Victor Wembanyama’s emergence as a basketball sensation has breathed new life into the basketball card market, which has experienced ups and downs in recent years. As collectors eagerly await the release of Wembanyama’s cards, the competition between card manufacturing giants has only added fuel to the fire.
Standing tall at 7 feet 4 inches, the French prodigy has spurred a gold rush among collectors who are scrambling to get their hands on any piece of Wemby memorabilia. Since the release of his first card last spring, eBay has witnessed an astounding sale of over 62,000 Wembanyama cards, amounting to an impressive $6.3 million. Notably, eighteen cards have fetched prices exceeding $10,000 each. In just the past month, over 27,000 cards have been sold, totaling over $2.6 million.
Some notable sales include a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, one of only five in existence, which garnered an impressive $20,000 in August. Another high-demand card was a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from the 2022 Bowman U set, limited to just 50 copies, which sold for $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric over the past couple of years. Drawing comparisons to basketball icons like LeBron James, he started his professional career in France at the tender age of 15. His exceptional skills, including shot-blocking prowess, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have captivated fans and scouts alike. His NBA-readiness was showcased in his performance against the G League’s Ignite team, where he racked up an impressive 73 points across two games. Following his stint with Metropolitans 92, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s playing style is a unique blend of old-school and modern basketball. His dominance in the paint, coupled with his ability to shoot three-pointers, creates a challenging matchup for opponents. His advanced basketball IQ, exceptional court vision, and ability to make the right decisions under pressure further enhance his on-court presence. His impressive record of recording 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks in a single game puts him in elite company alongside players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While collectors eagerly await Wembanyama’s rookie card in a Spurs jersey, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards remain in high demand. Some of the top cards featuring Wembanyama include the 2022 Bowman University Inception, which features his autograph as a redemption and is especially coveted by collectors. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers his first base card and chrome autograph, despite a relatively lackluster finish, these cards hold value due to their “1st Bowman” tag. The 2022 Bowman University Best provides a more accessible base card option along with Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have offered limited-time cards featuring Wembanyama. Topps Now cards capture significant moments in his career, such as his draft day and a pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. For collectors looking for more affordable options, Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes Wembanyama with base cards, parallels, and autographs, making them highly accessible.
Victor Wembanyama’s arrival has injected new energy into the basketball card market. Collectors are eagerly snapping up his cards, driving up prices and creating a sense of excitement in the hobby. As his career continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see how the market reacts and what new cards and memorabilia will be released to satisfy the growing demand for this rising star.
