Victor Wembanyama, the rising star of the NBA, has made headlines once again as his debut jersey from his first regular-season game sold for a jaw-dropping $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. The initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 was easily surpassed as the bids for the San Antonio Spurs’ white jersey reached unprecedented heights, making it one of the highest-priced NBA rookie debut jerseys ever sold. It’s worth noting that the record for any game-worn rookie jersey still belongs to Kobe Bryant’s jersey, which sold for an astounding $3.6 million in 2021.
Wembanyama’s jersey, worn during a match against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25, received an impressive 62 bids, with a flurry of activity in the final minutes of the auction. At just 19 years old, Wembanyama has already proven himself on the court, averaging impressive stats in his rookie season with 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
This historic sale comes after another notable auction in which Wembanyama’s jersey from his NBA Summer League debut was sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s, in partnership with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner, showcased nearly 60 other jerseys in this auction, resulting in a total revenue of over $1.2 million. The event attracted 176 bidders from 14 countries, highlighting the global appeal and fervor for NBA memorabilia.
While Wembanyama’s jersey stole the show with its record-breaking price, other NBA players’ season opener jerseys also garnered attention, although at more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey sold for $50,820, indicating the enduring popularity of the legendary player. Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey fetched $30,480, demonstrating the demand for jerseys worn by notable stars. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s jerseys sold for $25,400, reflecting his status as one of the league’s most dominant players. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s jersey sold for $17,780, while Steph Curry’s was purchased for $27,940, both fetching substantial amounts. Jayson Tatum’s jersey closed the auction by selling for $8,890, highlighting the wide range of prices for NBA memorabilia.
The sale of Wembanyama’s debut jersey not only solidifies his growing reputation within the NBA but also serves as a testament to the immense global interest in basketball memorabilia. As his performances on the court continue to impress, it’s clear that fans and collectors alike are eager to own a piece of basketball history associated with this young, promising player. With each record-breaking sale, Wembanyama’s impact on the sport and the memorabilia market becomes more evident, making him a player to watch as his career unfolds.
In the world of sports memorabilia, the sale of a game-worn jersey can often hold sentimental and historical value for fans and collectors. It is a way to own a piece of their favorite players’ legacies and become a part of the history of the game. As the market for basketball memorabilia continues to thrive, it’s likely that we will continue to see astonishing prices being paid for items associated with iconic players like Wembanyama, Bryant, James, and others who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
