Basketball’s most accomplished athlete Bill Russell is auctioning off a large chunk of his sport’s memorabilia.
The 87-year-old announced the massive auction on Thursday, consisting of two of his eleven NBA championship rings that he won while playing with and coaching the Boston Celtics, his 1956 U.S. men’s basketball Olympic gold medal, photographs, jerseys, and many other items.
Hunt Auctions will conduct the auction, which is said to be valued in the multiple seven-figures. CEO David Hunt has been consulting with Russell for several years in preparation for the sale. The collection will finally go to a live auction in Boston later in 2021.
Part of the proceeds will go towards Russell’s MENTOR program and Boston Celtics United, the team’s social justice program.
Russell said that he will keep a few items for himself but wishes to share the bulk of his career collection with the world. Things he plans on saving include his Presidential Medal of Freedom given to him in 2011 by Barack Obama as well as a letter written to him from Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball.
Bill Russell began playing with the Boston Celtics in 1956. He won 11 championships, five MVP awards, and 12 NBA All-Star selections. Russell transformed from player to coach in 1966 and remained the coach until 1969. From 1973 to 1979, he coached the Seattle SuperSonics, which later became the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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