Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy, has breathed new life into the basketball card market. Collectors are in a frenzy to get their hands on any Wemby memorabilia, leading to a surge in sales and competition among card manufacturers.
Since the release of Wembanyama’s first card last spring, eBay has witnessed an astounding 62,000 Wembanyama cards being sold, totaling a staggering $6.3 million in sales. What’s even more impressive is that eighteen cards have fetched over $10,000 each. In just the past month, with Wembanyama making his NBA debut, over 27,000 cards have been sold, accounting for more than $2.6 million in sales.
Some notable sales include a rare Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which sold for an impressive $20,000 in August. Another standout card, a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50, commanded a price of $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. Drawing comparisons to greats like LeBron James, Wembanyama began his professional career in France at the young age of 15. His extraordinary skills, including 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 by scoring a stunning 73 points across two games. Following his stint with Metropolitans 92, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s playing style is a perfect blend of old-school and modern basketball. His dominance in the interior combined with his ability to shoot three-pointers creates matchup nightmares for opponents. His basketball IQ, game-reading skills, and ability to make clutch decisions under pressure further elevate his presence on the court. With performances like recording 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks in a game, he finds himself in the company of elite players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While collectors eagerly await the release of Wembanyama’s rookie card featuring him in a Spurs jersey, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards remain highly sought after.
Among his top cards is the 2022 Bowman University Inception, which features his autograph as a redemption and is particularly prized by collectors. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome provides his first base card and chrome autograph, even though it had a relatively modest finish, these cards are valued for their “1st Bowman” tag. The 2022 Bowman University Best offers a more accessible base card and Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have released limited-time offers featuring Wembanyama. Topps Now cards capture significant moments like his draft day and even a memorable pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. Additionally, Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes Wembanyama with base cards, parallels, and autographs, making them more affordable due to their higher availability.
Victor Wembanyama’s arrival on the basketball scene has sent shockwaves through the card collecting community. With his exceptional skills and bright future ahead, collectors are racing to secure his cards and contribute to the electrifying basketball card market that surrounds him.
