The man who bought a highly sought-after multimillion-dollar case of hockey cards now says he doesn’t want them anymore.
CBC confirmed that Ontario-based real estate agent Jack Arshawsky won the auction for a case containing thousands of unopened 1979-1980 O-Pee-Chee brand hockey cards — the set that contains Wayne Gretzky’s rookie card — for $3.72 million US.
However, Arshawsky says he has not paid the full amount for the cards yet, so they remain in the auction house’s “vault.”
The box of unopened hockey cards was found in a Saskatchewan family’s attic. American-based auction house Heritage Auctions, which ran the sale, estimated there could be as many as 25 to 27 Gretzky rookie cards in the case.
A single rookie Gretzky card has previously sold at auction for $3.75 million US.
Online bidding for the cards went into “extended bidding time,” dragging into the early morning, according to Arshawsky.
He said he chugged four Red Bull energy drinks to keep him “focused and sharp” in order to continue bidding competitively.
“I actually have one of Wayne Gretzky’s 1979 rookie cards myself, right, and that’s what piqued my interest when I heard about the auction coming up,” Arshawsky said.
But now he’s not so sure he is the best person to possess the cards, he said.
Buyer’s remorse?
Arshawsky said the spark just isn’t there for him when it comes to card collecting.
“I’m not so passionate about it as I’ve seen, like, other people in the sports collecting world, like how they’re so into it, and it’s like their lives kind of revolve around it,” said Arshawsky.
He said he’s reached out to the likes of Canadian rapper Drake, NHL team owners and Wayne Gretzky’s family to see if they might want to own the cards.
He even floated the idea of gifting the cards to his “true soulmate,” who he met in his childhood.
Arshawsky said his feelings about the purchase changed after hearing an interview with a Heritage Auction executive talking about the bidder who came in second place.
The executive in the interview “explained that the runner-up bidder was, like, very disappointed that he missed out on winning the bid, and really, that caused me to have … empathy for him,” said Arshawsky.
“I realize that there are others out there that are much more passionate about this. I started a journey, I guess, to find, I think, what would be a better home for these cards.”
720K not paid yet
In the last stretch of the bidding action there were about 15 unique bidders, according to the auction house. It then whittled down to two candidates, who cranked the final price to $3.72 million US, with Arshawsky winning. He said he has paid $3 million, leaving $720,000 remaining unpaid.
Arshawsky said he believes the safest place for the cards is “in their vault in Texas” — referring to where Heritage Auctions is based out of.
“When I finalize what the final destination for these cards will be, [I] will make arrangements for them to be transferred.”
Heritage Auctions said in an emailed statement that it does not provide secure storage indefinitely for items after an auction occurs. Heritage also said the time that buyers have to complete a payment “varies depending on circumstances,” but that “there are no limitations” on how soon Heritage could auction the same item again.
Situation is ‘bizarre’: expert
Ryan Haynee, the owner of Queen City Sports Cards in Regina, said it sounds like Arshawsky “bit off maybe more than he can chew.”
He said the situation is a little “bizarre” and this is not normal for a transaction of this magnitude.
“It’s definitely unusual and I would say, you know, majority of the time 100 per cent is paid before anything’s released.”
Profit is unlikely in the short-term, according to Haynee, but he said that if the buyer is looking to recoup some of the money, he could potentially open the unopened case — likely the only one in the world — and sell off the 16 individual boxes inside to potentially turn a profit.
Hanyee said he sees a possible outcome where the auction house reimburses Arshawsky and re-auctions the case.
Rich Mueller, an editor at Sports Collectors Daily and an expert in sports cards, agreed this is unusual.
“This is the first time that a high profile item like this, that I can remember, has sold … and the item is kind of in limbo,” he said.
Mueller added that auction houses never want this type of situation for any amount of money.
“They don’t want to have to, you know, put the item back up for sale again,” he said. “That’s not what they’re in the business to doing and the consignor wants to get paid.”
Mueller said there is usually legal language in the contracts that people agree to in order to bid, binding them to pay for an item regardless of what the the price is.
He said depending on what happens, Heritage may take legal action in the future, or they could decide the legal fees are not worth it and try to find another buyer.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
