Victor Wembanyama’s star continues to rise as his NBA debut jersey fetched a staggering $762,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction, solidifying his skyrocketing reputation in the basketball world. The initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 was quickly shattered as the bids for the San Antonio Spurs’ white jersey soared, far exceeding expectations and reaching one of the highest prices ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey. It’s worth noting that the record for any game-worn rookie jersey still belongs to Kobe Bryant, with his jersey selling for a whopping $3.6 million in 2021.
The jersey in question was worn by Wembanyama during a match against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25. Standing at an impressive 7’4″ tall, the young French rookie has already made a significant impact this season, averaging 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
This remarkable sale follows another high-profile auction where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s recent partnership with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner began with this auction event, which featured nearly 60 other jerseys and generated a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. With 176 bidders from 14 different countries, the inaugural event was a massive success.
While Wembanyama’s debut jersey garnered significant attention and set a new record, other notable NBA players’ season opener jerseys sold for 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 fetched $25,400, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s sold for $17,780, Steph Curry’s for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s for $8,890.
Victor Wembanyama’s incredible talent and potential have clearly caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike. At just 19 years old, the French rookie has already made waves in the NBA with his impressive statistics and unique skills on the court. It’s no wonder that fans and collectors are eager to own a piece of his early career, leading to such impressive auction results.
The sale of Wembanyama’s debut jersey not only reflects his rising popularity but also highlights the growing market for game-worn jerseys in the basketball world. Collectors and investors see great value in owning a piece of history, especially when it comes to jerseys worn by promising young talents like Wembanyama.
As the NBA’s official game-worn jersey partner, Sotheby’s aims to continue bringing basketball fans and collectors closer to the game through these auctions. The success of this inaugural event signals a bright future for the partnership, offering fans the opportunity to own a tangible piece of their favorite players’ careers.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey selling for an astounding $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction cements his skyrocketing reputation in the NBA. The record-breaking sale reflects the young French rookie’s immense talent and potential, as well as the growing market for game-worn jerseys among collectors. With impressive statistics and a unique skill set, Wembanyama’s rise to stardom shows no signs of slowing down, and fans and collectors alike are eager to be a part of his journey.