Victor Wembanyama, the impressive 7-foot-4-inch French basketball prodigy, has breathed new life into the basketball card market. Collectors are eagerly awaiting the release of his cards, resulting in a surge in draft products and on-demand printing. The excitement surrounding Wembanyama is further intensified by the competition between two card manufacturing giants vying to distribute his highly coveted cards.
Since the initial release of Wembanyama’s cards last spring, the market has been buzzing with enthusiasm. On eBay alone, more than 62,000 Wembanyama cards have been sold, amounting to an astonishing $6.3 million in sales. Notably, eighteen of these cards have fetched prices of over $10,000 each. In just the past month, over 27,000 cards have been sold, generating sales of over $2.6 million.
Some standout sales include a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which was sold for an impressive $20,000 in August. Another noteworthy sale was a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from the 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, which fetched a price of $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to basketball stardom over the past two years has been nothing short of meteoric. Being compared to the likes of LeBron James, Wembanyama began his professional career in France at the tender age of 15. His exceptional skills, including his shot-blocking ability, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have captured the attention of fans and scouts alike. During his time with Metropolitans 92, he impressed with his NBA-ready talents, culminating in his selection by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s playing style is a fusion of old-school and modern basketball. His dominance in the paint and his ability to shoot three-pointers pose significant challenges for opponents. His advanced basketball intelligence, game-reading skills, and ability to make decisions under pressure further elevate his on-court presence. His record of scoring 35+ points, grabbing 10+ rebounds, and blocking 2+ shots in a game places him in elite company, alongside the likes of Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While a rookie card featuring Wembanyama in a Spurs jersey is pending, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards continue to be in high demand among collectors.
Some of his top cards include the 2022 Bowman University Inception, featuring his autograph as a redemption, which is particularly sought after. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers his first base card and chrome autograph. Despite a somewhat disappointing 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 featured Wembanyama in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture memorable moments such as his draft day and a pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. Additionally, Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection includes Wembanyama with base cards, parallels, and autographs, making them more affordable due to their wide availability.
As Victor Wembanyama’s promising basketball career continues to unfold, the excitement surrounding his cards remains at an all-time high. Collectors are eagerly adding his cards to their collections, driving sales and competition between card manufacturers. With his talent and potential, it’s no wonder that the basketball card market has been energized by his arrival.
