From Dallaglio’s medals to Cantona’s shorts, sporting memorabilia is big business | Emma John
Like transfer fees and ticket prices, mementoes are one more marker of sport’s rampant self-inflation The auctioneer cradled his gavel in his palm like a pipe, the handle pointing towards him. It gave his patter the air of a Victorian gentleman holding forth by the mantelpiece in a period drama. “Are you bidding, Wilf? You’re waving at me.” Under the hammer was a Barclays Manager of the Month…
Sport's rising inflation is reflected in the soaring prices of sports memorabilia, auction houses have found. Auctioneer David Convery leads an auction in London packed with 332 lots, including items once owned by famous athletes. Despite managing auctions with twice as many items, Convery maintains his enthusiasm, pausing for occasional water breaks.
Sporting collectibles have never seen a more robust business environment than now. Examples of staggering sales include Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which surpassed £10 million – an amount equivalent to purchasing a Mayfair townhouse. A closer look at Budds auction house's catalog reveals items once belonging to Lawrence Dallaglio, the ex-England rugby union captain.
Dallaglio, now bankrupt, is auctioning off his prized possessions. Among the items, a tankard set sold for £1,600, a World Cup winner's medal clocked £54,000, and England and Lions caps with individual numbers drew high bids. Other notable items included Eric Cantona's shorts, Harry Kane shirts, and Paul Stirling's Ireland T20 shirt, which fetched more than a pair of gloves worn by wicketkeeper Godfrey Evans.
The market for sports memorabilia has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, propelled by globalization and the internet. The most iconic soccer shirts are now sought after by billionaires as valuable investments, akin to art pieces. Today, a Babe Ruth jersey from the 1932 World Series, which fetched over £18 million in 2024, remains the most expensive sports memorabilia item ever sold.
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