In case Michael Jordan’s unsellable mansion getting sold sounded like a fever dream, there’s now a face and name to the entire purchase. John Cooper is the new owner of the ‘Jordan Mansion’ in Highland Park. He’s no athlete, or celebrity, or even lived in Chicago during the Bulls dynasty. He’s been here for as long as the mansion has been on sale. But the significance of that 56,000 sq.ft. property in the Chicago landscape is not lost on him. So his plans are in tune with every basketball fan.

Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska where he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, John R. Cooper has been in Chicago at least since 2010, when he was the CEO of Astute Games. In 2011, he enrolled into the MBA program of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Jordan listed his mansion for sale in 2012. Cooper had been a partner at Han Capital, a real estate investment firm since that year.

Jordan started at a $29 million price tag (though he spent a lot more constructing that in 1993). Cooper bought it for $9.5 million.

What next? Cooper doesn’t plan to make it a family residence. When the home went under contract months ago, fans feared the new owner would tear it down. But that’s not Cooper’s plans either. “I’ll announce some exciting plans for the property in January,” Cooper told a Nebraska publication.

And yes, those who are hoping the iconic #23 gates will be still around to take pictures against, he said, “I do not have any major renovation plans. I will honor the property’s legacy. This place is great just the way it is.” Although those gates pose a security risk due to visitors flocking it 365 days a year, Cooper hints at monumentalizing the property. And it doesn’t seem it will be such a bother to Cooper.

New Jordan Mansion owner makes full use of Jumpman facilities

Like your standard Cornhusker, John Cooper also grew up a sports fan. He couldn’t play due to asthma, but is a diehard supporter of teams. Since moving to the Windy City, the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks became a huge part of his life. Yet he never thought he’d own the home of the Bull!

In 2022, when his father passed away, Cooper imagined what it would be like owning the Jordan manse. Now it’s reality. “My favorite player to watch was always Jordan,” Cooper said. “He made shots that seemed impossible, and he got it done on defense too.” Facts.

Cooper’s a dad of three young kids – Luke, Jack, and Sarah. His wife, Catherine, is a Northwestern grad and Illinois-based financial adviser (Bet she liked the steep 67% markdown). But they won’t leave their primary residence in Chi-town.

They did however hire contractors for some tune-ups, small repairs and upgrades to audio and video systems. Last year, the mansion was broken into and it is reportedly worn-out without maintenance.

The mansion is now functional enough for the Coopers to host. Very quickly after finalizing the sale, John has hosted guests in basketball and golf parties (probably in the Jumpman-grade regulation court and massive lawn with putting green) and his own 42nd birthday party.

Is it a sign that the Michael Jordan mansion can be a commercial venue in the future? Or would this be the museum dedicated to His Airness fans are rooting for? Who knows! It’s up to the new owner.