Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy, has become a hot commodity in the basketball card market. Ever since his initial card release last spring, collectors have been clamoring to get their hands on any Wembanyama memorabilia. The demand for his cards has been so intense that eBay has witnessed the sale of over 62,000 Wembanyama cards, totaling an astounding $6.3 million in sales. Surprisingly, some cards have been sold for upwards of $10,000 each. In the past month alone, over 27,000 cards have been sold, amounting to over $2.6 million.
One noteworthy sale includes the auctioning of one of five Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption cards from the 2022-23 season. This card fetched an impressive $20,000 in August. Another notable sale involved a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from the 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, which sold for $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. Often compared to legendary player LeBron James, Wembanyama began his professional career in France at the tender age of 15. His exceptional skills, including shot-blocking, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have garnered attention from fans and scouts alike. During his stint with the Metropolitans 92, he displayed his NBA-ready talents against the G League’s Ignite team, scoring an impressive 73 points across two games. This performance, coupled with his undeniable potential, led to his selection by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA draft.
Wembanyama’s style of play is a captivating mix of old-school skills and modern finesse. His dominance in the paint and ability to shoot from beyond the arc create a formidable challenge for opponents. His basketball IQ, game-reading abilities, and decision-making under pressure further enhance his on-court presence. With records like posting 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks in a game, he has solidified his place among elite players such as Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
Although a rookie card featuring Wemby in a Spurs jersey is yet to be released, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards are in high demand among collectors.
Let’s take a look at some of his top cards. The 2022 Bowman University Inception stands out, especially his autograph, which is a highly sought-after redemption. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers Wembanyama’s first base card and chrome autograph, despite a somewhat lackluster finish. These cards hold value due to their “1st Bowman” tag. The 2022 Bowman University Best features a more accessible base card and marks Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have capitalized on Wembanyama’s popularity with limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture significant moments in his career, such as draft day and a pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant features him in his Spurs attire. Additionally, the Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes Wembanyama’s base cards, parallels, and autographs, with the prices remaining relatively affordable due to their high availability.
As Victor Wembanyama’s career continues to unfold, the demand for his cards shows no signs of slowing down. With collectors eagerly awaiting the release of his rookie card in a Spurs jersey and the competition between manufacturers heating up, the basketball card market is truly energized by Wembanyama’s arrival.
