
Chris Graythen/Getty Images; HAN Capital; Realtor.com
The man who purchased NBA legend Michael Jordan‘s Highland Park, IL, mansion for the heavily discounted price of $9.5 million is now trying to make his money back by offering the home up on Airbnb.
Nebraska native John Cooper purchased the nine-bedroom, 19-bathroom mansion in December—paying just $9.5 million for the dwelling, which had most recently been listed for $14.89 million during its 13 years on the market.
Initially, Cooper vowed to protect the Chicago-area home’s legacy, though he noted that he had “exciting plans” for the future of the home.
Soon after his identity was revealed, so too were those “plans,” with the businessman initially offering Jordan fans the opportunity to purchase their own chunk of the home as part of a timeshare-style scheme, with bids starting at $1 million.
However, he quickly pivoted to a rental model, this time putting the dwelling on the market for short- and long-term leases, with an asking price of $230,000 a month. That was later slashed to $150,000.

(Realtor.com)

(Realtor.com)

(Realtor.com)
Now, Cooper is back with another business venture for the home, which he has renamed Champions Point. This time, he’s rebranding the dwelling as a luxury rental on Airbnb, which is set to launch on June 30, according to a press release shared with Realtor.com®.
“Champions Point has always been a legendary estate. Now, we’re making it possible for more people to experience that magic firsthand through our partnership with Airbnb Luxe,” Cooper said in a statement. “Whether it’s a family retreat, milestone celebration, or unforgettable getaway with friends, this estate offers an unparalleled experience in luxury living.”
According to Airbnb, the home’s classification as one of its “Luxe” dwellings is a clear sign of its impressive heritage, with just 0.05% of all listings on the site being featured in that special portfolio of properties, all of which promise to provide guests with “exceptional design, luxurious amenities, and high-touch services.”
“Each Luxe property must pass a rigorous 300-point inspection focused on form, function, feel, location, and service—ensuring every stay meets elevated standards for comfort, style, and experience,” an Airbnb spokesperson said.
The press release added that, in addition to the many amenities already available at Jordan’s former home, guests will have the opportunity to add on additional services, including private chefs and on-site spa treatments.
“Champions Point features a professional-quality basketball court, a circular infinity pool with its own island, a championship-level putting green, and a private pond stocked with bass and bluegill. Guests will also enjoy a tennis court, a state-of-the-art movie theater perfect for screenings or sports events, and a commercial-grade fitness center,” the press release read.
“Indoors, the estate includes a wine cellar, private salon, two salt-water aquariums, and cigar lounge with a humidor and custom leather poker tables. Optional services such as private chefs, luxury transportation, curated local experiences, and on-site spa treatments are available to enhance each stay.”

(Realtor.com)

(Realtor.com)

(Realtor.com)
The company has not yet revealed how much the property will cost to rent. However, the dwelling is still available for a monthly lease, according to its Realtor.com listing.
That listing includes several new images of the home, which reveal the updates that Cooper has made to the property.
One of the more surprising changes is the removal of Jordan’s iconic “Jumpman” logo from the center of the in-house basketball court.
Despite promising to honor Jordan’s legacy, the court’s center circle has been covered overl to eradicate the silhouette of the NBA icon.
Similarly, the listing description makes no mention of Jordan’s former ownership of the home. Instead, it’s attempting to appeal to a wider variety of sports fans beyond those who might have been devotees of the NBA legend or his former team, the Chicago Bulls.
“Champions Point is a sports lover’s sanctuary, featuring a regulation-sized basketball court, championship-level putting green, tennis court, fitness center, and gaming areas,” the listing notes. “The ultimate retreat—elevate your game-day experience like never before. Watch every buzzer-beater, Cinderella story, and championship moment unfold in your private sports haven.
“Whether you’re courtside in your own regulation-sized indoor basketball arena, hosting an epic viewing party in the state-of-the-art theatre, or celebrating victories in the luxury cigar lounge and wine cellar, every moment at Champions Point is designed for those who demand excellence—on and off the court.”

(Realtor.com)

(Realtor.com)

(Realtor.com)
Cooper, who hails from Lincoln, NE, but has lived in Chicago for 10 years, is understood to be a longtime fan of the NBA and Jordan’s former team. He seemed overjoyed when he managed to snag the sporting legend’s home at a very discounted price.
At the time, he stated that he did not foresee the mansion becoming his primary residence, but insisted that he was going to use it regularly. It is unclear whether he still hopes to spend as much time in the dwelling now that he’s offering it to prospective tenants.
“I’ll announce some exciting plans for the property in January. I do not have any major renovation plans. I will honor the property’s legacy. This place is great just the way it is,” he said shortly after buying the home.
Prior to Cooper’s purchase of the property, it had sat on the market for a lengthy 13 years, having initially been listed in 2012 with an asking price of $29 million.
The price was lowered to $16 million one year later—before being slashed yet again in 2015, this time with a gimmicky twist on the price.
In honor of Jordan’s longtime jersey number, 23, the price was changed to $14,855,000. When added together, the numbers 1, 4, 8, 5, and 5 total 23.
Still, it would take another eight years before the home finally found a buyer, with Jordan ultimately accepting an offer of less than a third of his original ask.