Just released: Our latest Sports Collectibles Market Report!
Judy Garland's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," previously stolen, are now heading to auction. The slippers, which are among only four surviving pairs from the timeless 1939 film, were recovered by the FBI in 2018 following their theft from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005. The shoes, maybe the most iconic piece of Hollywood memorabilia, were worn by Garland throughout the movie. Michael Shaw, the collector who owned the slippers when they were stolen, has partnered with Heritage Auctions for their sale, representing a high quality provenance in addition to the importance of the object itself.
The theft saga involved Terry Jon Martin, who pleaded guilty to the theft, and Jerry Hal Saliterman, charged with aiding in hiding the slippers and tampering with a witness. Despite the legal turmoil, the slippers' upcoming auction marks a joyful milestone, promising them a new home. Highlighted as superior in quality compared to the Smithsonian's pair by Forbes, these slippers may very well be the most exciting piece of hollywood memorabilia to come to auction in recent memory. THR
Sotheby's is diving deep into the sports memorabilia market with its inaugural "Sports Week," featuring six auctions featuring items from sports legends like Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Kobe Bryant.
This strategic move aims to tap into the booming demand for sports collectibles and attract a younger audience to the auction scene. The auction house notes the sports category has witnessed rapid growth, partly fueled by the popularity of documentaries like "The Last Dance," which reignited interest in Michael Jordan and expanded to other sports collectibles. The global sports memorabilia market continues to rake in headlines and Sotheby's intends to continue capitalizing on the trend.The house struck a partnership with the NBA for game-worn jerseys and continues to flesh out their sports department via collaborations with sports organizations.
The highlight of Sports Week includes auctions for iconic items such as Muhammad Ali's shorts from the "Thrilla in Manila" fight, estimated to fetch $4 million to $6 million, and a Kobe Bryant jersey from the 2009 NBA Finals, expected to go for $1.5 million to $2.5 million. Rare sneakers worn by NBA legends, including Jordan's Air Jordan 11s from the 1996 NBA Finals, are up for grabs, with estimates ranging from $200,000 to $400,000. Sotheby's also includes contemporary pieces, such as memorabilia from the recent NBA All-Star weekend.
This event not only caters to seasoned collectors but also offers an entry point for new enthusiasts, with the entire sports collection anticipated to exceed $12 million in sales. Sotheby's seems committed to enriching its sports offerings in an effort to engage with a younger demographic of collectors. SOTHEBYS
The Andy Warhol Foundation has agreed to pay over $21,000 to settle a significant copyright dispute with photographer Lynn Goldsmith, centered on Warhol's Prince artwork derived from Goldsmith's photo, a case that escalated to the US Supreme Court and underscored the complex implications of "fair use" in copyright law. This settlement resolves a years-long litigation, highlighting ongoing debates over artistic expression and copyright protections in the context of appropriated images in the art world. ARTNET
Topps has partnered with the NCAA to release its first ever Bowman U March Madness basketball card product, offering packs with guaranteed autographs from college basketball stars like Zach Edey and Caitlin Clark through its NOW platform. The product, available online for a limited time, leverages Topps' NIL deals with athletes and includes dual autograph cards, with future collaborations with the NCAA anticipated. SCDAILY
Certified Collectibles Group (CCG) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire James Spence Authentication (JSA), combining two significant players in collectible authentication in hopes of enhancing services for autograph collectors. The move is illustrative of CCG’s move into the sports market, as they are currently known much more for comic books and TCG. CGC
A Shaquille O'Neal full uniform from the 1996-97 NBA season, worn during Kobe Bryant's NBA debut game, is up for auction in Heritage Auctions' Treasures from Planet Hollywood sale. This piece of NBA history, which marks the dawn of one of the league's most iconic duos, has been photo-matched to multiple games and showcases significant game wear, with a current bid of $75,000, the realized price will likely reach into the low six figures. HERITAGE
PSA has raised its Collectors Club membership price from $99 to $149, offering compensatory perks including a $60 to $125 Fanatics Live credit, exclusive to standard and premium members respectively. The membership now includes access to members-only card breaks, promo cards, magazine subscriptions, and grading discounts. SCDAILY
Courtyard.io has introduced a new feature on their site, a Pokémon Vending Machine. Users will be able to purchase up to 5 packs a day at $25 each. After opening the pack users can hold, trade, redeem, or accept a 70% buyback offer. COURTYARD
Big news for movie toy collectors, Heritage Auctions’ Planet Hollywood sale includes a group of 5 ‘Spaceballs’ action figures depicting Dark Helmet, Lone Starr, Barf, Princess Vespa, and Dot Matrix. As Yogurt once said, “merchandising, merchandising! Where the real money from the movie is made!”. Current bid sits at $29,000, if it ends up being the final bid it will be the third priciest Spaceballs objects to sell at Heritage; both a miniature model of the Winnebago ($49,600) and Dark Helmet’s helmet ($39,000) have sold for more. HERITAGE
Art Basel and UBS released their 2024 Art Market Report. Necessary reading for understanding the art market over the last year. ARTBASEL
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