Victor Wembanyama, the rising star on the NBA scene, has once again made headlines with the sale of his debut jersey at a jaw-dropping price of $762,000. This French rookie’s skyrocketing reputation has been further solidified, as his white jersey from his first regular-season game for the San Antonio Spurs became one of the highest-selling NBA rookie debut jerseys at an auction.
Initially estimated to sell for $80,000-$120,000, the bids for Wembanyama’s jersey quickly surpassed all expectations. The final sale price is now among the highest amounts ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey, only behind the record-breaking $3.6 million for a Kobe Bryant jersey sold in 2021.
The extraordinary jersey worn by the 7’4″ tall Wembanyama during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25 garnered a total of 62 bids. As the auction reached its climax, the bidding for this sought-after piece of sports memorabilia soared to astonishing heights. It’s worth noting that Wembanyama, at just 19 years old, is already showcasing impressive skills on the court, averaging an impressive 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game this season.
This recent sale follows another high-profile auction where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut was sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s, in its official partnership with the NBA as the game-worn jersey partner, started off with a bang, with this auction featuring the sale of approximately 60 other jerseys. The total revenue generated from the auction exceeded $1.2 million, attracting a whopping 176 bidders from 14 different countries.
In contrast to the staggering amount fetched by Wembanyama’s debut jersey, jerseys worn by other notable NBA players during their season openers garnered more modest prices. LeBron James’ jersey sold for $50,820, while Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey was acquired for $30,480. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo fetched $25,400, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s sold for $17,780, Steph Curry’s for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s for $8,890.
Wembanyama’s remarkable debut jersey sale yet again highlights the immense popularity and value associated with game-worn NBA memorabilia. As the market for sports collectibles continues to thrive, fans and collectors eagerly participate in auctions, setting new records and further establishing the importance of these iconic items.
With his exceptional talent and promising career, Victor Wembanyama’s early achievements have made him a highly coveted name in the basketball world. As fans and collectors eagerly anticipate his future milestones, the sale of his debut jersey serves as a testament to his rising star power and the remarkable market appeal surrounding his memorabilia.
