1973–74 Wilt Chamberlain San Diego Conquistadors Team-Issued Jersey (MEARS A10), Warm-Up Jacket & Shorts - Historic ABA Collection

An extraordinary collection of three original 1973–74 San Diego Conquistadors basketball garments issued to legendary Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain, highlighted by his gold No. 13 jersey authenticated and graded MEARS A10, the highest grade on the MEARS jersey authentication scale. Accompanied by a matching team-issued warm-up jacket and basketball shorts, both independently authenticated by MEARS, this remarkable ensemble represents a rare surviving connection to one of the most unusual chapters in professional basketball history.

One of basketball's greatest legends, Chamberlain was a four-time NBA MVP, two-time NBA champion, and 13-time All-Star, famously scoring 100 points in a single game in 1962. Following his final NBA season in 1972–73, Chamberlain joined the ABA's San Diego Conquistadors as a player-coach. However, a contractual dispute with the Los Angeles Lakers prevented him from playing regular-season games, and he ultimately served as San Diego's head coach during the 1973–74 campaign.

The collection includes the following three garments:

No. 13 San Diego Conquistadors Jersey – MEARS A10

A gold sleeveless basketball jersey featuring "SAN DIEGO" across the chest and Chamberlain's No. 13 in white lettering outlined in red. The reverse displays "CHAMBERLAIN" above a matching No. 13. Features red-and-white trim around the collar and arm openings, a Rawlings manufacturer's label (size 46), and a Stanley Andrews Sports Outfitters label from San Diego, California.

San Diego Conquistadors Warm-Up Jacket – MEARS Authentic

A gold short-sleeved, full-zip warm-up jacket featuring "SAN DIEGO" across the chest and a personalized "WILT" nameplate on the reverse. Features coordinating striped trim and a Rawlings manufacturer's label (size 44). MEARS confirmed its period manufacturing characteristics and photo-style match.

San Diego Conquistadors Basketball Shorts – MEARS Authentic

White basketball shorts featuring a red elastic waistband with gold striping and coordinating red-and-gold trim. Retains a Rawlings "Action Tailored" manufacturer's label (size 38). MEARS confirmed the period manufacturing characteristics and photo-style match.

Provenance
The collection has been consigned by the family of Ruth Ackerman, whose aunt, Elaine Hutton, was related to Sy Goldberg, Wilt Chamberlain's longtime agent and adviser. The garments have been preserved within the family and are accompanied by family provenance connecting the collection to Goldberg.

The accompanying photographs include a personal poem written by Chamberlain to Goldberg, further illustrating their longstanding relationship.

Authentication
All three garments were physically examined by MEARS Evaluations on October 22, 2026, and are accompanied by individual Letters of Opinion:

Jersey: MEARS A10 – Certification No. 324631
Warm-Up Jacket: MEARS Authentic – Certification No. 324633
Shorts: MEARS Authentic – Certification No. 324632

All three garments have been authenticated as original 1973–74 San Diego Conquistadors team-issued examples. 

Condition
The garments present well overall, retaining vibrant gold, red, and white colours, period lettering, and original manufacturer's labels. Minor surface marks, fabric creasing, and signs of age and handling are visible. Please refer to the photographs and accompanying MEARS documentation for complete condition details.

Details
Player: Wilt Chamberlain
Team: San Diego Conquistadors
League: American Basketball Association (ABA)
Era: 1973–74
Jersey: Gold No. 13 – Rawlings Size 46 – MEARS A10
Warm-Up Jacket: Gold with "WILT" Nameplate – Rawlings Size 44 – MEARS Authentic
Shorts: White with Red & Gold Trim – Rawlings Size 38 – MEARS Authentic
Provenance: Elaine Hutton Estate / Ruth Ackerman Family Collection / Sy Goldberg Family Connection
Authentication: Three MEARS Letters of Opinion
Quantity: 3 Garments – Jersey, Shorts & Warm-Up Jacket