OHANIAN’S ALL-OUT QUEST FOR HIS WIFE SERENA WILLIAMS’ MEMORABILIA 2024
OHANIAN’S ALL-OUT QUEST FOR HIS WIFE SERENA WILLIAMS’ MEMORABILIA 2024 - Alexis Ohanian is a multifaceted individual, known for his ventures in business, venture capitalism, and sports team ownership. Beyond his professional pursuits, he's also a fervent sports memorabilia enthusiast and the spouse of tennis luminary Serena Williams. Over time, Ohanian has embarked on a mission to amass an extensive collection of his wife's rarest trading cards and memorabilia.
His dedication to this endeavor is evident in the staggering number of items he submitted to the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), totaling more than 7,000. Remarkably, over 3,000 of these items constitute what PSA has dubbed "The Serena Collection," earning the prestigious Pedigree distinction reserved for private collections of the most notable athletes.
Ohanian's journey into the world of sports memorabilia began with a revelation from a friend in 2019, who boldly proclaimed that "cards are back." Intrigued, Ohanian delved into eBay searches, initially questioning the existence of tennis cards. To his surprise, he discovered that Serena's cards were undervalued compared to those of Anna Kournikova, despite their vast differences in career achievements.
While Serena boasts an impressive tally of 73 career titles and 23 Grand Slam victories, Kournikova's record remains devoid of such accolades. This stark discrepancy intrigued Ohanian, not only as a husband but also as an investor. He was struck by the inefficiency of the market and felt compelled to rectify it.
His motivation extended beyond financial gain, encompassing a sense of responsibility toward preserving these undervalued cards. Viewing them as both a testament to Serena's legacy and a symbol of his devotion, Ohanian expressed his desire to secure these items not only for himself but also for future generations.
To aid him in his pursuit, Ohanian enlisted the assistance of Alt, a tech-driven sports card marketplace. Forming a bond with Business Operations Manager Chris Jackson, the two embarked on an all-encompassing treasure hunt. Ohanian's fervor for the task was palpable, as he tirelessly scoured the market for Serena's rarest cards.
Despite his demanding schedule and high-profile engagements, Ohanian remained committed to his quest. Whether bidding on cards during the Robin Hood NYC event or texting Jackson from the Met Gala, his dedication knew no bounds. His collection grew exponentially, rivaling any gathering of sports memorabilia.
Ultimately, Ohanian's passion for collecting Serena's cards transcended mere hobbyism, embodying a profound admiration for his wife's achievements and a desire to preserve her legacy for generations to come.