Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, is set to unveil an exciting array of sports auctions next month under the theme of “Sports Week.” This eagerly anticipated series will showcase a collection of memorabilia linked to iconic modern athletes and their historic accomplishments. From Michael Jordan’s legendary sneakers to Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks, the auctions promise to captivate sports fans and collectors alike.

Scheduled to kick off in New York, the “Sports Week” will feature a total of six live and online auctions, each highlighting different themed collections. Among the athletes whose memorabilia will be up for grabs are basketball greats like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, as well as boxing legend Muhammad Ali, hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, football star Tom Brady, and basketball sensation Steph Curry.

The sporty lineup of themed auctions includes categories such as the Los Angeles Lakers Capsule Collection, The Thrilla in Manila, ZENITH: Important Sports Artifacts, Court Classics: Important Basketball Sneakers, and NBA Auctions for the 2024 All-Star Game. These auctions will offer a variety of unique and valuable items that are sure to attract bids from passionate collectors.

One of the standout lots in the upcoming auctions is a pair of autographed shoes worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. The shoes, which come from two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys who each received one shoe from Jordan, are expected to fetch between $200,000 and $400,000 as a rare pair.

Another highly anticipated item is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier in 1975. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now estimated to command an impressive $4 to $6 million in a dedicated auction, reflecting the enduring popularity of Ali’s legacy in the world of boxing.

The Los Angeles Lakers Capsule Collection will feature prized items 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 from his milestone 38,000th point game, with an estimate of $300,000 to $500,000. Part of the proceeds from select Lakers auction items will go towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, adding a charitable element to the event.

The “Zenith” auction will offer sports enthusiasts the chance to bid on rare items like Michael 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, providing collectors with a unique opportunity to own a piece of sporting history.

NBA Auctions will also play a significant role in the “Sports Week,” featuring memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game. Items up for auction will include jerseys worn by basketball superstars like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the exciting event, offering fans a chance to own a piece of basketball memorabilia from a star-studded game.

With such an impressive lineup of sports memorabilia up for auction, Sotheby’s “Sports Week” promises to be a thrilling event for collectors and sports enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a fan of basketball, boxing, hockey, or football, this series of auctions will offer something for every sports aficionado to enjoy.

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