Sotheby’s auctions Curry’s sneaker free-agency haul for charity

When Stephen Curry parted ways with Under Armour in November 2025, ending a partnership of more than a decade that had made him one of basketball’s most valuable endorsement properties, the sneaker industry waited to see what would come next. The split was mutual and immediate, with Curry retaining sole ownership of Curry Brand and the freedom to seek a new retail partner.

What followed was something without modern precedent: a marquee NBA player wearing any shoe he chose, game after game, in front of a global audience.

Curry treated the unsponsored stretch not as a commercial gap but as a platform. Every pair carried intent. From retro Air Jordans worn on tunnel walks to a custom NikeSabrina 3 chosen in tribute to WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, each selection sparked its own media cycle. Brands across every tier — Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Reebok, Li-Ning, Anta, New Balance, Puma, AND1, DaDa Supreme, On and Hoka among them — appeared on his feet at different points across the season.

70+ pairs, one auction, a foundation at the centre

That collection is now heading to the auction block. Sotheby’s confirmed it will sell more than 70 pairs from Curry’s free-agency period, with online bidding running from April 13 to 28. All proceeds will benefit the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, the Oakland-based charity co-founded by Curry and his wife Ayesha Curry that works to expand children’s access to nutrition, literacy and safe recreational spaces.

Among the headline lots:

• the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita” — a colourway honouring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, developed with Vanessa Bryant and worn by Curry the day after his free-agency announcement;
• the Nike Sabrina 3 in a custom “By You” colourway, personalised with his number 30, initials WSC and his personal mantra, worn against the New York Knicks while Ionescu was in attendance;
• and the Adidas AE 1 Low “Gold Medal” PE, made for Anthony Edwards after his 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal and worn by Curry — team captain — during All-Star Saturday.

Curry said:

“I’ve always believed that every pair of sneakers tells a story. This collection really captures a unique chapter for me during my sneaker free agency this season. From the tunnel walks to the on-court warm-ups to the games across the country, I was excited to spend this time shining a light on players over the years who have left their mark on the sneaker game.”

Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectables Brahm Wachter put it in terms of cultural weight: “No player of that magnitude has navigated sneaker free agency under this kind of global spotlight, where every decision is seen, shared, and interpreted in real time.” So this free-agency global reality show is reaching a happy ending, and will probably produce another global show during the auction.