. They want a neighbor who mows the lawn and stays quiet.
Why This House Was So Hard to Sell
You’d think the greatest basketball player of all time would have a house that sells itself. Not quite.
Michael Jordan's Highland Park house is what real estate agents call "too custom." It’s not just a home; it’s a Michael Jordan museum that he used to live in. We’re talking:
- Doors from the original Playboy Mansion in Chicago.
- A "Baghdad Table" in the dining room that is a literal map of Baghdad.
- A circular infinity pool with a grass island in the middle.
- 19 bathrooms. Yes, nineteen. For nine bedrooms.
Think about the plumbing bill.
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The location was also a major sticking point. Most people with $15 million to spend in Chicago want to be on the lake. They want Lake Michigan views and private beaches. MJ built his house on 7 acres in the "woods" because it was close to the Bulls' old practice facility in Deerfield. Once the Bulls moved their training to the city, the "commute" argument vanished.
Inside the Walls: A 1990s Time Capsule
If you walk through the front doors—those massive, marble-heavy halls—you're stepping back into 1995. Jordan bought the land in '91 and finished the build in '95. He lived there with his ex-wife Juanita and their kids.
It has a full-size, regulation-sized basketball court with a specialized floor for better "give" on the knees. There's a cigar room with a sophisticated air filtration system (because obviously). There’s a wine cellar, a putting green, and a trophy room that once held the hardware of a dynasty.
But it’s dated.
The 2009 renovation helped, but the aesthetic is still very "maximalist 90s." In an era where ultra-wealthy buyers want "quiet luxury" and "minimalist Scandi-vibes," Jordan’s house is loud. It’s a statement. And for 13 years, no one wanted to make that specific statement.
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What’s Next for the "House That 23 Built"?
Right now, the property is in a weird limbo. It’s a rental. It’s a potential museum. It’s a point of contention for the Highland Park City Council.
If you're a fan, you can still drive by and see the gate. That's free. But if you want to go inside, you're going to need a very large credit card limit and a booking on a luxury rental site.
The lesson here is simple: even if you're the GOAT, real estate is a different game. You can't just dunk on the market and expect it to submit.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
- Check the Listings: Keep an eye on Airbnb Luxe or high-end rental platforms if you actually want to see the interior photos. They update periodically as the new owner tries different marketing tactics.
- Respect the Neighborhood: If you visit the "23" gate for a selfie, remember people live there. Highland Park police are very efficient, and the neighbors are currently on high alert due to the museum proposals.
- Real Estate Reality Check: This house is a prime example of why "over-customization" kills resale value. If you're building your dream home, maybe don't put your jersey number on the front gate unless you plan to live there forever.
The saga of the Michael Jordan Highland Park house isn't over. Whether it becomes a museum or remains a high-priced rental for tech moguls and athletes, it remains a fascinating relic of a time when one man ruled the world—and built a palace to prove it.