Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants One Thing From Victor Wembany…

One of the biggest drivers of the sports card market boom is San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, whose rookie cards have become some of the most sought-after items in the hobby — drawing comparisons to the hype that surrounded LeBron James when he entered the NBA.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is among those looking to score a piece of Wembanyama history. While appearing at the National Sports Card Convention in Chicago, Antetokounmpo joined an eBay livestream with Goldin Auctions founder Ken Goldin and revealed the exact collectible he’s chasing.

“I want Wemby’s first rookie card ever,” Antetokounmpo said, according to The New York Times, adding that he sees it as a valuable long-term investment. “I think he’s gonna be one of the best players in the league in the next couple of years. I think he will have a very great career moving forward… You gotta go with Wemby, Steph (Curry), LeBron (James), MJ (Michael Jordan). Those are great investments.”

Collectors are paying anywhere from $500 to $700 for unsigned, highly graded parallel cards of Wembanyama, with the most coveted pieces coming from his 2023–24 rookie season. Many compare his card market to what was once expected from Zion Williamson, although injuries have impacted Williamson’s career path.

Wembanyama’s second NBA season was also cut short after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder shortly after the All-Star Break. The Spurs expect him to be fully healthy for the 2025–26 season, and the medical issue is considered an isolated incident rather than a recurring problem.

The Spurs are surrounding him with talent, including De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, as they push for playoff contention. For Giannis Antetokounmpo, securing Wembanyama’s first rookie card isn’t just about collecting — it’s about owning a piece of what could be NBA history in the making.