Next month, Sotheby’s is set to host a thrilling series of sports auctions titled “Sports Week,” offering a fascinating glimpse into the iconic careers and achievements of legendary athletes. With a lineup that boasts modern sports icons such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, and Tom Brady, among others, this event promises to be a treasure trove for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The “Sports Week” auctions will comprise six live and online events, each showcasing unique memorabilia associated with the celebrated sports figures. Among the themed auctions featured are the “Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection,” “The Thrilla in Manila,” “ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts,” “Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers,” and the NBA Auctions dedicated to the 2024 All-Star Game.
One of the standout pieces up for auction is Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes worn during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. Expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000, these shoes hold a special allure as they were acquired from two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received one shoe from Jordan and have now decided to offer them as a pair.
Not to be outdone, Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier, previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, are now estimated to command an impressive $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, showcasing the enduring legacy of the boxing legend.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” is expected to feature prized possessions such as Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, estimated at $1.5 to $2.5 million, and a Lebron James jersey worn during his historic 38,000th point game, with an estimate of $300,000 to $500,000. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will go towards benefiting the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a philanthropic element to the event.
The “Zenith” auction is set to include exceptional items 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, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of sports history.
For NBA enthusiasts, the auctions dedicated to the 2024 All-Star Game will present a unique opportunity to acquire memorabilia from the event, including jerseys worn by basketball luminaries like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the star-studded festivities.
Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions are poised to captivate sports fans and collectors worldwide, as they offer an exclusive glimpse into the remarkable accomplishments and legacies of some of the most renowned athletes in modern sports history.
