Victor Wembanyama’s emergence on the basketball scene has sent shockwaves through the card collecting community. With his remarkable skills and towering height, the 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy has become a hot commodity in the basketball card market. Collectors are scrambling to get their hands on any Wembanyama memorabilia, resulting in a frenzy of buying and selling.
Since the release of his first card last spring, eBay has witnessed an incredible surge in Wembanyama card sales. Over 62,000 cards featuring the young phenom have been sold, amounting to a staggering $6.3 million in sales. What’s even more impressive is that eighteen of these cards have sold for over $10,000 each. In the past month alone, more than 27,000 cards have been sold, totaling over $2.6 million.
Some notable sales include a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which fetched an impressive $20,000 in August. Another high-priced card is a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from the 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, which sold for an astounding $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. He started his professional career in France at the age of 15 and has been drawing comparisons to basketball legends like LeBron James. His exceptional shot-blocking ability, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height have captivated fans and scouts alike. During his time with the G League’s Ignite team, Wembanyama showcased his NBA-ready talents by scoring 73 points in just two games. This led to his selection by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Draft.
Wembanyama’s playing style combines elements of both old-school and modern basketball. His dominance in the paint and ability to shoot three-pointers pose significant challenges for his opponents. His advanced basketball IQ, game-reading skills, and poise under pressure make him a formidable presence on the court. With a record of 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks in a game, Wembanyama joins the company of elite players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While fans eagerly await the release of Wemby’s rookie card in a Spurs jersey, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards remain highly sought after. The 2022 Bowman University Inception series features his autograph as a redemption, making it an especially prized card among collectors. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome series includes his first base card and chrome autograph, which hold value due to their “1st Bowman” designation. The more accessible 2022 Bowman University Best series offers his first live autograph and base cards that are more affordable for collectors.
Topps Now and Panini Instant have also jumped on the Wembanyama bandwagon, featuring him in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture memorable moments such as his draft day and even his appearance at a Yankees game. Panini Instant, on the other hand, showcases Wembanyama in his Spurs attire. Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes a variety of cards featuring Wemby, including base cards, parallels, and autographs. These cards maintain affordability due to their wide availability in the market.
The arrival of Victor Wembanyama has revitalized the basketball card market, injecting a newfound excitement among collectors. As his career progresses, the demand for his cards is only expected to grow. Collectors will undoubtedly continue to eagerly buy, sell, and trade Wembanyama cards, as they eagerly await each new release in the hope of capturing a piece of basketball history in the making.
