Victor Wembanyama, the rising star of the NBA, has solidified his skyrocketing reputation with a jaw-dropping auction result. The French rookie’s jersey from his first regular-season game fetched an astonishing $762,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction, surpassing expectations and becoming one of the most valuable NBA rookie debut jerseys ever sold.
Initially estimated to fetch between $80,000 and $120,000, the bidding for the San Antonio Spurs’ white jersey quickly escalated, ultimately reaching a staggering sum. While it falls short of the record-breaking $3.6 million paid for a rookie jersey worn by Kobe Bryant in 2021, it remains an impressive achievement.
The legendary jersey, worn by the towering 7’4″ Wembanyama during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25, garnered intense interest, attracting 62 bids in total. The auction saw a flurry of activity in its final minutes as collectors vied for the chance to own this piece of NBA history.
At just 19 years old, Wembanyama has already made a significant impact in his rookie season. Averaging remarkable stats of 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, his performance on the court has captivated fans and collectors alike.
This highly-publicized auction follows a previous sale where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut sold for an impressive $62,000. Sotheby’s recent collaboration with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner kicked off with this auction, which featured the sale of nearly 60 other jerseys and generated a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The event attracted 176 bidders from 14 different countries, showcasing the global appeal of the NBA’s collectible memorabilia.
In contrast to the staggering price of Wembanyama’s jersey, other NBA players’ season opener jerseys fetched more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey, a highly sought-after item, sold for $50,820, while Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP, fetched $25,400, and Nikola Jokic’s jersey sold for $17,780. Steph Curry’s jersey commanded a price of $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s jersey sold for $8,890.
The auction results highlight the immense popularity of NBA memorabilia, with collectors willing to pay premium prices for items associated with their favorite players. As stars like Wembanyama continue to make waves in the NBA, the market for their game-worn jerseys and other collectibles is expected to grow even stronger.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s rookie debut jersey has shattered records, selling for a remarkable $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. The French rookie’s rising star status, combined with the excitement generated by his impressive statistics, undoubtedly contributed to the high demand and ultimately the staggering auction price. As basketball fans and collectors eagerly follow the accomplishments of young talents like Wembanyama, the value of their memorabilia is sure to soar even higher.
