Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, is set to host a series of exciting sports auctions next month under the banner of “Sports Week,” offering a treasure trove of memorabilia associated with some of the most iconic athletes in modern sports history. This much-anticipated event will showcase items linked to legendary sports figures such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, creating a buzz in the world of sports collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The upcoming “Sports Week” auctions will be a combination of six live and online events, each highlighting unique pieces that celebrate the remarkable careers and achievements of these sports superstars. Among the themed auctions scheduled are:
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 growing appetite for unique sports memorabilia among collectors, with a particular interest in acquiring rare and significant items associated with sports legends. One of the standout lots in the upcoming auctions is a pair of autographed shoes worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. These shoes, gifted to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys by Jordan himself, are expected to fetch an impressive sum ranging between $200,000 and $400,000.
Another highly anticipated item is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. While these trunks were previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, they are now estimated to command a staggering price tag of $4 to $6 million in the dedicated auction, showcasing the enduring legacy of The Greatest in the world of sports memorabilia.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” will feature prized possessions such as Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, with an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million, along with a Lebron James jersey commemorating his historic 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 youth development initiatives.
The “Zenith” auction is set to showcase an array of significant sports artifacts, including Michael 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 collectors a chance to own a piece of sporting history from these iconic athletes.
Additionally, NBA Auctions will present 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 star-studded event.
With the excitement building around the upcoming “Sports Week” auctions at Sotheby’s, sports enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to own a piece of sports history associated with their favorite athletes, making this event a must-see for anyone passionate about sports memorabilia and the legends who have shaped the sporting landscape.
