Next month, Sotheby’s is set to unveil a series of highly anticipated sports auctions titled “Sports Week.” The event will showcase a collection of memorabilia associated with some of the most iconic athletes in modern sports history, celebrating their legendary accomplishments. With the auctions scheduled to take place in New York, sports enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to own a piece of sporting history.
The “Sports Week” lineup consists of six live and online auctions, each highlighting items linked to the illustrious careers of renowned athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, among others. These auctions will offer a diverse range of themed collections, ensuring that there is something for every sports fan to covet.
The themed auctions during “Sports Week” include the “Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection,” running from March 27 to April 10, featuring memorabilia that captures the essence of the Lakers’ storied legacy. Among the standout items are Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals and a Lebron James jersey commemorating his historic 38,000th point game. A portion of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will be dedicated to supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation.
Another notable auction is “The Thrilla in Manila,” also running from March 27 to April 10, which will showcase Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from his iconic 1975 fight against Joe Frazier. This legendary piece of sports history, previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, is now expected to command an impressive $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, reflecting the enduring legacy of “The Greatest” in the world of boxing.
The “ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts” auction is set to feature a range of significant items, 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. These artifacts serve as poignant reminders of these athletes’ remarkable contributions to their respective sports and will undoubtedly attract keen interest from collectors.
For sneaker enthusiasts and basketball aficionados, the “Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers” auction, running from March 29 to April 12, will offer a variety of sought-after basketball footwear, including rare and iconic designs worn by top athletes on the court. Additionally, NBA Auctions will present memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game through online and live auctions, featuring jerseys worn by basketball superstars such as LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the prestigious event.
One of the most anticipated items up for auction is a pair of autographed shoes worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. These shoes, coming from two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received a shoe from Jordan, are expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000. The decision to offer them as a pair adds to their significance and allure for collectors seeking unique sports memorabilia.
In the world of sports auctions, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” stands out as a premier event, offering enthusiasts the chance to own a piece of sports history and celebrate the achievements of their favorite athletes. With a diverse range of memorabilia from legendary figures like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, and more, these auctions are sure to attract widespread attention and fierce bidding wars among collectors vying for these prized possessions.
