Muhammad Ali’s shorts from the 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ and Kobe Bryant’s game-worn jersey from the 2009 NBA Finals are among a treasure trove of incredible sports memorabilia going on sale in New York next month.
Iconic items from some of the biggest names in basketball, baseball, football, tennis, hockey – including Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Ernie Banks, Carlos Alcaraz and Wayne Gretzky – will form part of Sotheby’s Sports Week.
They are each estimated to be worth between $500 and $6million, with fans and collectors expected to shell out more than $12m.
The exhibition will run between April 5 and 11, with live sales and online auctions running from March 27 and April 15.
Among the rare items going on sale are Ali’s shorts from his victory over Joe Frazier. In the Philippines in October 1975, The Greatest won after 14 rounds in his third and final fight against Smokin’ Joe.
Muhammad Ali’s shorts from the 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ are going on sale in New York
The Greatest won after 14 rounds in his third and final fight against Smokin’ Joe Frazier
The shorts are expected to fetch up to $6million as part of Sotheby’s Sports Week
His white shorts are expected to fetch up to $6m, making them one of the most valuable items from the boxer’s life and career ever to appear at auction.
Also on offer is LeBron James’ Lakers jersey from the game when he reached 38,000 NBA points (expected to be sold for up to $500,000) and his jersey from the 2024 NBA All-Star game ($300,000).
Bryant’s jersey from Game 1 of the 2009 Finals (up to $2.5m) is up for grabs, alongside Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu’s jerseys from their historic 3-point challenge at All-Star weekend (up to $50,000).
MJ’s Air Jordan 11s from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals (up to $400,000) will be sold as part of a collection of 50 sneakers worn by some of the NBA’s greatest ever players. They include LeBron, James Harden, Bryant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Yao Ming.
Also among the items on offer is the jersey worn by Chicago Cubs legend Banks when he hit his 500th career home run ($500,000).
Michael Jordan’s sneakers from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals are valued at up to $400,000
Also on offer is the jersey worn by Ernie Banks when he hit his 500th career home run
Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu faced off in a historic head-to-head 3-point contest