Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4-inch French basketball sensation, has brought a new level of excitement to the collectible card market. As his career unfolds, collectors are eagerly anticipating the release of his cards, leading to a surge in draft products and on-demand printing. The competition between two card manufacturing giants, Topps and Panini, adds to the vitality of the market as they vie for the opportunity to distribute Wembanyama’s highly coveted cards.
Since the initial release of his cards last spring, there has been a frenzy among enthusiasts to acquire any piece of Wembanyama memorabilia. eBay alone has witnessed the sale of over 62,000 Wembanyama cards, generating a staggering $6.3 million in sales. Notably, eighteen of these cards have sold for over $10,000 each. In just the past month, over 27,000 cards featuring Wembanyama have been sold, totaling over $2.6 million.
Some exceptional sales include a Bowman Chrome University Red Refractor redemption card from the 2022-23 season, which sold for an impressive $20,000 in August. Another notable sale was a PSA 10 Gold Refractor autograph card from 2022 Bowman U, limited to 50 copies, fetching a price of $15,850.
Wembanyama’s journey over the past two years has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 15 years old, he began his professional career in France, drawing comparisons to NBA great LeBron James. His exceptional shot-blocking ability, agility, and surprising shooting range for his height have made him the talk of fans and scouts alike. During his time with Metropolitans 92, Wembanyama showcased his NBA-ready talents, culminating in his selection by the San Antonio Spurs after they won the draft lottery.
Wembanyama’s style of play combines elements of old-school and modern basketball. His dominant presence in the interior, coupled with his three-point shooting prowess, poses a challenging dynamic for his opponents. His advanced basketball IQ, game-reading skills, and ability to make crucial decisions under pressure further elevate his on-court presence. Achieving a record of 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks in a single game puts him in the company of elite players such as Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
While collectors eagerly await the release of Wembanyama’s rookie card featuring him in a Spurs jersey, his collegiate and unlicensed cards remain in high demand. Notable among these are the 2022 Bowman University Inception cards, which include his autograph as a redemption. The 2022 Bowman University Chrome series offers his first base card and chrome autograph, highly valued for their “1st Bowman” tag. Additionally, the 2022 Bowman University Best provides a more accessible base card option and features Wembanyama’s first live autograph.
Both Topps Now and Panini Instant have featured Wembanyama in limited-time offers. Topps Now cards capture memorable moments from his career, such as his draft day and even a pitch at a Yankees game. On the other hand, Panini Instant showcases him in his Spurs attire. Another collection to look out for is Allen & Ginter’s 2023 set, which includes Wembanyama’s base cards, parallels, and autographs. These cards remain relatively affordable due to their high availability.
Victor Wembanyama’s arrival in the basketball world has invigorated the card market, with collectors feverishly seeking out his cards. As his career progresses, the demand for his memorabilia is expected to continue to soar, making him one of the most sought-after players in the world of sports collectibles.
