Victor Wembanyama’s rise in the world of basketball has not only captivated fans and scouts but also sent shockwaves through the collectible card market. As his career continues to unfold, collectors are eagerly awaiting the release of his cards, causing a surge in both draft products and on-demand printing. Adding to the excitement is the heated competition between two card manufacturing giants vying to distribute Wembanyama’s highly sought-after cards.
The 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy has triggered a collector’s gold rush, with enthusiasts scrambling to acquire any piece of Wemby memorabilia they can find. Since the initial release of his cards last spring, eBay has witnessed a staggering 62,000 Wembanyama cards being sold, amounting to an eye-popping $6.3 million in sales. Remarkably, eighteen of these cards have fetched prices exceeding $10,000 each. In the past month alone, coinciding with his NBA debut, over 27,000 cards have been sold, totaling over $2.6 million.
Among the notable sales is the auction of one of five Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption cards from the 2022-23 season, which commanded an impressive $20,000 in August. Another standout sale was the PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50, which sold for an impressive $15,850.
Wembanyama’s meteoric rise over the past two years has drawn comparisons to basketball superstar LeBron James. Starting his professional career at the age of 15 in France, Wembanyama’s exceptional skills, including shot-blocking, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have made him the talk of fans and scouts alike. His abilities were on full display during his time with the G League’s Ignite team, where he scored an impressive 73 points across two games. Following his tenure with Metropolitans 92, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s style of play embodies a blend of old-school and modern basketball. His dominance in the interior coupled with his three-point shooting creates a challenging dynamic for opponents. His advanced basketball IQ, game-reading skills, and ability to make crucial decisions under pressure further enhance his on-court presence. With a record of scoring 35+ points, grabbing 10+ rebounds, and blocking 2+ shots in a game, Wembanyama finds himself in the company of elite players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While a rookie card featuring Wemby in a Spurs jersey is still pending, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards remain in high demand.
Taking a closer look at his top cards, the 2022 Bowman University Inception stands out with its highly prized autograph redemption. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers collectors his first base card and chrome autograph. Despite a lackluster finish, these cards hold value due to their “1st Bowman” tag. The more accessible 2022 Bowman University Best provides a base card and Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
In addition to these releases, Topps Now and Panini Instant have both featured Wembanyama in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture special moments such as his draft day and his pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him sporting the Spurs attire. Furthermore, Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes Wembanyama with base cards, parallels, and autographs, which maintain affordability due to their high availability.
The arrival of Victor Wembanyama in the basketball world has not only excited fans and scouts but has also energized the collectible card market. With his impressive skills and promising career ahead, collectors are scrambling to acquire his cards, boosting the market and fueling intense competition between card manufacturers. The demand for Wemby memorabilia has reached unprecedented levels, with sales soaring into the millions and collectors eagerly awaiting the release of his coveted cards.
