Despite the largely negative reactions to this year’s NBA All-Star Game, with fans and media bemoaning the new format and lack of effort by players, Victor Wembanyama’s debut jersey managed to fetch a hefty $228,600 at Sotheby’s on Monday night.
The auction, which began prior to the game and continued for more than a week after the less-than-inspiring affair, marked Wembanyama'’s second most-expensive jersey sale in public auction records, behind only his NBA debut jersey, which sold for $762,000.
Though news of Wembanya’s season-ending blood clot seemed to cast uncertainty into his collectibles market last week, it’s clear bidders remained bullish on the sport’s top young talent, as this weekend also saw his most expensive card sale of all time.
Sotheby’s, the official game-worn partner of the NBA, sold all 22 jerseys for participants in the All-Star Game.
LeBron James’ jersey was initially listed but was withdrawn after he dropped out of the game and didn’t wear the jersey in the team photoshoot.
James’ All-Star jerseys have sold for more than $250,000 in the past. Last year, his record-breaking 20th consecutive All-Star game appearance jersey sold for $139,700.
Cade Cunningham, another top star whose All-Star Game debut jersey was on the block, sold for less than $22,000.
Steph Curry, who was named the game’s MVP, had his jersey go for nearly $89,000. In 2022, Curry’s All Star jersey cleared $500,000.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s jersey sold for more than $30,000. Perennial MVP candidate Nikola Jokic’s jersey went for nearly $28,000.
The first Knicks players to be named All-Star starters since 1975 when Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and Walt “Clyde” Frazier were given the nod, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns saw their jerseys sell for $16,510 and $10,795, respectively.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.