Next month, the renowned auction house Sotheby’s is set to captivate the sports world with a series of exclusive auctions under the banner of “Sports Week.” This event will be a treasure trove for sports enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the illustrious careers of some of the most iconic athletes of all time.
The “Sports Week” auctions will be held both live and online, showcasing a wide range of memorabilia linked to legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, among others. This unique opportunity allows collectors and fans alike to own a piece of sporting history associated with these modern sports legends.
A significant highlight of the upcoming auctions is the Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection,” scheduled from March 27 to April 10. This collection will include prized items like Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, expected to fetch between $1.5 to $2.5 million. Additionally, a Lebron James jersey commemorating his historic 38,000th point game is estimated to be valued between $300,000 and $500,000. Notably, a portion of the proceeds from selected Lakers auction items will support the Lakers Youth Foundation.
One of the most anticipated auctions is “The Thrilla in Manila,” running from March 27 to April 10. Here, enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bid on Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from his iconic 1975 fight against Joe Frazier. With a previous sale price of $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now estimated to command an impressive $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, showcasing the enduring legacy of the boxing legend.
The “Zenith” auction, also taking place from March 27 to April 10, will feature significant sports artifacts, including Michael Jordan’s ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey from 1985, a jersey worn by baseball legend Ernie Banks during his 500th home run, and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey from the 1995-96 season. These items are sure to attract collectors seeking rare and unique sports memorabilia.
For sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans, the “Court Classics” auction from March 29 to April 12 offers a curated selection of important basketball sneakers. Additionally, NBA Auctions will be hosting online and live events related to the 2024 All-Star Game, featuring memorabilia such as jerseys worn by top players like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the star-studded event.
Particularly noteworthy is Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals, expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000. These shoes hold a special history as they were gifted to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys, who have now decided to offer them as a pair in this exclusive auction.
Sotheby’s keen eye for the growing interest in unique sports artifacts is evident in the curation of “Sports Week.” With items ranging from iconic jerseys to historic memorabilia, this event promises to be a thrilling opportunity for sports fans and collectors to own a piece of sporting history associated with some of the greatest athletes of our time.
