Victor Wembanyama’s star continues to rise as his debut NBA jersey makes waves in the auction world. The French rookie’s white jersey, worn during his first regular-season game with the San Antonio Spurs, fetched an astonishing $762,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction. The anticipation was high, with initial estimates ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, but the bidding frenzy quickly took the price to new heights.
Wembanyama’s towering presence on the court, standing at 7’4″, captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts from around the globe. The jersey, worn during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25, witnessed an intense bidding war with a total of 62 bids submitted. As the auction neared its climax, the price soared beyond expectations, solidifying Wembanyama’s status as a highly sought-after rookie.
At only 19 years old, Wembanyama has already made a significant impact on the court. With impressive stats this season, including an average of 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, he has quickly made a name for himself in the NBA. The sale of his debut jersey further cements his skyrocketing reputation.
This auction follows another notable event where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s recent partnership with the NBA as the official game-worn jersey partner kicked off with this auction, offering collectors and fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. Alongside Wembanyama’s jersey, nearly 60 other game-worn jerseys were sold, resulting in a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The event attracted 176 bidders from various countries, showcasing the global appeal of NBA memorabilia.
While Wembanyama’s debut jersey stole the spotlight, jerseys worn by other notable NBA players during their season openers also garnered attention. LeBron James’ jersey fetched $50,820, showcasing the enduring popularity of the basketball legend. Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480, while jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, and Jayson Tatum sold for $25,400, $17,780, $27,940, and $8,890, respectively.
The sale of Wembanyama’s debut jersey at such a staggering price not only reflects his rising star in the NBA but also highlights the ever-increasing demand for unique and significant basketball memorabilia. As fans and collectors eagerly seek to own a piece of history, these auctions provide an exciting platform for both financial investment and personal connection to the sport.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s first regular-season jersey surpassed all expectations, selling for an astounding $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. The robust bidding war and the final price tag showcase his growing influence in the NBA and the enduring appeal of game-worn memorabilia. As Wembanyama continues to make waves in the basketball world, his debut jersey stands as a testament to his promising future and the passionate fandom that surrounds the sport.
