Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4-inch French basketball prodigy, has sent shockwaves through the basketball card market. Collectors around the world are eagerly chasing after his cards, leading to a surge in demand and excitement. With the competition between card manufacturing giants heating up, the frenzy surrounding Wembanyama’s cards shows no signs of slowing down.
Since the release of his first card last spring, the basketball card market has experienced an incredible boom. The popularity of Wembanyama’s cards has resulted in over 62,000 sales on eBay, totalling a staggering $6.3 million. What’s even more remarkable is that eighteen cards have sold for upwards of $10,000 each. In the past month alone, over 27,000 cards have been sold, generating over $2.6 million in revenue.
Several standout sales have caught the attention of collectors. One of the highlights is the sale of one of the five Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption cards from the 2022-23 season, which fetched an impressive $20,000 in August. Another notable sale is a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, which sold for $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. At the age of 15, he began his professional career in France, drawing comparisons to legendary players like LeBron James. His exceptional skills, including shot-blocking, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have garnered attention from fans and scouts alike. During a game against the G League’s Ignite team, Wembanyama showcased his NBA-ready talents by scoring an impressive 73 points in just two games. Following his success with Metropolitans 92, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s playing style combines elements of old-school and modern basketball. His dominance in the paint coupled with his ability to shoot three-pointers creates a unique challenge for opponents. His basketball IQ, game-reading skills, and ability to make crucial decisions under pressure further elevate his presence on the court. His record of scoring 35+ points, collecting 10+ rebounds, and blocking 2+ shots in a single game puts him in the company of elite players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
Although a rookie card featuring Wembanyama in a Spurs jersey is still pending, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards are in high demand among collectors.
Some of Wembanyama’s top cards include the 2022 Bowman University Inception, which features his prized autograph as a redemption. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers his first base card and chrome autograph, both of which are highly sought after despite a less-than-stellar finish. The value of these cards is bolstered by their “1st Bowman” designation. The 2022 Bowman University Best provides a more accessible base card and also Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have offered limited-time cards featuring Wembanyama. Topps Now captures significant moments in his career, such as his draft day and a pitch at a Yankees game. Meanwhile, Panini Instant showcases him in the iconic Spurs attire. Wembanyama’s presence can also be found in Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection, which includes base cards, parallels, and autographs. The availability of these cards has helped to maintain their affordability.
Victor Wembanyama’s arrival in the basketball card market has injected new life into the hobby. Collectors are eagerly anticipating the release of his highly coveted cards as his career continues to unfold. With the competition between card manufacturing giants intensifying, the market for Wembanyama’s cards shows no signs of slowing down. As collectors scramble to acquire any piece of Wemby memorabilia, the basketball card market remains energized by the star’s extraordinary talent and potential.
