Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy, has taken the basketball card market by storm. With collectors eagerly awaiting the release of his cards, the market has seen a surge in activity, fueled by a competition between two card manufacturing giants striving to distribute his highly coveted cards.
Since the release of his first card last spring, Victor Wembanyama’s popularity has skyrocketed. On eBay alone, over 62,000 of his cards have been sold, amassing a staggering $6.3 million in sales. What’s even more impressive is that eighteen of these cards have fetched prices exceeding $10,000 each. In the last month, coinciding with his NBA debut, over 27,000 cards have been sold, resulting in a total of over $2.6 million in sales.
Among the notable sales is a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which sold for an impressive $20,000 in August. Another standout sale featured a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to just 50 copies, which fetched an astounding $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. Often compared to the likes of LeBron James, Wembanyama started his professional career in France at the age of 15. His exceptional skills, such as shot-blocking, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have captured the attention of fans and scouts alike. During his time with the G League’s Ignite team, he showcased his NBA-ready talents, scoring an impressive 73 points across two games. Following his success with Metropolitans 92, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s playing style is a unique blend of old-school and modern basketball. With dominant interior presence and impressive three-point shooting, he poses a challenge for opponents. His advanced basketball IQ, superior game-reading skills, and calm decision-making under pressure further highlight his on-court prowess. Accomplishments such as recording 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks in a game put him in esteemed company alongside players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While collectors eagerly await the release of a rookie card featuring Wembanyama in a Spurs jersey, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards remain in high demand.
Among his top cards, the 2022 Bowman University Inception is highly sought after, especially his autograph, which is a redemption card. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome features Wembanyama’s first base card and chrome autograph, despite a somewhat disappointing finish. These cards carry added value due to their “1st Bowman” designation. The 2022 Bowman University Best offers a more accessible base card as well as Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have included Wembanyama in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture significant moments in his career, such as his draft day and throwing the opening pitch at a Yankees game. On the other hand, Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. The 2023 collection of Allen & Ginter features Wembanyama with base cards, parallels, and autographs, and prices remain relatively affordable due to their high availability.
The arrival of Victor Wembanyama has brought a newfound energy and excitement to the basketball card market. With collectors scrambling to acquire his cards and prices soaring, it’s clear that the “Wemby effect” has taken hold. As his career unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how his cards continue to impact and invigorate the market.