Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy, has sent shockwaves through the basketball card market, igniting a frenzy among collectors. As his promising career continues to unfold, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the release of his highly sought-after cards, and two card manufacturing giants are in a heated competition to distribute them.
Since the initial release of Wembanyama’s cards last spring, the demand has been astronomical. On eBay alone, over 62,000 Wembanyama cards have been sold, generating an astonishing $6.3 million in sales. What’s even more impressive is that eighteen of these cards have fetched prices exceeding $10,000. In the past month, coinciding with his NBA debut, over 27,000 cards have been sold, totaling over $2.6 million.
Among the notable sales is a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which commanded an impressive $20,000 in August. Another standout sale was a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, which sold for an impressive $15,850.
Wembanyama’s ascent in the world of basketball has been nothing short of meteoric. Often compared to the likes of LeBron James, Wembanyama began his professional career in France at the tender age of 15. His exceptional skills, including his shot-blocking prowess, agility, and surprising shooting range for someone of his height, have captivated fans and scouts alike. During his time with the G League’s Ignite team, he showcased his NBA-ready talents by scoring a remarkable 73 points across two games. Following his stint with Metropolitans 92, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.
What sets Wembanyama apart is his unique blend of old-school and modern playing style. His dominance inside the paint combined with his three-point shooting creates a formidable challenge for opponents. His advanced basketball intellect, exceptional game-reading abilities, and ability to make clutch decisions under pressure only enhance his on-court presence. With an impressive record of scoring 35+ points, grabbing 10+ rebounds, and blocking 2+ shots in a game, Wembanyama has firmly established himself among basketball’s elite, alongside the likes of Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While collectors eagerly await Wembanyama’s rookie card featuring him in a Spurs jersey, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards continue to be in high demand. Some of his top cards include the 2022 Bowman University Inception, which features his autograph as a redemption card, adding to its desirability. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers his first base card and chrome autograph, and despite a lackluster finish, these cards are highly valued for their “1st Bowman” tag. The 2022 Bowman University Best provides collectors with a more accessible base card and Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have featured Wembanyama in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture significant moments like his draft day and even a pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. Additionally, Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes a range of Wembanyama cards, including base cards, parallels, and autographs, offering an affordable option due to their high availability.
As Victor Wembanyama continues to make waves in the world of basketball, collectors and enthusiasts are caught up in the excitement, eagerly acquiring his cards and fueling a surge in the basketball card market. With his extraordinary skills and promising future, Wemby’s cards are poised to become even more coveted and valuable in the coming years.