Victor Wembanyama, the French rookie making waves in the NBA, continues to astonish with his meteoric rise in the basketball world. Recently, his first regular-season game jersey fetched an astonishing $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction, far surpassing the initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000. This remarkable sale places Wembanyama’s jersey as one of the highest-priced rookie debut jerseys ever sold, although the record for any game-worn rookie jersey still belongs to Kobe Bryant, whose jersey sold for $3.6 million in 2021.

The jersey in question was worn by the towering 7’4″ Wembanyama during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25. It garnered a great deal of attention and excitement, resulting in a spirited bidding war with 62 bids in total. As the auction’s final minutes ticked away, the price skyrocketed, defying expectations and igniting the passion of NBA collectors and fans alike.

Despite being only 19 years old, Wembanyama has already showcased his exceptional skills on the court, averaging an impressive 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game this season. His talent and potential have made him one of the most sought-after rising stars of the NBA, driving up the value of his debut jersey.

This recent auction follows another high-profile event where Wembanyama’s jersey from his NBA Summer League debut sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s, in partnership with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner, launched this inaugural auction with great success. In addition to Wembanyama’s highly coveted jersey, nearly 60 other jerseys were sold, resulting in a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The event attracted a remarkable 176 bidders from 14 different countries, highlighting the global interest surrounding NBA memorabilia.

In contrast to the remarkable price fetched by Wembanyama’s debut jersey, other notable NBA players’ season opener jerseys sold for more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey brought in $50,820, while Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey went for $30,480. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo sold for $25,400, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s went for $17,780, Steph Curry’s for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s for $8,890. While these figures are undoubtedly impressive, they pale in comparison to the staggering sum earned by Wembanyama’s jersey.

The sale of Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey not only cements his position as an immensely talented young player but also highlights the growing market for NBA memorabilia. With his soaring popularity and incredible performances on the court, Wembanyama’s jerseys have become highly coveted pieces for collectors around the world. As the NBA continues to captivate audiences globally, the demand for game-worn jerseys, especially those of rising stars like Wembanyama, is set to reach new heights.

In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey has entered the record books, selling for an astounding $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. This remarkable achievement further solidifies Wembanyama’s status as one of the brightest rising stars in the NBA. As the global interest in basketball continues to grow, the value of iconic memorabilia, such as game-worn jerseys, will undoubtedly continue to rise, showcasing the enduring allure and passion for the sport.

Source