Next month, Sotheby’s is set to host a spectacular series of sports auctions under the banner of “Sports Week.” The event promises an exciting display of memorabilia linked to some of the most celebrated modern sports icons and their historic achievements. This grand affair will unfold in New York through a collection of six live and online auctions, spotlighting items associated with the exceptional careers of legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, among others.
The much-anticipated “Sports Week” will feature a diverse array of themed auctions, each catering to specific interests and highlighting unique pieces of sports history. The various themed auctions include “Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection,” “The Thrilla in Manila,” “ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts,” “Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers,” “NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Online,” and “NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Live.”
Notably, there has been a surge in interest among collectors for one-of-a-kind sports artifacts, propelling the value of these items to new heights. Among the remarkable lots up for auction is a pair of autographed shoes worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. These iconic shoes, coming from two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received one shoe directly from Jordan, are expected to fetch a staggering sum between $200,000 and $400,000.
One of the standout pieces in the lineup is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, the trunks are now estimated to command an impressive price tag ranging from $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, showcasing the enduring appeal of Ali’s legacy.
The “Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection” will present noteworthy items such as Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, anticipated to fetch between $1.5 and $2.5 million. Additionally, a Lebron James jersey worn during his milestone 38,000th point game is estimated to be valued between $300,000 and $500,000. A portion of the proceeds from selected Lakers auction items will go towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a charitable aspect to the event.
The “Zenith” auction will offer a remarkable lineup of 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, providing enthusiasts with a chance to own a piece of sports history.
As part of the NBA Auctions segment, sports fans and collectors can bid on memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, including jerseys worn by iconic players like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the event’s celebrations. With such an eclectic mix of offerings, sports enthusiasts and collectors alike are in for a treat during Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions.
