Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy, has set the basketball card market ablaze. With his remarkable skills and promising career, collectors are eagerly anticipating the release of his cards. This surge in demand is also fueled by the intense competition between two card manufacturing giants who are vying to distribute his highly sought-after cards.
Since his initial card release last spring, the frenzy around Wembanyama has been unprecedented. To date, over 62,000 Wembanyama cards have been sold on eBay, amounting to an astonishing $6.3 million in sales. It’s worth noting that eighteen of these cards have fetched over $10,000 each. In the past month alone, coinciding with his NBA debut, more than 27,000 cards have been sold, with a total value exceeding $2.6 million.
Several notable sales stand out, such as one of the five Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption cards from the 2022-23 season, which commanded an impressive $20,000 in August. Additionally, a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50, sold for a staggering $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. Often compared to basketball greats like LeBron James, he began his professional career in France at the young age of 15. His exceptional skills, including shot-blocking, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have captivated fans and scouts alike. He showcased his NBA-ready talents during his time with Metropolitans 92 and impressed the San Antonio Spurs enough to be drafted by them following their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s playing style is a captivating blend of old-school and modern basketball. His interior dominance and ability to shoot three-pointers create numerous challenges for his opponents. His advanced basketball intellect, game-reading skills, and ability to make crucial decisions under pressure further enhance his on-court presence. With records such as scoring 35+ points, grabbing 10+ rebounds, and blocking 2+ shots in a game, Wembanyama finds himself in elite company alongside players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While collectors eagerly await the release of his rookie card in a Spurs jersey, Wembanyama’s collegiate and other unlicensed cards are in high demand. Let’s take a closer look at some of his top cards in the market.
The 2022 Bowman University Inception is particularly prized as it features Wembanyama’s autograph as a redemption card. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers his first base card and chrome autograph, and despite a lackluster finish, these cards hold value due to their “1st Bowman” tag. The 2022 Bowman University Best provides a more accessible base card, and it also includes Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have offered limited-time cards featuring Wembanyama. Topps Now captures significant moments such as his draft day and even a pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases Wembanyama in Spurs attire. Furthermore, Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection features Wembanyama with base cards, parallels, and autographs, and their availability makes them more affordable for collectors.
As Victor Wembanyama continues to make his mark in the basketball world, the excitement around his cards shows no signs of slowing down. Collectors are eagerly seeking his cards, drawn in by his exceptional talent and the competition between card manufacturers to distribute his highly coveted collectibles. Whether it’s his rookie card or other limited-edition releases, the basketball card market remains electrified by his arrival.
