Summary (tl;dr)

A Portland teenager's $3 Goodwill find—a rare Wilt Chamberlain Los Angeles Lakers warm-up jacket—is now headed to auction at Sotheby's, where it is expected to sell for a quarter of a million dollars.

Essential Background

In January, Portland teenager Quinn Brown purchased a vintage Los Angeles Lakers warm-up jacket from a local Goodwill Outlet for just $3.07. Despite the low price, Brown suspected the jacket might be an authentic piece of sports history due to its worn appearance and distinctive stitch patterns, prompting him to conduct further online research and seek professional authentication.

The Full Story

Brown's instincts proved correct. After initial online sleuthing, the gold-and-purple short-sleeved jacket was professionally authenticated by Sotheby's, confirming it was worn by NBA star Wilt Chamberlain, including during the 1972 NBA Finals. The jacket is now slated for auction at Sotheby's New York, with bidding commencing on July 1, 2026, and concluding on July 20, 2026. It is projected to fetch a significant sum, potentially up to $250,000. Brown, a 19-year-old Lincoln High School graduate, plans to invest the proceeds from the auction.

Why It Matters

This story has captivated the public, highlighting the incredible potential for valuable discoveries within second-hand markets like Goodwill. It underscores the booming interest and significant financial value in authenticated sports memorabilia. The find serves as an inspiring example for thrifters and collectors, demonstrating how a keen eye and research can transform a minimal investment into a life-changing windfall.

Geographic Location

• Portland area, Oregon, United States (where Quinn Brown found the jacket at a Goodwill Outlet)
• New York City, New York, United States (where the jacket is being auctioned at Sotheby's)