Late Colts Owner Jim Irsay's Memorabilia Fetches Record Prices at Auction

Irsay's collection of iconic sports and music items generated over $93 million, far exceeding pre-auction estimates.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:36am

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The late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay's extensive collection of sports memorabilia and music items was auctioned off at Christie's, generating over $93 million in sales - far exceeding the pre-auction estimate of $40 million. The collection included items like Secretariat's 1973 Triple Crown saddle, Wayne Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers jersey, and one of Jackie Robinson's bats, all of which set new auction records.

Why it matters

Irsay was known for his passion for collecting iconic sports and music memorabilia, and the record-breaking auction results demonstrate the immense value and cultural significance of these rare and historic items. The auction proceeds will also benefit the philanthropic causes that Irsay championed during his lifetime.

The details

Irsay's collection, which was offered in a live online auction at Christie's over three days, included a wide range of coveted sports and music items. The saddle used by Secretariat during his 1973 Triple Crown victory sold for a record $1.524 million, while Wayne Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers jersey from when he scored his 500th NHL goal fetched $952,500. One of Jackie Robinson's bats from the 1953 season also brought in $406,400. In addition, a Pink Floyd guitar played by David Gilmour on six of the band's albums became the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction.

  • The auction took place from Thursday, March 13 to Saturday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Jim Irsay

The late owner of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team, known for his extensive collection of iconic sports and music memorabilia.

Christie's

The art and luxury auction house that hosted the live online auction of Irsay's memorabilia collection.

Secretariat

The legendary racehorse that won the Triple Crown in 1973, with his saddle from that historic achievement selling for a record price.

Wayne Gretzky

The NHL legend whose Edmonton Oilers jersey from when he scored his 500th goal sold for nearly $1 million.

Jackie Robinson

The pioneering baseball player whose bat from the 1953 season was part of Irsay's collection and sold at auction.

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What they’re saying

“The Irsay sale did justice to the brilliance of the collector and of the monumental pieces he brought together, iconic objects that tell the story of our culture and our times.”

— Julien Pradels, President of Christie's Americas (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Irsay's collection will be donated to the philanthropic causes the late NFL owner championed during his lifetime.

The takeaway

The record-breaking auction results for Jim Irsay's memorabilia collection demonstrate the immense value and cultural significance of rare and historic sports and music artifacts. The auction's success also highlights Irsay's passion for preserving and sharing these iconic items with the public.