Sotheby’s is about to enchant sports enthusiasts and collectors alike with its upcoming event “Sports Week,” a tantalizing array of auctions crafted to celebrate the iconic achievements and legacies of modern sports legends. Set to be hosted in New York, this series of six live and online auctions will feature a treasure trove of memorabilia connected to revered athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry, to name just a few.
Diving into the details of “Sports Week,” the event will be comprised of several themed auctions, each adding its unique flair to the overall spectacle. The lineup includes the 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, offering a diverse range of sports memorabilia for avid collectors and fans.
The anticipation surrounding the auctions is buzzing, with an evident surge in interest for exclusive sports artifacts that carry both historic and sentimental value. Among the star lots stealing the spotlight is a pair of autographed shoes worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. These iconic sneakers, originating from two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received a shoe from Jordan, are anticipated to fetch an impressive sum ranging between $200,000 and $400,000.
Another heavyweight in the auction lineup is Muhammad Ali, with his historic boxing trunks from the legendary 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these iconic trunks are now expected to draw bids soaring between $4 and $6 million in a dedicated auction, a testament to Ali’s enduring legacy and the significance of this historic bout.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” is also set to captivate bidders, featuring prized memorabilia such as Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, valued at an estimated $1.5 to $2.5 million. Additionally, a Lebron James jersey worn during his historic milestone of scoring 38,000 points is slated to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000. Notably, a portion of the proceeds from selected Lakers auction items will go towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a philanthropic touch to this grand sporting affair.
In the “Zenith” auction segment, collectors can feast their eyes on treasures like 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, each piece representing a milestone in sports history and offering a glimpse into the careers of these legendary athletes.
For basketball aficionados, the NBA Auctions will offer a chance to own a piece of the action from the 2024 All-Star Game, with jerseys worn by superstars like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu up for grabs. These coveted items provide a unique opportunity for fans to own a tangible piece of basketball history and cherish the moments that define sporting greatness.
As the anticipation builds and collectors gear up for bidding wars, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” stands as a testament to the enduring allure of sports memorabilia and the passion it ignites among fans and collectors worldwide. With each auction set to unveil a new chapter of sporting history, this event promises to be a thrilling journey through the annals of sports greatness, encapsulating the essence of athleticism, competition, and the indelible mark left by sporting legends on the canvases of time.
