Next month, Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, is set to dazzle sports fans and collectors alike with a series of auctions titled “Sports Week.” This eagerly anticipated event will feature an impressive collection of memorabilia associated with iconic modern sports legends and their historic achievements. Offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of sports history, the auctions will take place in New York and will be a blend of six live and online events, each highlighting items linked to the illustrious careers of legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, among others.
The much-anticipated “Sports Week” will include a diverse range of themed auctions, promising something for every sports enthusiast:
– 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 7 PM ET)
Sotheby’s has noticed a growing interest in unique sports artifacts, with collectors showing a keen interest in acquiring rare and significant memorabilia. One of the standout pieces up for auction is Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals, expected to fetch an impressive sum ranging between $200,000 and $400,000. These shoes hold a unique story as they come from two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received one shoe from Jordan and have decided to offer them as a pair.
Another fascinating item set to capture attention is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the legendary 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now estimated to command a staggering price between $4 and $6 million in a dedicated auction, symbolizing the sheer magnitude of Ali’s legacy in the world of sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” will feature remarkable pieces such as Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, estimated to fetch between $1.5 and $2.5 million, along with a Lebron James jersey from his historic 38,000th point game, with an anticipated value of $300,000 to $500,000. Notably, portions of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will go towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a philanthropic touch to the event.
The “Zenith” auction is expected to stun attendees with items like 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, each holding significant historical value in the realm of sports memorabilia.
Additionally, NBA Auctions will provide enthusiasts with a chance to own 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 prestigious event.
With its unparalleled array of sports memorabilia from some of the most influential athletes in history, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” promises an unforgettable experience for sports fans and collectors alike, celebrating the legacy and achievements of these sports icons in a truly remarkable way.