Victor Wembanyama is making waves in the basketball card market, breathing new life into an industry that was previously unstable. As collectors eagerly await the release of his cards, the market has seen a surge in draft products and on-demand printing. The competition between two card manufacturing giants adds fuel to the fire, as they vie to distribute Wembanyama’s highly sought-after cards.
The 7-foot-4-inch French prodigy has sparked a gold rush among collectors, with enthusiasts scrambling to acquire any memorabilia featuring Wembanyama. Since his initial card release last spring, eBay alone has witnessed the sale of over 62,000 Wembanyama cards, totaling a staggering $6.3 million in sales. What’s more, eighteen of these cards have fetched prices upwards of $10,000 each. In the past month alone, coinciding with his NBA debut, over 27,000 cards have been sold, amounting to over $2.6 million.
Some notable sales include a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which commanded an impressive $20,000 in August. Another sought-after card, a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, sold for $15,850.
Wembanyama’s rise to stardom over the past two years has been nothing short of meteoric. Drawing comparisons to the likes of LeBron James, Wembanyama began his professional career in France at the young age of 15. His exceptional skills, such as shot-blocking, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height, have captivated fans and scouts alike. During his stint with Metropolitans 92, he showcased his NBA-ready talents against the G League’s Ignite team, scoring an impressive 73 points across two games. Following his standout performances, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs after their lottery win.
Wembanyama’s playing style is a unique blend of old-school and modern basketball. His interior dominance and three-point shooting create challenges for opponents. His advanced basketball IQ, game-reading skills, and ability to make decisions under pressure further enhance his on-court presence. With records like scoring 35+ points, grabbing 10+ rebounds, and blocking 2+ shots in a game, he is already in the league of elite players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While collectors eagerly await a rookie card featuring Wembanyama in a Spurs jersey, his collegiate and other unlicensed cards remain in high demand. One of his top cards is the 2022 Bowman University Inception, where his autograph card, particularly the redemption version, is highly prized. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome offers Wembanyama’s first base card and chrome autograph, despite a lackluster finish to his college career. These cards hold value due to the “1st Bowman” tag. The more affordable 2022 Bowman University Best provides collectors with Wembanyama’s first live autograph and a more accessible base card.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have featured Wembanyama in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture significant moments such as his draft day and even a pitch at a Yankees game, while Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. Additionally, collectors can find Wembanyama in Allen & Ginter’s 2023 collection, which includes base cards, parallels, and autographs. The availability of these cards helps to maintain their affordability.
Victor Wembanyama’s arrival in the basketball card market has rejuvenated the industry, attracting collectors and sparking intense competition between manufacturers. With his growing popularity and potential for greatness in the NBA, the hype surrounding his cards shows no signs of slowing down. Collectors will continue to eagerly anticipate the release of new Wembanyama cards and hope to strike gold in this electrified market.
