Sotheby’s, the distinguished auction house, is preparing to host a captivating series of events titled “Sports Week,” a celebration of sports culture through the lens of iconic athletes and their historic achievements. Taking place in New York, this extravaganza will consist of six live and online auctions, each showcasing a treasure trove of memorabilia tied to some of the greatest names in modern sports history, from basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to boxing icon Muhammad Ali, hockey star Wayne Gretzky, NFL legend Tom Brady, and NBA superstar Steph Curry.
The forthcoming “Sports Week” will encompass a diverse range of themed auctions, offering collectors and sports enthusiasts a unique opportunity to acquire pieces of history related to their favorite athletes. Among the highlights are the following themed auctions:
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)
The demand for unique sports artifacts has been on the rise, with collectors showing a keen interest in acquiring rare and significant memorabilia associated with their favorite athletes. 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 iconic sneakers, expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000, were gifted by Jordan to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys, who have now decided to auction them as a pair.
Another noteworthy piece up for grabs is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ showdown against Joe Frazier. These trunks, previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, are now estimated to command an impressive price tag ranging between $4 and $6 million, underlining the enduring legacy of “The Greatest” in the world of boxing.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” will feature some prized possessions, including Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, anticipated to sell for $1.5 to $2.5 million, and a LeBron James jersey from his record-breaking 38,000th point game, with an estimated value of $300,000 to $500,000. A portion of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will be directed towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, further adding significance to the event.
In the “Zenith” auction, attendees can expect to encounter a range of exceptional items, such as Jordan’s ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey from 1985, Ernie Banks’ 500th home run jersey, and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey worn during the 1995-96 season, all of which are bound to attract fervent bidding from eager collectors.
Additionally, NBA Auctions will offer a selection of memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, including game-worn jerseys of basketball luminaries like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu, providing fans with a chance to own a piece of this prestigious sporting event.
As anticipation builds for Sotheby’s “Sports Week,” sports enthusiasts and collectors alike are gearing up to participate in these exclusive auctions, where history, passion, and sports converge to create a truly unforgettable experience.
