Victor Wembanyama, the promising French rookie, continues to make waves in the NBA. In a stunning turn of events, his jersey from his first regular-season game with the San Antonio Spurs fetched an astonishing $762,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction. This amount far exceeded the initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 and stands as one of the highest sums ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey. However, it falls short of the record-breaking $3.6 million achieved by a Kobe Bryant jersey sold in 2021.
The jersey in question was worn by Wembanyama, a towering 7’4″ player, during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25. The bidding for this coveted white jersey quickly escalated with 62 bids pouring in. As the auction drew to a close, an intense flurry of activity propelled the final selling price to unprecedented heights. It is evident that Wembanyama’s immense talent and potential have captivated the interest and desire of avid collectors.
At just 19 years old, Wembanyama has already begun to make his mark on the court. This season, he has been impressing fans and analysts alike with his impressive statistics, averaging 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. His swift rise to prominence has made him one of the most sought-after young players in the league.
This recent auction follows another notable sale where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut fetched $62,000. Sotheby’s, in their capacity as the official game-worn jersey partner of the NBA, collaborated to organize this auction. In addition to Wembanyama’s jersey, nearly 60 other jerseys were sold, resulting in a total revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The event garnered significant attention, attracting a staggering 176 bidders from 14 different countries.
While Wembanyama’s jersey commanded an extraordinary price, other NBA players’ jerseys from their season openers garnered more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey sold for $50,820, showcasing his enduring popularity. Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480, reflecting his consistently impressive skills on the court. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo commanded $25,400, while the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s sold for $17,780. Steph Curry’s jersey, a favorite among fans, fetched $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s sold for $8,890.
Victor Wembanyama’s soaring reputation continues to captivate the basketball world, as evidenced by the remarkable prices his jerseys are fetching at auction. With his exceptional talent and potential, it is clear that Wembanyama’s journey in the NBA has only just begun, and fans and collectors alike eagerly anticipate his future accomplishments on and off the court.
