Curry Sneaker Auction Raises $1.7 Million

Stephen Curry's game-worn sneakers drew 400 bidders from nearly 30 countries at Sotheby's New York, with all proceeds going to Eat, Learn & Play.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a single high-top basketball sneaker arcing above a hardwood court, trailing gold paint. — Stephen Curry's game-worn sneakers sold for $1.7 million at Sotheby's New York, with all proceeds going to the Eat, Learn & Play foundation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Stephen Curry auctioned more than 70 sneakers at Sotheby's New York, raising $1.7 million for Eat, Learn & Play. The sale drew 400 bidders from nearly 30 countries who placed 2,350 bids.

Why it matters

The auction follows Curry's decision to end his Under Armour partnership last year, placing him among the most sought-after athletes in sneaker free agency. His 10-year, $400 million contract with Li-Ning underscores the value brands assign to his endorsement.

The auction sold 81 pairs of game-worn and warm-up sneakers, with 2,350 bids placed by 400 bidders from nearly 30 countries. Curry's Li-Ning deal is worth $400 million over 10 years.

The players

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is a Golden State Warriors guard and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player widely recognized as one of the league's most influential athletes and sneaker endorsers.

Eat, Learn & Play

Eat, Learn & Play is a foundation founded by Stephen Curry that provides nutrition, education and recreation programs for children in Oakland, California.

Sotheby's

Sotheby's is a global auction house headquartered in New York that is known for selling art, collectibles and high-profile sports memorabilia.

The details

Curry put more than 70 sneakers up for auction through Sotheby's New York, with every dollar of the proceeds directed to Eat, Learn & Play, the foundation serving kids in Oakland. The sale was held alongside news of Curry's new Li-Ning contract and a holiday romance movie released by his wife, Ayesha Curry.

Last year: Curry ended his partnership with Under Armour.
Earlier this year: Curry announced the sneaker auction.
A few weeks ago: Eat, Learn & Play announced the $1.7 million raised.

Roadmap

Athlete-driven sneaker sales have grown in value since Michael Jordan's 1984 Air Jordan deal with Nike set the template for star endorsements. Curry's auction and Li-Ning contract show how top players now monetize their footwear both commercially and philanthropically.

Curry's move to Li-Ning affects which shoes fans can buy in the future, and his Under Armour exit reshapes the brand landscape for basketball footwear. Readers following Curry's on-court style should watch for new signature releases under the Li-Ning deal.

The takeaway

Star athletes can now generate substantial charitable funds through their personal inventory, not just brand contracts. Fans interested in supporting similar causes can look at how these auctions direct proceeds to community programs.