Next month, Sotheby’s is set to transform into a hub of sports nostalgia and glory as it hosts a splendid series of sports-themed auctions under the banner of “Sports Week.” Embracing the essence of modern sports legends and their iconic moments, this extravaganza will bring forth a treasure trove of memorabilia that evokes the adrenaline of witnessing sporting greatness firsthand. The stage is New York, where the bidding battles will unfold in six live and online auctions, showcasing items linked to renowned athletes such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Steph Curry.
The anticipation builds as collectors and enthusiasts gear up for a whirlwind of themed auctions that promise to cater to every sports aficionado’s dream:
– Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection (March 27-April 10)
– The Thrilla in Manila (March 27-April 10)
– ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts (March 27-April 10)
– Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers (March 29-April 12)
– NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Online (March 28-April 15)
– NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game | Live (April 11 7PM ET)
Sotheby’s keen eye has noticed the surge in demand for unique sports artifacts, signaling a deep-seated passion among collectors to own a piece of sporting history. Among the star lots up for grabs is a pair of autographed shoes worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. Estimated to go under the hammer for an impressive $200,000 to $400,000, these shoes hold a special tale – gifted by Jordan to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys, who now present them as a unified duo.
The spotlight also shines brightly on 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 expected to command a jaw-dropping auction price ranging between $4 and $6 million, attesting to Ali’s enduring legacy as the greatest of all time.
In the exclusive “Capsule Collection” dedicated to the Los Angeles Lakers, treasures await like Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, carrying an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million. Adding to the allure is a Lebron James jersey commemorating his monumental 38,000th point game, projected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000. Not just a spectacle for the collectors, a portion of the proceeds from selected Lakers items will be directed towards benefiting the Lakers Youth Foundation, underscoring a noble cause intertwined with the passion for sports history.
As the “Zenith” auction unfolds, the audience will marvel at prized possessions 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, each carrying a story of sporting excellence and triumph.
For basketball enthusiasts, the NBA Auctions section promises a glimpse into the memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game. Jerseys worn by luminaries like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the electrifying event will be up for grabs, offering fans a chance to own a piece of the captivating action that unfolded on the court.
Get ready to bid, reminisce, and marvel at the awe-inspiring legacy of sporting icons as Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions set the stage for an unforgettable journey through the annals of athletic achievement.