Victor Wembanyama, the French rookie with a skyrocketing reputation in the NBA, has made headlines again as his jersey from his first regular-season game fetched an astonishing $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. The initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 was quickly overshadowed as enthusiastic bidders eagerly competed for the San Antonio Spurs’ white jersey. This remarkable sale price is now one of the highest sums ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey, although the record for any game-worn rookie jersey still stands at $3.6 million for a Kobe Bryant jersey sold in 2021.
The highly sought-after jersey, worn by the towering 7’4″ Wembanyama during a match against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25, attracted an impressive 62 bids, with a flurry of activity in the auction’s final minutes. Despite being just 19 years old, Wembanyama is already showcasing exceptional skills, averaging an impressive 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game this season.
This recent sale follows another high-profile auction where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s, in partnership with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner, kicked off this inaugural event with nearly 60 other jerseys also being sold. The total auction revenue exceeded $1.2 million, attracting 176 bidders from 14 countries.
In striking contrast to the staggering price commanded by Wembanyama’s debut jersey, jerseys worn by other notable NBA players during their season openers fetched more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey sold for $50,820, while Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo were sold for $25,400, Nikola Jokic’s for $17,780, Steph Curry’s for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s for $8,890.
Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric rise continues to captivate the basketball world. As one of the most promising rookies in recent years, his performance on the court has consistently impressed fans and experts alike. With each game, Wembanyama solidifies his position as a force to be reckoned with, and now, with the record-breaking sale of his debut jersey, his off-court presence is also making waves.
The demand for game-worn memorabilia, especially from rising stars like Wembanyama, demonstrates the passion and dedication of basketball enthusiasts. Collectors and fans are willing to invest substantial amounts in acquiring pieces of history associated with their favorite players. As the NBA’s official game-worn jersey partner, Sotheby’s has become the go-to destination for those seeking unique and valuable sports artifacts.
With the success of the recent auction, it is evident that the Wembanyama phenomenon has reached global proportions. Bidders from 14 countries participated in the event, showcasing the widespread interest in the young French prodigy. As his career unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Wembanyama continues to captivate the basketball world both on and off the court.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey has made history by selling for an incredible $762,000, setting a new record for rookie jerseys. This remarkable achievement further solidifies Wembanyama’s rising star status and cements his position as one of the most exciting talents in basketball today. The enthusiasm and interest surrounding his game-worn memorabilia indicate the unwavering fascination fans have with this remarkable rookie. With each game, Wembanyama continues to dazzle, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this extraordinary player.
