Next month, art collectors and sports enthusiasts will converge as Sotheby’s, the prestigious auction house, hosts “Sports Week.” This exciting series of auctions will feature a curated selection of memorabilia highlighting the illustrious careers of iconic athletes. From basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to boxing champions like Muhammad Ali, the lineup promises a captivating glimpse into the world of sports history.
The much-anticipated “Sports Week” will unfold in New York through six live and online auctions, each offering a unique theme and a trove of sought-after items. Scheduled from March 27 to April 15, the auctions will present a diverse range of sports artifacts that are sure to appeal to collectors and fans alike.
One of the standout lots at the upcoming auctions is Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. These iconic sneakers, expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000, have a fascinating backstory. Originally owned by two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received a shoe from Jordan, the pair is now up for sale as a remarkable collector’s item.
Another highlight of the auctions is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier in 1975. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now estimated to command an impressive $4 to $6 million in a standalone auction. The significance of this piece of sporting history is bound to attract considerable interest from fans and collectors of boxing memorabilia.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” is also set to draw attention, featuring memorabilia related to the storied franchise. Notable items include 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 commemorating his 38,000th career point, expected to fetch $300,000 to $500,000. Importantly, a portion of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will go towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a philanthropic element to the event.
The “Zenith” auction will offer a glimpse into sports history with items such as 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. These artifacts serve as tangible connections to pivotal moments in the careers of these legendary athletes, making them highly prized among collectors and aficionados.
In addition, NBA Auctions will provide an opportunity for fans to acquire memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game. Among the featured items are jerseys worn by basketball luminaries like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and emerging stars such as Victor Wembanyama and Sabrina Ionescu. These items offer a unique memento from a marquee event in the basketball calendar, adding to their appeal for collectors and fans alike.
Overall, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions promise an immersive experience for sports enthusiasts and collectors, showcasing rare and significant memorabilia that encapsulate the essence of sporting greatness. From iconic game-worn apparel to historic artifacts, each item up for auction tells a compelling story of athletic achievement and cultural significance, making this event a must-see for aficionados of sports history and memorabilia.