Wayne Gretzky and Kobe Bryant jerseys headline a million-dollar Sotheby’s auction

Two jerseys tied to defining moments in sports history are set to re-enter the market. Sotheby’s will auction Wayne Gretzky’s final NHL point jersey and Kobe Bryant’s first No. 24 Los Angeles Lakers jersey on September 30 in New York. Both items are expected to sell for more than $1 million, reflecting their historical and cultural weight.On April 18, 1999, Wayne Gretzky stepped onto the ice for the last time in his storied career. Playing for the New York Rangers against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he set up Brian Leetch’s late second-period goal. That assist became Gretzky’s 2,857th and final NHL point, capping a career that left him as hockey’s all-time leading scorer.The jersey he wore during that period is now available for sale again. Sotheby’s confirmed it is one of four sweaters Gretzky used that night, authenticated by MeiGray and the Rangers. It is signed, inscribed with the date, and previously displayed at Madison Square Garden. Collector Rob Gough purchased it for $715,120 in 2023 but is now selling, with expectations that the price will climb past the million-dollar mark.Kobe Bryant’s number change from 8 to 24 ahead of the 2006–07 season marked the start of a new phase in his career. He wore the new jersey for the first time on November 3, 2006, scoring 23 points in a win over the Seattle SuperSonics. That year, he averaged 31.6 points per game and won his second straight scoring title.The jersey was originally sold by Upper Deck Authenticated for just $10,875 shortly after the game. Nearly two decades later, the market has undergone a dramatic shift. Bryant’s memorabilia surged in demand following his passing in 2020, with Sotheby’s recently selling his NBA debut jersey for over $7 million. This first No. 24 jersey, signed and inscribed “First 24,” is now expected to cross the million-dollar threshold.The Gretzky and Bryant jerseys will headline Sotheby’s Sports Week on September 30. Gretzky’s will be sold in a dedicated event titled The Great One at 6 PM ET, followed by Bryant’s in Legends of Sport at 6:15. Both pieces will be displayed at Sotheby’s New York galleries beginning September 20.The wider program includes sneakers worn by Lionel Messi and Serena Williams, as well as Shohei Ohtani’s 47th home run ball from his 2024 season. Bidding for other collectibles will run online from September 12 to 25.For collectors, these jerseys go beyond fabric and stitching. They capture moments that shaped two careers: Gretzky closing hockey’s greatest chapter, and Bryant beginning the second half of his Lakers legacy.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumor: Will Rasmus Andersson spark a defensive shake-up this season?