Victor Wembanyama, the rising star in the NBA, continues to make headlines as his debut jersey from his first regular-season game fetches an astounding $762,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction. The initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 was quickly surpassed, as bidders competed passionately for the San Antonio Spurs’ white jersey. This sale now ranks as one of the highest sums ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey, although the record for any game-worn rookie jersey still belongs to a Kobe Bryant jersey sold for $3.6 million in 2021.
The jersey in question was worn by the towering 7’4″ Wembanyama during a match against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25. It garnered significant attention, with 62 bids submitted and a frenzy of activity in the auction’s final minutes. Despite being just 19 years old, Wembanyama has already been making a strong impact this season, averaging an impressive 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
This remarkable auction follows another high-profile 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 commenced with this auction, which featured nearly 60 other jerseys and generated a total auction revenue exceeding $1.2 million. The inaugural event attracted 176 bidders from 14 countries, emphasizing the worldwide interest in collecting game-worn NBA jerseys.
While Wembanyama’s jersey stole the spotlight, the season opener jerseys of other notable NBA players fetched more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey sold for $50,820, while Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480. Jerseys worn by Giannis Antetokounmpo were sold for $25,400, and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s jersey achieved $17,780. Steph Curry’s jersey was sold for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s jersey fetched $8,890.
Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric rise in the NBA has captivated fans and collectors alike. At such a young age, his performance on the court has made him one of the most sought-after rookies in the league. Along with his exceptional skill set, his height of 7’4″ adds to his allure as a player with immense potential. As a result, his debut jersey has become a highly coveted item among passionate collectors.
The staggering price for Wembanyama’s debut jersey not only reflects his burgeoning talent but also the growing market for NBA memorabilia. Game-worn jerseys hold a special place in sports collectors’ hearts, as they represent a tangible connection to the game and the players themselves. The intensity of bidding witnessed during this auction emphasizes the importance of rarity and significance in building the value of such items.
With this successful auction, Sotheby’s and the NBA have demonstrated the immense potential of their partnership. This collaboration allows fans and collectors to access unique and valuable pieces of sports history, while also benefiting the players and the league. The soaring prices for these game-worn jerseys illustrate the widespread appreciation for the game and the passion fans have for their favorite players.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey from his first NBA regular-season game has set a new record for rookie debut jerseys, selling for an astonishing $762,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. This remarkable auction not only showcases Wembanyama’s rising star status but also highlights the ever-growing market for NBA memorabilia. With his exceptional performance on the court, Wembanyama continues to captivate fans and collectors, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting rookies in the league.
