Christie’s has split up the late Jim Irsay’s famous pop-culture collection and is selling it across multiple auctions in New York City. Bidding runs online from March 3–17, 2026, with three live sales happening on March 12, 13, and 14.
According to Christie’s, the items will also be available to see in a free public exhibition at 20 Rockefeller Plaza from March 6–12, 2026.
ESPN reported that Christie’s pre-auction estimates for the March sales will approach $40 million. Amazingly, Irsay once said he turned down a $1.15 billion offer for the collection as a whole because it was priceless to him.
Who was Jim Irsay?
Jim Irsay was the owner of the Indianapolis Colts between 1997 and 2025. He died at the age of 65 on May 21, 2025. According to Reuters, he died peacefully in his sleep.
Irsay made most of his money through the family’s NFL ownership. He inherited control of the Colts after his father, Robert Irsay died. It was via this inheritance that he became a billionaire.
Robert Irsay’s wealth came from building a successful heating and air-conditioning business, enabling him to buy into pro football. As the franchise’s value increased, so did the Irsay’s fortune.
Outside of football, Jim Irsay was known for collecting famous pop culture items. Christie’s has stated that a portion of the sales processed will go to causes he supported.
What’s up for sale?
The auction has countless legendary items, including The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr’s first Ludwig drum kit, which is estimated to sell for between $1 million and $2 million.
Other related items include John Lennon’s 1963 Gretsch, which is estimated at $600,000 to $800,000, and George Harrison’s stage-played Gibson SG Standard, estimated at $800,000 to $1.2 million.
Also going up for sale is Sylvester Stallone’s handwritten Rocky script notebook, with Christie’s estimating the item to be worth $200,000 to $400,000.
The auction includes 44 lots. Another movie prop is a screen-used Wilson volleyball from the Tom Hanks-starring Cast Away. This is estimated at $60,000 to $80,000.
It’s not all music– and movie-related items, there is also sports memorabilia, including a Jackie Robinson bat used during the 1953 season. This is estimated at $250,000 to $350,000.
For potential bidders
Whether bidding on items at Christie’s or any other auction, consider the following:
- Always register as early as possible, as waiting until sale days may impact your ability to bid.
- Don’t go on gut, read the lot pages and the fine print. Make sure you understand the provenance and know what guarantees you get with the purchase.
- If spending big, always ask for a condition report if you can’t attend a viewing in person.
- You’re not just paying the sale price, remember you need to cover the buyer’s premium, tax, and shipping.
- Always set yourself a hard ceiling for what you want to spend. Don’t get caught up in a bidding war because it’s guaranteed to lead to overspending.
Whether you just want to see these historic items first-hand, or want to eyeball some of the pieces before bidding, this auction is one everyone should check out.