Despite making his NBA debut this season, Victor Wembanyama has made it to the headlines more often than not. He was among the highest prospects in the 2023 draft and was the first overall pick in the first round. It was undeniably just the start of his achievements. Recently, his rookie jersey, which he wore during his victory over the Dallas Mavericks, was sold for a staggering price.
As per numerous sources, Wembanyama‘s rookie jersey’s price tag is said to be the most expensive one in the history of the league. However, the truth is far away from this. Furthermore, he has lived up to the hype that was created before he stepped on the court. Fans strongly believe that he is in a good run for winning Rookie of the Year.
Additionally, Victor Wembanyama has been often called the future Hall of Fame, which is an achievement on its own. He is playing in the forward-center position for the San Antonio Spurs. So far, he has played 14 games, in which he had an average of 18.6 points, 2.5 assists, and 9.1 rebounds. Wembanyama’s extraordinary performances have made him a fan favorite.
Victor Wembanyama’s rookie jersey was sold for $762,000
Victor Wembanyama’s game-worn rookie jersey was sold for a staggering $762,000 at Sotheby. This price tag is impressive considering the Spurs star is in his rookie season. The jersey was donned by him during the second half of the game against the Mavericks. Notably, the estimated price was $80,000 to $120,000, which is significantly lower than what it ended up selling for.
Victor Wembanyama’s game-worn jersey from his NBA debut just sold at auction for $762,000 🤯
That’s the most EVER paid for a rookie jersey 💸
(h/t @TommyBeer) pic.twitter.com/a5BWgMqWNg
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 21, 2023
Furthermore, there were 176 bidders from 17 different countries for the game-won sources. Out of this, Wembanyama’s jersey attracted 62 bids, which is among the highest participation for the memorabilia auction at Sotheby’s.
Kobe Bryant holds the record for the most expensive rookie jersey
Victor Wembanyama’s rookie jersey price tag of $762,000 is not the most expensive in the NBA. The record is held by none other than NBA legend Kobe Bryant. In 2021, a year after Bryant’s tragic death in the helicopter crash, his rookie jersey was sold for a whopping $3.69 million. Notably, the jersey also came with Black Mamba’s prestigious autograph.
Furthermore, this jersey remains the highest-selling basketball jersey in history. The number 8 jersey was photo-matched with the jerseys that Bryant donned during the 1996-97 season. It is undeniable that when it comes to holding records and being the greatest player, there’s hardly anyone who can beat Kobe Bryant. He left an everlasting legacy, and his fans continue to pay tribute in numerous ways.