Next month, Sotheby’s, a prestigious auction house, is set to kick off an exhilarating series of sports auctions under the banner of “Sports Week.” This highly anticipated event will serve as a platform to exhibit a diverse collection of memorabilia associated with modern sports icons and their groundbreaking achievements. Taking center stage in New York City, the “Sports Week” series will encompass six engaging live and online auctions, shining a light on items tied to the illustrious careers of remarkable athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, among others.
The upcoming “Sports Week” will present a range of themed auctions to cater to the diverse interests of sports enthusiasts and collectors:
1. Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection (March 27-April 10)
2. The Thrilla in Manila (March 27-April 10)
3. ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts (March 27-April 10)
4. Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers (March 29-April 12)
5. NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Online (March 28-April 15)
6. NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Live (April 11, 7 PM ET)
Sotheby’s keen observation of the escalating interest in unique sports artifacts among collectors has fueled the excitement surrounding these auctions. An item generating significant buzz is Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals, anticipated to command an impressive price ranging from $200,000 to $400,000. These iconic shoes hold a special history as they were gifted to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys, who each received one shoe from Jordan and have now decided to offer them as a pair for auction.
Another standout piece is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Originally auctioned for $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now estimated to fetch an astonishing $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, portraying the timeless allure of Ali’s legacy in the sporting world.
Notable highlights from the Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” encompass Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, projected to be valued between $1.5 and $2.5 million, as well as a Lebron James jersey from his memorable 38,000th point game, estimated at $300,000 to $500,000. Additionally, proceeds from select Lakers auction items will be directed towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a philanthropic touch to the event.
The “Zenith” auction is set to showcase prized possessions such as Jordan’s ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey from 1985, Ernie Banks’ 500th home run jersey, and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey from the 1995-96 season, offering a glimpse into the rich history of these sporting legends.
NBA Auctions will present an array of memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, featuring jerseys worn by distinguished players like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the vibrant celebrations of the event. The auctions promise an exciting opportunity for fans and collectors to own a piece of basketball history.
Sotheby’s “Sports Week” is a testament to the enduring legacy of iconic athletes and their remarkable contributions to the world of sports. Whether you’re a passionate collector or a devoted sports fan, this event is a must-attend for those seeking to immerse themselves in the captivating stories behind these treasured memorabilia items.
