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Jim Irsay collected numerous pieces of iconic sports memorabilia during his lifetime.
The late Indianapolis Colts owner’s collection was offered in a live online auction at Christie’s, an art and luxury auction house. From Thursday to Saturday, the collection generated more than $93 million at auction, far exceeding its pre-auction estimate of $40 million.
Aside from the coveted pieces of music, the sports-themed items in Irsay’s collection that were sold at auction included Secretariat’s 1973 Triple Crown saddle, Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers jersey worn when he scored his NHL-record 500th goal and one of Jackie Robinson’s 53-game 19’s.
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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks to fans during Dwight Freeney’s induction into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor at Lucas Oil Stadium November 10, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The saddle commanded a record price for horse racing items of $1.524 million, the Oilers’ jersey drew $952,500 and Robinson’s bat brought in $406,400.
“The Irsay sale did justice to the brilliance of the collector and the monumental pieces he brought together, iconic objects that tell the story of our culture and our time,” Julien Pradels, president of Christie’s Americas, said in a statement.
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“The Irsay collection is exceptional, but Christie’s will have other fantastic sales in the space going forward.”
Owner Jim Irsay of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 26, 2014 in Pittsburgh. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The auction of Irsay’s memorabilia set 23 world records, including a Pink Floyd guitar that became the most expensive ever sold at auction. Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour played the black Fender Stratocaster on six of the band’s albums.
Late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is memorialized in a roller coaster in front of Lucas Oil Stadium on June 3, 2025. (Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Irsay’s collection will be donated to the philanthropic causes that the late NFL owner championed during his lifetime, according to Christie’s.
The FBI launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Irsay’s death, including a possible connection to his relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, an addiction specialist based in California, who allegedly prescribed him pain pills and ketamine.
