Sotheby’s, the prestigious auction house, is set to dazzle sports enthusiasts with its upcoming event, “Sports Week.” This series of auctions will showcase a remarkable collection of memorabilia linked to some of the most iconic athletes of modern times. From the soaring achievements of Michael Jordan to the fierce battles of Muhammad Ali, the offerings are sure to captivate fans worldwide.
Scheduled to kick off in New York, the “Sports Week” auctions will be a blend of live and online events spanning six unique categories. Each auction will highlight prized items associated with revered sports legends such as Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, promising a feast for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
One of the marquee attractions of “Sports Week” is the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Capsule Collection,” running from March 27 to April 10. This segment will feature coveted items like Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, expected to fetch a staggering $1.5 to $2.5 million. Also up for grabs is a Lebron James jersey commemorating his historic 38,000th point game, with an estimate ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. In a heartwarming gesture, portions of the proceeds from select Lakers’ auction items will be directed towards the Lakers Youth Foundation, underlining the charitable spirit of the event.
The auction dedicated to Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the legendary 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ clash against Joe Frazier is projected to be a showstopper. Once sold for $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now expected to fetch an eye-watering sum between $4 and $6 million, a testament to the enduring legacy of the boxing icon.
Another standout in the lineup is Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals, anticipated to command a hefty price tag ranging from $200,000 to $400,000. These sneakers hold special significance as they come from two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received a shoe from Jordan, now choosing to auction them off as a pair, adding a unique narrative to the bidding frenzy.
The “Zenith” auction promises to be a treasure trove for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, featuring a diverse range of artifacts. From Jordan’s iconic ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey worn in 1985 to Ernie Banks’ milestone 500th home run jersey and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey from the 1995-96 season, collectors will have a chance to vie for these historic pieces that encapsulate the essence of sporting greatness.
NBA Auctions will also play a pivotal role during “Sports Week,” offering memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game. Fans can look forward to acquiring jerseys worn by basketball luminaries like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the highly anticipated event. Whether bidding on iconic game-worn jerseys or sought-after artifacts, the auctions are poised to be a celebration of sports history and excellence.
So, mark your calendars for Sotheby’s “Sports Week” and indulge in the thrill of acquiring exclusive memorabilia from sporting legends – it’s an opportunity that no true fan would want to miss.