French rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama is making waves in the NBA, and his skyrocketing reputation has been cemented by the jaw-dropping sale of his debut jersey. The white jersey, worn by Wembanyama during his first regular-season game for the San Antonio Spurs, fetched an astonishing $762,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction. This surprising sale exceeded initial estimates of $80,000-$120,000 and now stands as one of the highest sums ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey.
The bidding frenzy for the iconic jersey witnessed a total of 62 bids, with a flurry of activity taking place in the final minutes of the auction. Wembanyama’s incredible height of 7’4″ has added to his allure, attracting fans and collectors from all over the world. The 19-year-old rookie has already made a significant impact on the court, averaging impressive stats of 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
This momentous sale comes on the heels of another high-profile 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 showcased its successful debut with this auction. Notably, the event featured the sale of nearly 60 other jerseys, resulting in a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The inaugural event attracted 176 bidders from 14 countries, underscoring the global appeal of the NBA and its rising stars.
While Wembanyama’s debut jersey stole the show, other notable NBA players’ season opener jerseys fetched more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey commanded a respectable $50,820, reflecting the enduring popularity of the superstar. Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480, while jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo were sold for $25,400. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s jersey garnered $17,780, further solidifying his place among the league’s elite. Steph Curry’s jersey fetched $27,940, underscoring his status as one of the most exciting players to watch. Lastly, Jayson Tatum’s jersey sold for $8,890, proving his growing fan base.
The sale of Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey highlights the growing interest in game-worn NBA memorabilia and the immense value collectors place on rare and iconic items. As the rookie continues to make waves in the league, his jerseys are likely to generate even more attention and high bids in the future. This record-breaking auction serves as a testament to Wembanyama’s promising future and the strong market for NBA collectibles.
