Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ Ball Headlines $10 Million Display at National Sports Collectors Convention

The 46th National Sports Collectors Convention opened its doors Thursday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, drawing thousands of collectors, dealers and sports fans to what organizers call the world’s largest gathering of sports memorabilia enthusiasts. The event, which runs through the weekend, occupies 500,000 square feet of floor space and features more than 600 dealers from across the country.

Among the most talked-about displays is the actual ball used by Diego Maradona to score the “Hand of God” goal — and the subsequent “Goal of the Century” — during Argentina’s 1986 World Cup quarterfinal win over England. The ball is being shown by Heritage Auctions, which values it at $10 million. As of Thursday, the auction had drawn a bid of approximately $3 million with more than three weeks remaining.

Por que importa

The Maradona Ball: A $10 Million Piece of World Cup History
The ball’s presence at the convention underscores the surging value of iconic sports memorabilia. Maradona’s jersey from the same match sold for $9.28 million in 2022, the highest price ever paid for a soccer jersey in a public auction. The ball itself is tied to two of the most famous goals in soccer history — the controversial handball and the dazzling solo run that followed. Heritage Auctions representatives said the ball is one of the most unique items ever brought to the National.

The auction house is accepting bids both on-site and online. The final price will be closely watched by collectors and historians, as it could set a new benchmark for game-used soccer items.

Contexto

A Gathering of Over 100,000 Collectors
Last year’s National drew more than 100,000 attendees, and organizers expect this year’s edition to be even larger. The convention center’s layout allows for aisles of dealer tables, display cases, autograph sessions and live auctions. VIP credential holders gained entry an hour before the general public, which was admitted at 10 a.m. local time.

The Athletic’s senior writer Larry Holder and collectibles editors Brooks Peck and David Betancourt are on the floor providing live updates, videos and interviews. The publication’s dedicated Sports Memorabilia & Collectibles team regularly covers the hobby, and this year’s convention is the centerpiece of that coverage.

What to Know About the 2026 National
The convention began in 1980 with a few hobbyists setting up folding tables near a Los Angeles airport. It has since grown into an annual event that rotates among major U.S. cities. This year’s edition in Rosemont — a suburb of Chicago — offers a full schedule of panels, autograph signings and educational sessions for collectors of all levels.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Event | 46th National Sports Collectors Convention |
| Location | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois |
| Maradona ball value | $10 million (current bid ~$3 million) |
| Expected attendance | More than 100,000 |
| Dealers on site | Over 600 |

Why This Matters for Sports Fans
The National Sports Collectors Convention is more than a trade show — it is a barometer for the sports memorabilia market. The presence of a $10 million ball and the record crowds reflect how deeply sports history and collecting culture intersect. For fans, the convention offers a rare chance to see artifacts that define moments in sports history, from World Cup goals to championship rings. The Maradona ball, in particular, connects two generations of soccer fans: those who watched the 1986 match live and those who have only seen the replays.

Source: The Athletic — “The National 2026 live updates: Latest from today’s National Sports Collectors Convention outside Chicago” (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/national-sports-collectors-convention-2026-live-updates/z92yZbK0GoBf/)

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