Victor Wembanyama, the rising star of the NBA, has solidified his skyrocketing reputation with the astonishing sale of his rookie debut jersey for an eye-watering $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. The initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 was quickly blown out of the water as the bids for Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs’ white jersey reached unprecedented heights, making it one of the most expensive NBA rookie debut jerseys ever sold. The current record for any game-worn rookie jersey stands at $3.6 million, which was achieved through the sale of Kobe Bryant’s jersey in 2021.
The jersey in question, worn by the towering 7’4″ Wembanyama during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25, witnessed a fierce bidding war, with a staggering 62 bids placed. The auction’s final minutes were particularly intense, as the price soared unexpectedly. Despite being just 19 years old, Wembanyama has already made an impressive impact this season with an average of 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
This recent record-breaking sale follows another high-profile auction, where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut was sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s, in its newfound partnership with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner, kicked off their collaboration with this auction. Almost 60 other jerseys were also sold, resulting in a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The event attracted attention from 176 bidders across 14 different countries.
While Wembanyama’s jersey stole the show with its staggering price, 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, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s for $17,780, Steph Curry’s for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s for $8,890.
Wembanyama’s extraordinary popularity and rising stardom have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the skyrocketing value of his debut jersey. His remarkable talent and standout performances on the court have captivated fans, collectors, and investors alike. The frenzy surrounding his jerseys at auction demonstrates the immense demand for memorabilia tied to emerging basketball phenoms like Wembanyama.
With each passing game, Wembanyama continues to impress and leave his mark on the NBA. As his star power rises, so does the value of memorabilia associated with his name. The sale of his debut jersey serves as a testament to his growing prominence and fan base. As collectors keep a close eye on his promising career, it will be fascinating to see what other records Wembanyama can shatter in the future.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s rookie debut jersey has achieved a staggering sale price of $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction, surpassing all expectations and setting a new record. This remarkable accomplishment further solidifies Wembanyama’s status as an up-and-coming NBA superstar and cements his place in the elite ranks of basketball memorabilia. As his career continues to flourish, the world will eagerly await the next groundbreaking sale associated with this extraordinary talent.