The NBA and Sotheby’s have announced a new partnership making the auction house the official source for the association’s game-worn memorabilia. Coinciding with the announcement, Sotheby’s launched an auction Tuesday featuring more than 60 game-worn jerseys that include the one Victor Wembanyama’s wore for his first game in the NBA.
Sotheby’s has become a major player in high-priced sneaker auctions in the past several years, which have included a number of Air Jordans worn by Michael Jordan throughout his NBA career. The most expensive pair of sneakers ever sold, Air Jordan 13s worn by Jordan during his last NBA Finals series, fetched $2.2 million through the auction house earlier this year.
Sotheby’s will host auctions throughout the current NBA season offering game-worn items from marquee events that include the In-Season Tournament, Christmas Day games, All-Star Game, and Finals. The debut auction under the new partnership features a number of jerseys from this season’s opening slate of games, as well as some with a provenance from seasons past.
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“The NBA is one of the most iconic and beloved sports leagues globally, and its game-worn memorabilia have captured the hearts of fans and collectors worldwide,” Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of Modern Collectibles, said in a press release. “Our journey in the sports memorabilia world aligns with our broader mission of expanding access to and ownership of extraordinary objects with exceptional provenance. We look forward to providing a platform that enables fans and collectors to own a piece of NBA history with unparalleled level of trust and assurance.”
Matt Holt, the NBA’s head of Consumer Products, added: “Our partnership with Sotheby’s provides NBA fans around the world the opportunity to own special pieces of NBA history from the very moments that celebrate their fandom. We look forward to leveraging Sotheby’s expertise in art and luxury as we offer collectors and fans a seamless experience to access the best of NBA memorabilia through our marketplace.”
Apart from the Wembanyama jersey, highlights from the debut auction include tip-off game-worn jerseys from Steph Curry, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, and more. As of publishing, the high bid for Wembanyama’s is already at $75,000, which is far and away the highest price of the 60-item lot.
Bidding is open through Sotbey’s through Nov. 28. Highlights from the auction are also on view for the public through Nov. 22at Sotheby’s New York Headquarters.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
