Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy, has taken the basketball card market by storm. As collectors eagerly await the release of his cards, the competition between card manufacturing giants has intensified, resulting in a surge of interest in draft products and on-demand printing.

Since the release of his first card last spring, eBay has witnessed the sale of over 62,000 Wembanyama cards, generating an astonishing $6.3 million in sales. Notably, eighteen cards have sold for over $10,000 each. In the past month alone, over 27,000 cards have been sold, amounting to over $2.6 million in sales.

One of the highlight sales includes a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which fetched an impressive $20,000 in August. Another notable sale was a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, which sold for $15,850.

Wembanyama’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. Compared to the likes of LeBron James, he began his professional career in France at the age of 15. His exceptional skills, including shot-blocking, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have captivated fans and scouts alike. His NBA debut showcased his talents as he scored 73 points across two games against the G League’s Ignite team. Following this impressive performance, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.

Wembanyama’s style of play blends old-school dominance with modern skills. His ability to dominate the interior and shoot three-pointers creates a challenging dynamic for opponents. His basketball IQ, game-reading skills, and decision-making under pressure further enhance his on-court presence. In fact, he has recorded impressive statistics, including games with 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks, putting him in the company of elite players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

Although a rookie card featuring Wembanyama in a Spurs jersey is yet to be released, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards continue to be in high demand. Some of his top cards include the 2022 Bowman University Inception, where his autograph, often in the form of a redemption, is highly sought after. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers his first base card and chrome autograph, which are valued for their “1st Bowman” tag. The 2022 Bowman University Best provides a more accessible base card and Wembanyama’s first live autograph.

Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have featured limited-time offers with Wembanyama cards. Topps Now captures special moments like his draft day and a pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. Additionally, the Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes Wembanyama with base cards, parallels, and autographs, making them more affordable due to their high availability.

The arrival of Victor Wembanyama has sparked a frenzy in the basketball card market. With collectors clamoring to acquire his cards, and two major manufacturers competing to distribute them, the excitement and energy surrounding his presence in the hobby shows no signs of slowing down. As his career continues to unfold, the basketball card market eagerly awaits the next release of his highly coveted cards.

Source