Michael Jordan mansion hits rental market
The man who purchased Jordan’s iconic Chicago-area estate has now put it on the rental market — months after vowing to “honour its legacy.”
The man who bought Michael Jordan‘s $US9.5 million ($A14.9 million) Chicago-based estate has now put the property on the rental market for a staggering $230,000 ($A361,573) a month.
In December, it was revealed that the expansive home had finally found a buyer, having spent 13 years languishing on the market. That buyer was later identified as Nebraska native John Cooper, who vowed to keep the legacy of the famous estate intact — although he hinted that he had some “exciting plans” for the future of the home.
Less than a month later, Cooper announced plans to sell off pieces of the property in an auction with the aim of turning at least part of the home into a luxury timeshare. Bids were set to begin at $US1 million — and shares are still available, despite the property now being made available for rent.
According to Realtor, Cooper has taken things one step further by making the entire home available for rent, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to enjoy “an unforgettable month of luxury living.”
“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rent this gated, world-class estate, meticulously designed for those who live and breathe sports,” the rental listing states.
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“This custom-built masterpiece blends luxury, recreation, and privacy in an unparalleled setting, offering nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, and parking for 14 cars.
“Whether you’re hosting an exclusive event, entertaining distinguished guests, or planning a high-level business retreat, this estate provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable month of luxury living,” the listing notes.
The public were quick to pan Cooper’s idea, claiming the house was “ugly” and there was a reason it had sat idle on the market for so many years.
“You must really brain dead to pay that for this ugly house,” Jeff Parker posted online.
“You’d have to pay me a million to live there for a month,” said Fred.
“It’s the ugliest home I’ve ever seen,” said Carol Froisy.
Cooper has lived in Chicago for 10 years, is understood to be a longtime fan of the NBA and Jordan’s former team, the Chicago Bulls — and seemed overjoyed when he managed to snag the sporting legend’s home at a very discounted price.
The partner at real estate company HAN Capital picked up the estate, which had been on the market for more than a decade, for $5 million less than its most recent list price of $14.9 million.
That listing price had been in place for several years, having been applied to the home as part of an apparent marketing tactic to remind potential buyers of its connection to Jordan: The numbers in the price add up to “23,” Jordan’s jersey number when he was with the Bulls.
Over the years, the property’s ties to Jordan brought interest, but it struggled to find a buyer who was actually willing to pay the price that the NBA legend was asking.
Even a glimpse of the property during Jordan’s Bulls era in the popular documentary “Last Dance” didn’t lead to a sale.
The estate first came on the market in 2012 for $US29 million, long after His Airness had left the Bulls and the area.
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Over the years, the price was slowly reduced. Finally, in December 2024, Cooper pounced and scored with an even lower amount of $US9.5 million.
The custom-built 5202.5 sqm abode sits on 2.8 hectares and offers nine bedrooms, 19 baths, a regulation-sized basketball gym, a circular infinity pool, putting green, tennis court, and a cigar room.
After purchasing the home, Cooper stated that he did not foresee the mansion becoming his primary residence, but insisted that he was going to use it regularly.
“I’ll announce some exciting plans for the property in January. I do not have any major renovation plans. I will honour the property’s legacy. This place is great just the way it is,” he said shortly after buying the home.
Those “exciting plans” were soon revealed as a luxury timeshare opportunity called “Champions Point,” which offers others the opportunity to partake in the amenities of the exclusive estate. Play some hoops on Jordan’s personal court. Puff cigars in his humidor. And splash about in that circular pool.
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When announcing the timeshare, Cooper said that there would be a limited number of co-ownership shares available, with bids starting at $US1 million, plus 2 per cent of annual expenses. He described it as a chance for “sports enthusiasts, entertainers, businesses, and luxury seekers a chance to own something truly one-of-a-kind,” according to a press release issued at the time. Cooper, who is the manager of Champions Point, added in a statement that the co-ownership model was a chance to be a part of sports history.
“We envisioned Champions Point as more than just a luxury property — it’s an opportunity to own a piece of history and bring sports enthusiasts together through a unique co-ownership model,” he said.
“Our goal is to create a shared experience where co-owners can enjoy unparalleled amenities and also the sense of connection and community that comes with it.
“By preserving the property’s original prestige while integrating modern technology, we’re ensuring that Champions Point continues to be a place where extraordinary memories are made for years to come.”
Each share would grant access to the property for the same designated week annually.
Co-owners may invite up to 24 guests during their stay. For an additional fee, they will have the option to host events such as weddings, corporate retreats, holiday parties, and other special events.
“Luxury add-ons” for the stays could include private chefs, transportation, local event experiences, on-site services, and entertainment for “an additional cost.”
Co-owners will be able to access the deluxe amenities that Jordan built, including the professional-quality basketball court, the circular infinity pool with its own island, a putting green, tennis court, a state-of-the-art home theatre perfect for watching major sporting events, a hair salon, a commercial-sized fitness centre, a wine cellar, and a cigar room complete with a humidor, and custom leather poker tables.
Additionally, co-ownership shares can be resold in the future through a “structured process,” the statement went on, offering owners “flexibility and the potential to pass this exclusive opportunity to others.”
This story first appeared in realtor was republished with permission.
Originally published as Michael Jordan mansion hits rental market