Victor Wembanyama, the rising star of the NBA, has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s hottest rookies. During a recent Sotheby’s auction, his jersey from his first regular-season game fetched an astonishing $762,000. This amount far exceeded the initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 and ranks as one of the highest sums ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey. The current record for a game-worn rookie jersey stands at $3.6 million, achieved by the sale of a Kobe Bryant jersey in 2021.
Wembanyama’s white jersey, worn during a match against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25, ignited a bidding frenzy, with 62 bids pouring in. As the auction drew to a close, the bids continued to soar, surpassing all expectations. The towering 7’4″ French rookie, who is only 19 years old, has already made an impressive impact this season, with averages of 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
This recent sale follows another highly publicized auction, where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut sold for an impressive $62,000. Sotheby’s partnership with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner commenced with this auction. In addition to Wembanyama’s jersey, nearly 60 other jerseys were sold, resulting in a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The inaugural event attracted 176 bidders from 14 different countries.
In contrast to the staggering amount paid for Wembanyama’s jersey, other notable NBA players’ season opener jerseys fetched more modest prices. LeBron James’ jersey sold for $50,820, while Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo fetched $25,400, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s sold for $17,780, Steph Curry’s for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s for $8,890.
Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric rise in the NBA has captivated fans and collectors alike. His exceptional talent and potential as a player contributed to the unprecedented demand for his debut jersey. As collectors recognize the significance of owning a piece of basketball history, the value of game-worn memorabilia continues to reach new heights.
The success of this auction solidifies Sotheby’s position as a leading platform for sports memorabilia and showcases the growing popularity of collecting NBA jerseys. With their partnership with the NBA, Sotheby’s has created an avenue for fans and collectors to connect with the game and its iconic moments. The appeal of owning a piece of sports history extends beyond the court, and auctions like these provide a unique opportunity to possess a tangible connection to the world of basketball.
As Victor Wembanyama’s career progresses, his jerseys are likely to remain highly sought after. Fans and collectors will eagerly anticipate future auctions, hoping to add these coveted items to their collections. The record-breaking sale of his debut jersey serves as a testament to his immense talent and serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of the NBA and its stars.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s NBA debut jersey has set a new record for rookie jerseys at auction, selling for a staggering $762,000. This incredible amount surpasses expectations and cements Wembanyama’s status as a rising star in the league. As the demand for NBA memorabilia continues to grow, auctions like these provide fans and collectors with a unique opportunity to own a piece of basketball history.
