Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy, has ignited a frenzy in the basketball card market. Collectors from all over the world are eagerly trying to get their hands on any piece of Wemby memorabilia they can find. The excitement surrounding his career has led to a surge in demand for his cards, and two card manufacturing giants are competing to distribute his highly coveted collectibles.
Since the release of his first card last spring, eBay has witnessed the sale of over 62,000 Wembanyama cards, racking up an astonishing $6.3 million in sales. What’s even more impressive is that eighteen of these cards have sold for over $10,000 each. In just the past month, as Wembanyama made his NBA debut, over 27,000 cards have been sold, bringing in over $2.6 million.
Some notable sales include a rare Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which sold for an impressive $20,000 in August. Another standout is a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from the 2022 Bowman U, limited to just 50 copies, which fetched a staggering $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom over the past couple of years has been meteoric. Compared to the likes of LeBron James, Wembanyama began his professional career in France at the age of 15. His exceptional skills, including shot-blocking, agility, and a surprising shooting range for someone of his height, have impressed fans and scouts alike. He showcased his NBA-ready talents during his time with the Metropolitans 92 and was subsequently drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after they won the lottery.
Wembanyama’s playing style is a unique blend of old-school dominance and modern versatility. His ability to dominate in the paint and shoot from beyond the arc creates matchup nightmares for opponents. His basketball IQ, game-reading skills, and composure under pressure only serve to enhance his on-court presence. With impressive performances like scoring 35+ points, grabbing 10+ rebounds, and blocking 2+ shots in a game, Wembanyama finds himself in the elite company of players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While collectors eagerly await the release of Wemby’s rookie card featuring him in a Spurs jersey, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards are in high demand. One of the most sought-after cards is the 2022 Bowman University Inception, which features his autograph as a redemption. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers collectors his first base card and chrome autograph, and despite a lukewarm finish to the season, these cards are highly valued for their “1st Bowman” designation. The more accessible 2022 Bowman University Best provides collectors with Wembanyama’s first live autograph and a chance to own his base card.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have released limited-time offers featuring Wembanyama. Topps Now cards capture memorable moments like his draft day and even a pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him wearing a Spurs jersey. In addition, the 2023 collection of Allen & Ginter offers Wembanyama base cards, parallels, and autographs, making it a more affordable option due to its higher availability.
The arrival of Victor Wembanyama has injected new life into the basketball card market. Collectors can’t get enough of his cards, with demand reaching unprecedented levels. As his career unfolds and he continues to perform at a high level, the value of his cards is expected to rise even further. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a Wembanyama card in your collection, hold on tight because its worth may continue to soar.
