Next month, art and auction house Sotheby’s is set to transform its elegant galleries into a sports enthusiast’s paradise with the unveiling of “Sports Week,” a series of coveted sports auctions that will showcase an extraordinary collection of memorabilia associated with modern sports legends and their iconic achievements. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place in bustling New York City, attracting sports enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe eager to get their hands on pieces of sports history.
The centerpiece of the series will be six diverse live and online auctions, each highlighting remarkable items linked to illustrious careers in the sports world. Among the celebrated athletes whose memorabilia will be featured are basketball legends Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Steph Curry, boxing icon Muhammad Ali, hockey great Wayne Gretzky, and football superstar Tom Brady, among others.
The themed auctions that make up “Sports Week” promise a captivating dive into the world of sports memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the lives and achievements of these renowned athletes. From Los Angeles Lakers memorabilia to basketball sneakers and exclusive sports artifacts, there is something for every sports fan and collector to marvel at during this exceptional event.
The Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection auction, running from March 27 to April 10, will feature a treasure trove of memorabilia from the iconic basketball franchise. Notable highlights include Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals and a Lebron James jersey commemorating his historic 38,000th point game. This auction presents a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of Lakers history while supporting a noble cause, as portions of the proceeds will benefit the Lakers Youth Foundation.
One of the most highly anticipated auctions within “Sports Week” is ‘The Thrilla in Manila,’ dedicated to Muhammad Ali’s legendary boxing career. The auction will showcase Ali’s iconic boxing trunks from the historic 1975 fight against Joe Frazier. With an estimated value ranging from $4 to $6 million, these trunks serve as a poignant reminder of Ali’s unparalleled legacy in the world of sports and beyond.
For enthusiasts of sports art and history, the ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts auction promises a visual treat with an array of valuable pieces. Among the items up for bidding is Michael Jordan’s ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey from 1985, a piece of basketball history that continues to captivate fans and collectors alike. Additionally, Ernie Banks’ 500th home run jersey and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey from the 1995-96 season will be featured, adding a touch of nostalgia to the event.
Sneakerheads and basketball aficionados are in for a treat with the Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers auction, running from March 29 to April 12. The auction will showcase a curated selection of iconic basketball sneakers, providing an opportunity for fans to own a piece of footwear history associated with the sport’s greatest athletes.
NBA Auctions will round off the series with memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, both online and live. Collectors can look forward to bidding on jerseys worn by basketball superstars such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, and the talented Sabrina Ionescu, adding a contemporary touch to the historical lineup of sports memorabilia at the auctions.
With its blend of exceptional items, poignant memorabilia, and historical significance, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” auctions are set to capture the hearts and wallets of sports fans and collectors alike. The event not only offers a chance to own a piece of sports history but also provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the enduring legacy of some of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.
