Victor Wembanyama’s entrance into the world of professional basketball has set the basketball card market ablaze. With his extraordinary talent and towering presence, collectors have been eagerly anticipating the release of his cards, resulting in a surge in demand for draft products and on-demand printing. Furthermore, the competition between two major card manufacturing companies has only amplified the excitement surrounding Wembanyama’s coveted cards.
The 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy has become the subject of a collector’s gold rush, with enthusiasts scrambling to acquire any memorabilia featuring Wembanyama. Since the release of his first card last spring, eBay has witnessed an astonishing 62,000 Wembanyama cards being sold, generating a staggering $6.3 million in sales. It is noteworthy that eighteen cards have fetched prices upwards of $10,000 each. In the past month alone, coinciding with his NBA debut, over 27,000 cards have been sold, totaling over $2.6 million.
One particularly notable sale involves a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season. Only five of these cards were made, and it commanded an impressive price tag of $20,000 in August. Another valuable card, a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, was sold for $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom over the past two years has been nothing short of meteoric. Often compared to basketball greats like LeBron James, Wembanyama began his professional career in France at the age of 15. His exceptional skills, including his shot-blocking ability, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have captivated fans and scouts alike. His NBA readiness was evident during his performance against the G League’s Ignite team, where he scored a total of 73 points in just two games. Following his tenure with Metropolitans 92, he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA draft after their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s style of play seamlessly combines elements of old-school and modern basketball. His dominance in the paint and ability to shoot from beyond the arc create constant challenges for his opponents. His advanced basketball intelligence, ability to read the game, and sound decision-making under pressure further enhance his on-court presence. Remarkably, he has recorded games with 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks, putting him in the company of elite players such as Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While a rookie card featuring Wembanyama in a Spurs jersey is yet to be released, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards remain in high demand among collectors.
Some of the top cards featuring Wemby include the 2022 Bowman University Inception, where his autograph as a redemption is particularly sought after. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers his first base card and chrome autograph. Despite a slightly underwhelming finish, these cards hold value due to their “1st Bowman” designation. The 2022 Bowman University Best provides a more accessible base card, as well as Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have showcased Wembanyama in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture significant moments such as his draft day and pitching at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. Additionally, Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes a range of Wembanyama cards including base cards, parallels, and autographs, ensuring affordability due to their high availability.
Victor Wembanyama’s arrival has undeniably injected new life into the basketball card market. With his incredible talent, undeniable potential, and the fierce competition between card manufacturers, collectors are eagerly awaiting the next release of his highly coveted cards.
