Victor Wembanyama Trading Cards: The 5 Most Graded Rookies

In just two NBA seasons, Victor Wembanyama has already established himself as one of the most sought-after names in the sports card collecting world. The San Antonio Spurs phenom's impact extends far beyond the basketball court, with collectors actively pursuing his rookie cards as potential long-term investments in what many believe will be a Hall of Fame career.

According to recent data from Gem Rate, Wembanyama has an impressive 547,609 cards graded all-time—a staggering figure for a player who only entered the league in 2023. With the release of 2025-26 Topps Basketball, collectors now have access to Year 3 Wembanyama cards, further expanding his already robust portfolio.

The Collecting Frenzy Continues

The market for Wembanyama cards shows no signs of slowing down. Sports Illustrated's Collectibles division reports that heading into the 2025-26 season, 1,527 Wembanyama cards were graded in a single week—representing a 14% increase from the previous week's 1,345 submissions. This momentum positioned him as the most graded active NBA player during that period, underscoring the intense collector interest in his cards.

The timing is strategic for collectors. As Wembanyama continues to develop his game and chase accolades, early investors are betting that his rookie cards will appreciate significantly over time. The French big man's unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the game's all-time greats, making his cards particularly attractive to both casual collectors and serious investors.

The Top 5 Most Graded Wembanyama Cards

1. 2023 Panini Prizm Rookie #136 (44,884 Graded Copies)

Leading the pack is the card widely considered the crown jewel of Wembanyama's rookie collection—his 2023 Panini Prizm base rookie. With 44,884 graded copies, this card has become the de facto "must-have" for collectors building a Wembanyama portfolio. The card boasts a 59% gem rate, with 26,318 copies achieving PSA 10 status.

What makes this card particularly appealing is its accessibility. PSA 10 copies have averaged $80.70 over the past month according to Card Ladder data, making it an entry point that serious collectors can reasonably afford while still maintaining strong potential for appreciation. The Panini Prizm brand carries significant weight in basketball collecting circles, lending additional credibility to this as a flagship rookie card.

2. 2023 Panini Prizm Monopoly Rookie #81 (18,065 Graded Copies)

The second most graded Wembanyama card continues the Panini Prizm dominance. The Monopoly parallel features 18,065 graded copies with an impressive 61% gem rate—slightly higher than the base Prizm. With 10,944 PSA 10 examples in the market, this card typically trades between $30 and $45 in top grade.

The Monopoly parallel offers collectors a different aesthetic take on Wembanyama's rookie year while still carrying the Prizm brand prestige. For those looking to diversify their Wembanyama holdings beyond the base rookie, this represents a logical next step.

3. 2023 Panini Select Blue Prizm Rookie #87 (17,722 Graded Copies)

Despite being labeled "Blue," this Select card actually serves as the standard base design in the 2023-24 Select Basketball product line. The "Concourse" level represents the most common tier for Wembanyama in this set, but don't let that fool you—it's still highly collectible.

This card holds the highest gem rate among the top five at 81%, with 14,369 PSA 10 copies. The strong centering and print quality of Select cards contribute to this high success rate. In PSA 10 condition, collectors can expect to pay between $30 and $40, making it another affordable option for building a comprehensive collection.

4. 2023 Panini NBA Hoops Rookie #277 (14,460 Graded Copies)

The first non-chrome card on the list, NBA Hoops represents Panini's accessible, paper-based product designed for every level of collector. With 14,460 graded copies, this card holds historical significance as one of the first Wembanyama rookies to hit the market in his NBA uniform.

The card maintains a respectable 75% gem rate with 11,034 PSA 10 examples. In top condition, these cards range from $25 to $40. For collectors focused on "firsts," this card's early release date adds an intangible appeal that goes beyond mere population numbers.

5. 2023 Panini Donruss Rookie #220 (14,119 Graded Copies)

Rounding out the top five is another paper-based product from Panini's Donruss line. With 14,119 graded copies, this card presents the biggest grading challenge among the leaders, evidenced by its 24% gem rate—the lowest of the group.

Only 3,378 PSA 10 copies exist, creating relative scarcity in high grade. This scarcity is reflected in the pricing, with PSA 10 examples ranging from $40 to $65—commanding a premium despite lower overall population numbers. For collectors who appreciate the challenge of condition rarity, this card offers unique appeal.

Understanding the Market Dynamics

The grading distribution across these five cards reveals important insights about the collecting landscape. Chrome or refractor-style cards like Prizm and Select consistently achieve higher gem rates due to superior print quality and card stock. Paper-based products like Hoops and Donruss present more grading challenges, often resulting in lower PSA 10 populations and, paradoxically, higher prices in top grades.

Collectors should also note the timing factor. As Wembanyama's career progresses and he accumulates achievements—whether that's All-Star selections, All-NBA teams, or potentially MVP awards—these rookie cards will likely see corresponding price increases. The current market represents an opportunity for collectors who believe in his long-term trajectory.

Investment Considerations

While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, the fundamentals supporting Wembanyama's card market remain strong. His unique physical tools, combined with genuine skill and basketball intelligence, suggest a player who could dominate the league for years to come. The sustained grading activity—actually increasing as we move further from his rookie season—indicates sustained collector confidence.

For those building a Wembanyama collection, diversification across multiple products makes sense. The Panini Prizm base rookie provides the flagship piece, while Select, Hoops, and Donruss options offer different price points and aesthetic choices. Serious investors might also explore low-numbered parallels and autographed versions, though these command significantly higher premiums.

Looking Ahead

With over half a million cards already graded and new products continuously releasing, the Wembanyama card market shows remarkable vitality. As Topps enters the NBA licensing picture for the 2025-26 season, collectors will have even more options to consider, potentially reshaping the hierarchy of desirable Wembanyama cards.

The sports card market has proven cyclical, with values rising and falling based on player performance and broader economic conditions. However, generational talents like Wembanyama typically maintain strong collector interest throughout their careers. For those willing to take a long-term view, these rookie cards represent more than cardboard—they're tangible pieces of basketball history in the making.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a fan simply wanting to own a piece of Wemby's legacy, understanding which cards are most actively collected provides crucial market intelligence. The data doesn't lie: collectors are voting with their submissions, and these five rookies represent the clear favorites in the Victor Wembanyama collecting universe.