Victor Wembanyama isn’t just the most hyped NBA rookie in recent years — he’s considered by many to be a once-in-a-generation talent. His impact on the league was immediate, and this has been reflected in the sports card market. But is buying his cards now a smart investment? Or has the best time to buy already passed?
In this article, we’ll analyze the pros, cons, and alternatives for anyone looking to invest wisely in NBA trading cards.
The Wembanyama Phenomenon and the Card Market
Even before playing a single NBA game, Wembanyama’s name was moving massive figures among collectors. In 2025, a rare rookie card — the 2023-24 Panini Prizm Nebula Choice Prizm #136, graded Mint 9 — sold for $860,100, setting a record for such a young player.
His licensed Panini cards are among the most sought after in the world, appealing to both collectors and investors.
Why Buying a Wembanyama Card Might Be Worth It
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The hype is real: Wembanyama is not just a promise — he’s already delivering on the court, which supports the high value of his cards.
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Long-term potential: At just 20 years old, he has his entire career ahead of him. If he remains healthy, he could become one of the greatest names in NBA history.
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Rare and licensed cards appreciate better: Numbered, autographed, or low-print-run cards tend to retain or increase their value over time.
But Be Cautious: Not Everything Is Guaranteed
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The price is already high: With so much attention on him, his cards are expensive — perhaps too much for those looking for short-term gains.
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Injury risk: In February 2025, Wembanyama was ruled out for the season due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. While he is young, injuries can affect both his career and the value of his cards.
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Mass production: Companies like Panini release many different versions of his cards. Unless you’re buying only the rarest editions, scarcity could become an issue.
A Smarter Strategy: Investing in Promising Young Players
If you’re looking for high upside at a lower initial investment, a better approach might be investing in undervalued rookies or rising stars. Instead of buying one expensive Wembanyama card, you could:
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Target young players with solid performances but less media hype (like Scoot Henderson, Chet Holmgren, or upcoming draft picks)
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Focus on numbered, autographed, or short-print cards with appreciation potential
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Diversify — for example, invest in five promising rookies rather than one high-end Wembanyama card
Here are some 2023–2025 rookies and second-year players whose cards are still relatively affordable — but could rise in value with strong NBA seasons ahead:
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Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder) – Technically part of the 2022 draft, but debuted in 2023–24 after injury. Great all-around game and fits well with the Thunder’s young core.
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Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers) – Struggled early but has explosive athleticism and star potential.
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Keyonte George (Utah Jazz) – A talented combo guard with scoring upside and starting role potential.
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Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks) – Strong defensive presence and great fit next to Luka Dončić.
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Gradey Dick (Toronto Raptors) – Sharpshooter with a big personality; if his minutes increase, so will demand.
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Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors) – Versatile guard with strong IQ and fan-favorite energy.
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Jalen Hood-Schifino (Los Angeles Lakers) – Not heavily used yet, but a good stash player for the long term.
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Bronny James (draft-eligible 2024–25) – Even before reaching the NBA, his cards (like Bowman Chrome) are available and generating buzz due to his name.
These players offer entry points for investors who want to build a portfolio with lower risk exposure per card and greater upside if one of them breaks out.
Conclusion
Buying a Victor Wembanyama card can be worth it — especially if you’re in it for the long run, admire the player, and can afford rare, licensed editions.
However, if you’re looking for quicker returns or a more budget-friendly way to start investing, you might find better value in young players still flying under the radar.
In the NBA card world, information and timing are everything.