Market outlook
Rising Outlook 7/10
Short-term sales data show a rapid recent increase in raw pricing, and Wembanyama remains one of the most watched modern basketball players in the hobby. Rookie-year demand, slabbed registry interest, and continued player performance can support prices even for common base cards. [1][2]
Next months. Likely to remain firm to slightly higher if demand for Wembanyama rookie cards stays active, with clean raw copies and graded/graded 10s outperforming worn examples. [1][2]
Long term. Over 1-3 years, this card should track Wembanyama’s career momentum, but because it is a common base rookie, long-term appreciation will likely be steadier than explosive unless he reaches sustained superstar or all-time great status.
History
Victor Wembanyama is a French professional basketball player and one of the most highly anticipated prospects in modern basketball. He entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and quickly became the central rookie in 2023-24 basketball card products because of his elite size, shot-blocking, perimeter skill, and global popularity. In card collecting, his rookie cards are significant because he is widely viewed as a generational player with strong international appeal and long-term hobby demand.
This card first appeared in the 2023-24 Panini Select Basketball release, a retail-oriented Concourse base rookie card numbered #87. Retail Select products were released during the 2023-24 season, with marketplace activity showing the card in circulation by May 2026 and retail box openings for the set shortly after release. [1][3][4]
- The card is a 2023-24 Panini Select Basketball Concourse rookie card, which is the base-tier Select design rather than a premium serial-numbered parallel. [4]
- Marketplace listings identify it as Victor Wembanyama rookie card #87, and the NBA Store has sold an graded Authenticated 10 version of the Blue Retail variant. [2][4]
- Recent market data shows a raw copy last sold for $17.64 on 2026-05-31, with a 30-day increase of +119%, indicating active short-term demand. [1]
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Common
- Print run
- High
- First printed in
- 2023-24 Panini Select Basketball
- Demand
- Very High
- Supply
- High
- Base Concourse rookies are printed in much larger quantities than serial-numbered parallels.
- Retail distribution increases available supply.
- Wembanyama demand is strong, but this specific card is not a scarce chase parallel.
Collector notes
Condition. Check for centering, especially left-right and top-bottom alignment, since Select retail base cards can show noticeable centering variation. Inspect corners and edges for whitening, surface scratches, print lines, and holofoil scuffing, which are common on chromium-style cards. Because this is a common rookie base card, raw condition matters, but gem mint grading potential depends heavily on surface cleanliness and sharp corners.
Storage. Use penny sleeves and rigid top loaders or card savers for raw cards, and store in a cool, dry environment away from direct light. For higher-value copies, consider immediate grading if the card appears pack-fresh, and keep it in an archival sleeve or slab once graded to prevent surface damage and edge wear.
Authenticity. Authentic Panini Select cards should have sharp chromium finish details, consistent print quality, and correct backs/fronts matching the 2023-24 Select design. Look for sign of counterfeit printing such as fuzzy text, off-color team logos, poor foil reflection, or misaligned borders. For higher-value graded examples, verify the cert number with the grading company and compare the card image to known authentic exemplars.
Sources: sportscardinvestor.com, store.nba.com, youtube.com, sportscardspro.com, walmart.com
