Victor Wembanyama, the rising star in the NBA, has stunned the basketball world once again. The French rookie’s jersey from his first regular-season game recently sold for an eye-popping $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. This staggering 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 set by a Kobe Bryant rookie jersey, which fetched $3.6 million in 2021.
Wembanyama’s debut jersey, a white San Antonio Spurs uniform, attracted a staggering 62 bids during the auction. The bidding frenzy intensified in the final minutes, pushing the price to unprecedented heights. Standing at an impressive 7’4″, Wembanyama has already made a significant impact in his young NBA career. This season, he is averaging an impressive 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
This sale follows another notable auction where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s recent partnership with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner was off to a remarkable start with this auction. In addition to Wembanyama’s jersey, nearly 60 other jerseys were sold, resulting in a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The event attracted 176 bidders from 14 countries, underlining the global appeal of NBA memorabilia.
In contrast to Wembanyama’s exceptional sale, jerseys worn by other notable NBA players during their season openers fetched more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey fetched $50,820, while Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo sold for $25,400, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s for $17,780, Steph Curry’s for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s for $8,890. Despite their impressive performances on the court, Wembanyama’s debut jersey clearly outshone them all in terms of auction value.
The astronomical price of Wembanyama’s debut jersey not only reflects his rising stardom but also highlights the growing interest in NBA memorabilia. Collectors and fans alike are willing to pay exorbitant sums to own a piece of basketball history. It is a testament to the impact Wembanyama has already made in the league, despite being only 19 years old.
As Wembanyama continues to excel on the court, his jerseys are likely to become even more sought after. Basketball enthusiasts and collectors will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on any future auctions featuring memorabilia associated with this sensational rookie. With each game, Wembanyama’s legacy grows, solidifying his place among basketball’s brightest stars.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s NBA rookie debut jersey has shattered expectations by selling for an astounding $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. This sale not only establishes Wembanyama as a rising star in the NBA but also highlights the growing appeal of basketball memorabilia. As his career unfolds, his jerseys are set to become even more coveted by collectors and fans, reaffirming his status as an impressive force in the basketball world.