Next month, premier auction house Sotheby’s is set to launch a captivating event for sports enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors alike. Titled “Sports Week,” the series will unveil a stunning array of items tied to the legendary achievements of modern sports icons. With a spotlight on celebrated figures like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, this showcase promises to offer a unique glimpse into the illustrious careers of these athletes.
Spanning six live and online auctions, “Sports Week” will take place in New York and feature a diverse range of themed auctions. From the Los Angeles Lakers Capsule Collection to The Thrilla in Manila, ZENITH Important Sports Artifacts, Court Classics Important Basketball Sneakers, and the NBA Auctions for the 2024 All-Star Game, the event is set to be a sports memorabilia extravaganza.
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. Anticipated to command a price between $200,000 and $400,000, these shoes were once gifted to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys, who have now decided to offer them as a set, making them a coveted item for basketball fans and collectors alike.
Another highly anticipated piece is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now estimated to fetch an impressive $4 and $6 million in a dedicated auction, reflecting the enduring legacy of the boxing legend.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” will also feature some remarkable items, including Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, with an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million. Additionally, a Lebron James jersey commemorating his milestone 38,000th point game is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000. A portion of the proceeds from selected Lakers auction items will be donated to the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a charitable aspect to the event.
In the “Zenith” auction, attendees can look forward to iconic pieces such as 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 items represent a unique opportunity for sports fans to own a piece of history from some of the most significant moments in sports.
For basketball enthusiasts, the NBA Auctions will offer a chance to acquire memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, including jerseys worn by superstars like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the event. These items provide a tangible connection to the excitement and energy of the All-Star festivities, making them highly sought-after among collectors.
With an eclectic mix of memorabilia ranging from game-worn jerseys to iconic sports artifacts, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions promise an unparalleled experience for sports fans and collectors looking to own a piece of sporting history. Be sure not to miss this extraordinary event that celebrates the legacy of legendary athletes and their monumental achievements on the field.