Next month, the prestigious auction house Sotheby’s will welcome sports enthusiasts and collectors to its highly anticipated “Sports Week” auctions, offering a treasure trove of memorabilia linked to iconic athletes and their monumental achievements. Set to unfold in the vibrant city of New York, this series of six live and online auctions promises an immersive journey into the world of sports legends, with a spotlight on renowned figures such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry.
The lineup for “Sports Week” features a diverse range of themed auctions to cater to various interests:
– Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection (March 27-April 10)
– The Thrilla in Manila (March 27-April 10)
– ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts (March 27-April 10)
– Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers (March 29-April 12)
– NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Online (March 28-April 15)
– NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Live (April 11 7PM ET)
The surge in interest around one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia has captured the attention of avid collectors, with a keen pursuit for rare and significant items. One standout lot includes Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes worn during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. Anticipated to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000, these shoes hold a unique history as they were obtained by two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys, each receiving one shoe from Jordan and now choosing to offer them as a pair in this exclusive auction.
Another extraordinary piece up for auction is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these iconic trunks are now estimated to command an impressive price range of $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, reflecting the enduring legacy of the boxing legend.
Among the highlights of the Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” is Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the thrilling 2009 Finals, with an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million. Additionally, a jersey worn by Lebron James during his record-breaking 38,000th point game is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000. Select auction items from the Lakers will contribute a portion of the proceeds to the Lakers Youth Foundation, supporting community initiatives.
The “Zenith” auction will showcase a compelling array of sports artifacts, including Michael Jordan’s ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey from 1985, Ernie Banks’ milestone 500th home run jersey, and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey from the 1995-96 season, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of sporting history.
NBA Auctions will also offer exclusive memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, featuring jerseys worn by basketball luminaries such as LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the vibrant event’s celebrations, adding to the allure of this exceptional collection.
Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions promise an exciting immersion into the world of sports memorabilia, inviting bidders and enthusiasts to partake in the thrill of acquiring prized possessions linked to their favorite sports heroes and unforgettable moments in athletic history.
