Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy, has set the basketball card market on fire. As his career continues to unfold, collectors are eagerly awaiting the release of his cards, resulting in a surge in draft products and on-demand printing. Adding to the excitement is the competition between two card manufacturing giants, who are both vying to distribute Wembanyama’s highly coveted cards.
Enthusiasts have been caught up in a gold rush to acquire any Wemby memorabilia. Since his initial card release last spring, eBay has witnessed an astonishing 62,000 Wembanyama cards being sold, amounting to a staggering $6.3 million in sales. It’s worth noting that eighteen of these cards have fetched prices upwards of $10,000 each. In just 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, one of only five in existence, which commanded an impressive $20,000 in August. Another highlight is a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to just 50 copies, which sold for $15,850.
Wembanyama’s journey over the past two years has been nothing short of meteoric. Often compared to the likes of LeBron James, he started his professional career in France at the young 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-ready talents were on full display during his games against the G League’s Ignite team, where he scored an impressive 73 points across two games. As a result, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs following their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s playing style is a captivating blend of old-school and modern elements. His dominance in the paint and ability to shoot three-pointers create challenging dynamics for opponents. His advanced basketball intellect, game-reading skills, and ability to make decisive plays under pressure amplify his on-court presence. With a record of 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks in a single game, he ranks among elite company, including players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
Although a rookie card featuring Wemby in a Spurs jersey is still pending, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards remain in high demand among collectors.
A review of Wembanyama’s top cards includes the 2022 Bowman University Inception, where his autograph card is particularly prized. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers his first base card and chrome autograph, valued for their “1st Bowman” tag despite a lackluster finish. The 2022 Bowman University Best provides a more accessible base card option and features Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have featured Wembanyama in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture special moments such as his draft day and a memorable pitch he made at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection features Wembanyama with base cards, parallels, and autographs, and remains affordable due to the high availability of these cards.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s arrival has brought an undeniable energy to the basketball card market. Collectors are eagerly seeking out his cards, resulting in a surge in products and manufacturing competition. As his career progresses and he continues to dazzle on the court, the demand for Wemby’s cards is sure to skyrocket even further, making them highly sought-after items among basketball card enthusiasts.