Get ready to delve into the world of sports memorabilia as Sotheby’s gears up to host “Sports Week,” a series of auctions featuring iconic items from legendary athletes. From Michael Jordan’s autographed shoes to Muhammad Ali’s historical boxing trunks, these auctions are set to attract avid collectors and sports enthusiasts alike.
Scheduled to kick off next month in New York, “Sports Week” will encompass six live and online auctions, each dedicated to celebrating the remarkable careers of modern sports icons. Among the lineup are items linked to basketball greats Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry, as well as boxing legend Muhammad Ali and hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky.
One of the most anticipated lots is a pair of autographed shoes worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. With a valuation ranging from $200,000 to $400,000, these shoes hold a special significance as they come from two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received a shoe from Jordan and have now decided to auction them as a pair.
Another standout piece is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier in 1975. Initially sold for $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now expected to fetch a staggering $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, reflecting the enduring legacy of the boxing legend.
The Los Angeles Lakers “Capsule Collection” is also set to make waves, featuring Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals with an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million, along with a Lebron James jersey from his record-breaking 38,000th point game, valued at $300,000 to $500,000. A portion of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will go towards benefiting the Lakers Youth Foundation.
In the “Zenith” auction, sports enthusiasts can bid on coveted items 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, offering a diverse range of sports memorabilia for collectors to explore.
For NBA fans, the auctions will also feature memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, including jerseys worn by basketball superstars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and rising star Sabrina Ionescu. With a mix of live and online events, the auctions provide a unique opportunity to own a piece of sporting history and connect with the remarkable achievements of these iconic athletes. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a passionate sports fan, “Sports Week” at Sotheby’s promises an exciting journey into the world of sports memorabilia like never before.
