Next month, Sotheby’s will launch a thrilling series of sports auctions titled “Sports Week,” offering a remarkable assortment of memorabilia associated with iconic athletes and their historic achievements. The upcoming auctions will captivate sports enthusiasts and collectors alike, showcasing prized possessions linked to modern sports legends such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry.
The event, set to take place in New York, will comprise a total of six live and online auctions, each highlighting unique items that celebrate the illustrious careers of these legendary athletes. From autographed shoes to championship jerseys, fans will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of cherished sports artifacts.
“Sports Week” will feature a diverse range of themed auctions, each offering a glimpse into the sporting world:
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 noted a surge in interest surrounding exclusive sports memorabilia, with collectors eagerly seeking out rare and significant items. One of the standout lots in the upcoming auctions 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 legacy as they were gifted by Jordan to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys, who have now decided to sell them as a pair.
Another highly coveted item 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 trunks are now estimated to command a staggering $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, highlighting the enduring legacy of the boxing icon.
Among the highlights from the Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” are Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, with an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million, and a Lebron James jersey from his memorable 38,000th point game, expected to fetch $300,000 to $500,000. Proceeds from select Lakers auction items will go towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a philanthropic aspect to the event.
The “Zenith” auction will showcase notable items such as 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 fans a chance to own a piece of sports history.
Additionally, NBA Auctions will feature memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, including jerseys worn by basketball superstars like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the event’s festivities. This collection of items adds a contemporary touch to the auctions, representing the current stars of the sports world.
The “Sports Week” auctions at Sotheby’s promise to be an exciting and memorable event for sports fans and collectors, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of sporting history associated with some of the greatest athletes of all time. With a diverse array of items up for bidding, the auctions are set to attract widespread attention and enthusiasm from aficionados of both sports and memorabilia collecting.
