Sports bettors aren’t the only ones dropping big cash on Victor Wembanyama’s rookie NBA season.
The San Antonio Spurs superstar’s first game-worn jersey sold for $762,000 to an anonymous bidder at a recent auction held by Sotheby, the league’s official source for game-worn, authentic memorabilia.
Wembanyama’s jersey was estimated by Sotheby to go in the range of $80,000 to $120,000, but the value shot up at the auction, speaking to the frenzy surrounding his inaugural season.
Setting records
The one sold this week at the auction was the most ever paid for a rookie jersey during a rookie season, and the one he wore in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks in the season opener was the top seller at the Tip-Off online auction among memorabilia worn by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
Wembanyama’s jersey had the highest number of bids and was the only one to eclipse $50,000.
Sportsbooks react to hype
The hype surrounding a rookie is comparable to James’ first year in the NBA, and sports betting sites are reacting accordingly.
Wembanyama, considered to be a generational-type player, is the favorite to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award. Sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings regularly line Wembanyama props for each Spurs game.
The rookie is averaging 18.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks through his first 15 games. The 7-foot-5 French phenom is also listed on the odds to win NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
