Victor Wembanyama, the rising star in the NBA, has solidified his reputation early in his career with his debut jersey fetching an astonishing $762,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction. The initial estimate of $80,000-$120,000 was quickly surpassed as eager bidders competed for the white jersey worn by the San Antonio Spurs rookie. This sale now stands as one of the highest sums ever paid for an NBA rookie debut jersey, though the record remains held by Kobe Bryant’s game-worn rookie jersey which sold for $3.6 million in 2021.
The jersey in question was worn by the towering 7’4″ Wembanyama during his first regular-season game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25. Seventy-two bids were placed for this coveted item, with a flurry of activity in the final minutes of the auction. It’s no surprise, considering Wembanyama’s remarkable performance on the court. Despite being just 19 years old, he has already been averaging an impressive 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game this season.
This auction follows another high-profile event where a jersey worn by Wembanyama during his NBA Summer League debut sold for $62,000. Sotheby’s, the official game-worn jersey partner of the NBA, collaborated to host this auction. In addition to Wembanyama’s jersey, nearly 60 other jerseys were sold, bringing the total auction revenue to over $1.2 million. With participation from 176 bidders across 14 countries, this inaugural event proved to be quite a success.
While Wembanyama’s jersey captured the attention and wallets of enthusiastic bidders, jerseys worn by other notable NBA players during their season openers fetched more modest amounts. LeBron James’ jersey sold for $50,820, an impressive sum albeit lower than Wembanyama’s auction price. Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey brought in $30,480, while Giannis Antetokounmpo’s jerseys sold for $25,400. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s jersey garnered a sale of $17,780, Steph Curry’s went for $27,940, and Jayson Tatum’s fetched $8,890.
The demand for game-worn jerseys continues to be a testament to fans’ devotion to their favorite players and memorable moments. These iconic pieces serve as cherished collectibles, with their value often appreciating over time. As new talents such as Wembanyama make their mark in the NBA, the excitement surrounding the acquisition of their jerseys only grows.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey has become a symbol of his rising stardom, selling for a remarkable $762,000 at auction. This exceptional amount is a testament to his talent and potential, as well as the deep-rooted passion of NBA fans worldwide. With each auction, the value of game-worn jerseys continues to soar, solidifying their status as truly iconic pieces in the world of sports memorabilia.
