Victor Wembanyama cards back on the rise, fueled by preseason buzz

The news discusses the fluctuations in the basketball card market for Victor Wembanyama, a San Antonio Spurs player, highlighting how his public appearances and physical recovery have influenced collector confidence. In early February 2025, his 2023 Panini Prizm Silver rookie card with a PSA Gem-Mint 10 grade sold for up to $950, a significant drop from its peak of $2,500 in March 2024, but still showing growing long-term value.

However, prices declined later in February 2025 after a blood clot in his right shoulder sidelined him for the season, with the card selling as low as $620 by late April. Prices then stabilized between $650 and $750 until mid-June, when his multiple appearances at Fanatics Fest in New York reignited interest. Fans witnessed his towering presence and interactions with celebrities like Kevin Hart, Tom Brady, and LeBron James, as well as his discussions on training methods and a viral dunk, indicating a full recovery.

Wembanyama's statements during Spurs Media Day emphasized his improved conditioning and strength, contributing to a rebound in card prices, which now regularly sell between $800 and $900. Despite the injury uncertainty, over $17 million was spent on his cards on eBay in the first eight months of 2025, ranking him sixth among athletes. The market is expected to receive another boost with the upcoming release of the 2025-26 Topps Basketball set, featuring his first autographed cards in a Spurs uniform in over 15 years.