Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, is gearing up to host an extravagant showcase of sports memorabilia with its upcoming series of auctions titled “Sports Week.” Set to take place in New York, this highly anticipated event will shine a spotlight on a diverse array of items connected to modern sports icons and their historic accomplishments. The auctions will feature memorabilia linked to legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, among other sporting greats.
Dubbed “Sports Week,” this series of auctions will span six live and online events, each offering a unique glimpse into the illustrious careers of these prominent athletes. From jerseys to sneakers and important artifacts, collectors and fans alike will have the opportunity to bid on rare and significant pieces of sports history.
The themed auctions included in “Sports Week” are as follows:
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 witnessed a surge in demand for unique sports memorabilia, with collectors eagerly vying for these prized possessions. 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. Expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000, these shoes were gifted to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys by Jordan himself, making them a coveted collector’s item.
Another highly anticipated item up for grabs 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 an impressive sum between $4 and $6 million in a dedicated auction, highlighting the enduring legacy of the legendary boxer.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” boasts a treasure trove of memorabilia, including Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, with an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million. Additionally, a Lebron James jersey from his milestone 38,000th point game is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000. A portion of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will go towards benefiting the Lakers Youth Foundation, further adding to the significance of these offerings.
The “Zenith” auction will showcase a range of iconic 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, providing fans and collectors with a chance to own a piece of sports history.
NBA Auctions will also play a key role in “Sports Week,” offering memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game. Jerseys worn by superstars like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the festivities will be available for bidding, providing fans with a unique opportunity to own a piece of this special event.
