Next month, Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, will dazzle sports enthusiasts and collectors alike with a series of sports auctions under the grand title “Sports Week.” This exceptional event promises a captivating showcase of memorabilia tied to modern sports icons and their monumental achievements. The stage is set in the vibrant city of New York, where six live and online auctions will unfold, presenting items relating to the remarkable careers of legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry.
The much-anticipated “Sports Week” will encompass a range of themed auctions, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives and success stories of these sporting greats. The lineup includes:
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, 7PM ET)
Sotheby’s has noticed a burgeoning interest in one-of-a-kind sports artifacts, with eager collectors actively seeking out rare and historically significant items. One of the standout lots up for grabs is Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes worn during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals, projected to fetch an impressive sum ranging between $200,000 and $400,000. These particular shoes come with a unique backstory, having been acquired by two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received one shoe from Jordan, and now, they are offering them as a coveted pair.
Another highly anticipated highlight is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks worn during the unforgettable 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these historic trunks are now estimated to command a staggering price of between $4 and $6 million in a dedicated auction, truly demonstrating the enduring legacy of “The Greatest.”
Among the treasures from the Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection,” aficionados can bid on Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, with an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million, as well as a Lebron James jersey worn during his groundbreaking 38,000th point game, expected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000. A portion of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will be directed towards the Lakers Youth Foundation, contributing to a noble cause.
The “Zenith” auction is set to feature a remarkable array of sports memorabilia, including Jordan’s iconic ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey from 1985, Ernie Banks’ 500th home run jersey, and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey from the 1995-96 season, providing enthusiasts with a chance to own a piece of sporting history.
On the NBA front, the auctions will offer fans the opportunity to acquire memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, including jerseys worn by basketball luminaries such as LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the star-studded event’s festivities, adding another layer of excitement to an already exhilarating lineup.
In conclusion, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions are poised to be a mecca for sports aficionados and collectors, offering a rare chance to own a piece of sporting history associated with some of the most iconic figures in modern athletics.
