In a stunning turn of events, Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey from his first regular-season game in the NBA has shattered records, fetching an astonishing $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. With an initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000, the bidding for the San Antonio Spurs’ white jersey far exceeded expectations, reaching one of the highest sums ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey. It should be noted that the current record for any game-worn rookie jersey remains at $3.6 million for a Kobe Bryant jersey sold just last year.
The jersey in question, worn by the towering 7’4″ Wembanyama during a match against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25, attracted a flurry of activity with a robust 62 bids. As the auction drew to a close, the bids soared, defying all expectations. Wembanyama, a mere 19 years old, has already made a significant impact in his rookie season, averaging impressive stats of 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
This recent auction follows another high-profile sale where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut sold for $62,000. The partnership between Sotheby’s and the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner commenced with this auction, featuring the sale of nearly 60 other jerseys. The total auction revenue exceeded $1.2 million, attracting 176 bidders from 14 different countries. This inaugural event showcased the immense demand and passion for acquiring game-worn NBA jerseys.
In contrast to the staggering sum paid for Wembanyama’s historic jersey, jerseys worn by other notable NBA players during their season openers fetched 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 were auctioned off for $25,400, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s sold for $17,780, Steph Curry’s for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s for $8,890. While these prices may pale in comparison to Wembanyama’s jersey, they still reflect the value collectors place on owning a piece of basketball history.
The incredible demand for Wembanyama’s jersey highlights the rising popularity of the young French superstar. Standing at an impressive 7’4″, Wembanyama has captured the attention of fans and collectors alike with his extraordinary talent and potential. It is no surprise that his debut jersey has become a prized possession for basketball enthusiasts and collectors looking to own a piece of the future of the game.
As the NBA continues to thrive and capture global attention, the auctioning of game-worn jerseys has become a lucrative venture for collectors and a testament to the cultural impact of the sport. Players like Wembanyama represent the next generation of basketball stars, and their jerseys symbolize not only their individual achievements but also the spirit of the game itself.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey has made waves in the world of sports memorabilia, selling for an astonishing $762,000 at auction. This monumental sum showcases the immense admiration for the young French rookie and highlights the growing demand for game-worn NBA jerseys. As the partnership between Sotheby’s and the NBA continues to flourish, we can expect to see more record-breaking sales and a continued celebration of basketball’s rich history.
