Victor Wembanyama’s ascension to NBA stardom shows no signs of slowing down. The French rookie has already made headlines with his impressive on-court performances, and now he has achieved another milestone as his debut jersey sold for an astonishing $762,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction. The initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 was blown away as enthusiasts battled it out for the prized possession.
The white jersey Wembanyama wore during his first regular-season game for the San Antonio Spurs against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25 garnered significant attention and became one of the most valuable rookie debut jerseys ever sold. With an incredible height of 7’4″, Wembanyama’s presence on the court is hard to miss. But it’s not only his towering stature that has captured the imagination of fans and collectors; the young player’s skills and potential have made him an exciting prospect.
During the auction, the bids for Wembanyama’s jersey soared to unexpected heights. Sixty-two bids flooded in during the bidding process, with the competition intensifying in the final minutes. The frenzied enthusiasm surrounding the auction reflects the anticipation and excitement that follows Wembanyama’s NBA journey. At just 19 years old, he is already making significant contributions to his team, averaging impressive statistics of 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game this season.
This record-breaking sale comes shortly after another high-profile auction 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, organized this momentous event. In addition to Wembanyama’s jersey, nearly 60 other game-worn jerseys were put up for auction, resulting in a total revenue of over $1.2 million. The auction attracted attention from 176 bidders across 14 different countries, showcasing the global reach and popularity of the NBA.
While Wembanyama’s debut jersey stole the spotlight, jerseys worn by other notable NBA players during their season openers fetched more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey sold for $50,820, showcasing his enduring popularity among fans and collectors. Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480, a testament to his consistent performance on the court. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo received bids of $25,400, while reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s went for $17,780. Steph Curry’s jersey fetched $27,940, highlighting the continued demand for one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Jayson Tatum’s jersey closed out the list, selling for $8,890.
Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric rise has undoubtedly contributed to the record-breaking auction results. As he continues to showcase his talent and make an impact in the NBA, collectors and fans alike eagerly follow his journey. The sale of his debut jersey for an astounding $762,000 not only provides insight into the growing market for game-worn NBA jerseys but also cements Wembanyama’s status as a player to watch in the league. With his height, skill set, and impressive early performances, it’s no wonder that his jersey has become such a highly sought-after item among basketball enthusiasts.
