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his last year saw a great amount of international interest in best-of-the-best items across sports, from Lionel Messi’s 2022 FIFA World Cup match-worn shirts to Michael Jordan’s sneakers from game two of the 1998 NBA Finals . Sotheby’s was also the exclusive platform to secure some of the most coveted pairs of sneaker to come to market this year, including the Virgil Abloh x Futura Nike Dunk Lows and Christopher Wallace Air Jordan 13s . Not to mention the birth of our partnership to bring NBA game-worn memorabilia straight from the court .
Sports Memorabilia Highlights 2023
Sports Memorabilia Highlights 2023
Set of 6 Lionel Messi 2022 FIFA World Cup Match Worn Shirts
This was an exceptional set with impeccable provenance, with Messi himself announcing the auction via his Instagram account. The six shirts were worn from the beginning of the World Cup, to his last game against France.
Michael Jordan’s Signed & Game-Worn Sneakers from the 1998 NBA Finals
These sneakers were worn during game two of the 1998 NBA Finals by Michael Jordan. At $2.2 million, they set a new world record for the most expensive pair of sneakers ever sold.
Michael Jordan’s 1992 ‘Dream Team’ Gold Medal Jacket
This is the iconic Reebok jacket that Michael Jordan was forced to wear at his gold medal ceremony following his victory at the 1992 summer Olympic Games. It’s iconic because
Jordan didn’t want to wear it
. He was so loyal to Nike, he pinned over the Reebok logo.
Lewis Hamilton’s First Grand Prix Victory Race-Worn Suit
Lewis Hamilton's maiden victory at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix was a momentous occasion that not only marked the beginning of an illustrious career but also showcased the emergence of a prodigious talent in the world of motorsport. The suit from this race is one of the most important race-worn items ever to come to auction.
The Christopher Wallace Air Jordan XIII
Limited to just 23 pairs, the Christopher Wallace Air Jordan 13 celebrated the anniversary of Hip Hop, along with the life of Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G. There are nods to Biggie’s iconic lyrics throughout and a silhouette of Biggie himself. It was it was a sought-after collaboration and release for Hip-Hop fans and sneakerheads alike.
Virgil Abloh x Futura Nike Dunk Lows
Nike Dunk Low ‘Virgil Abloh x Futura’ was one of the most coveted pairs in existence, even prior to its arrival at Sotheby’s. Teased via social media for years, the pair gained a cult-like following for its design, rarity and ties to Futura and Virgil Abloh. It’s always an honor to help bring these collaborations to light, especially when the proceeds are for charity.
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2023 Trends and Predictions for 2024
2023 reiterated the strength of game-worn collectibles. The early success of our new partnership with NBA further indicates that this market will continue to expand in 2024. As a department we have been privileged to bring to sale some of the most important sports memorabilia to market this year, including Lionel Messi’s game-world Cup shirts, numerous significant Michael Jordan artifacts and the racing suit that Lewis Hamilton wore in his first ever Grand Prix victory. As we head into the new year, we look to continue to present incredible items from sports and streetwear to an ever-growing set of both new and experienced collectors.
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