A few weeks ago, Victor Wembanyama delivered one of the most heartwarming and memorable jersey swaps we’ve seen, which quickly went viral across social media.
After the Spurs’ victory over the Brooklyn Nets on December 27, 2024, Wembanyama noticed a young fan holding a sign that read, “Victor Wembanyama, will you swap jerseys with me?” Without hesitation, Wembanyama exchanged his game-worn jersey with the excited fan, creating an epic moment.
Wemby made this young fan’s night with a jersey swap 🥹
Not sure his new jersey will fit, though 😂 pic.twitter.com/4kEsZoFqPQ
— NBA (@NBA) December 28, 2024
Now, just a few weeks later, Goldin Auctions has announced that the jersey will be part of its Goldin 100 auction, starting on January 22, 2025.
A few weeks ago, Victor Wembanyama delivered one of the BEST jersey swaps we’ve seen with a young fan that went viral across social media.
It was just announced today, however, the jersey is already up for auction at Goldin. What are your thoughts on this? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hqHspq3dFP
— The Collectibles Guru (@ericwhiteback) January 15, 2025
The jersey, which Wembanyama wore during his impressive performance of 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 blocks, is expected to fetch a high price at auction. Wemby memorabilia has previously sold for noteworthy sums, including his NBA debut jersey, which sold for over $760,000 at Sotheby’s in November 2023.
However, the excitement surrounding the auction is tempered by a somber reality. This situation has highlighted a growing trend where some parents use their children and home-made signs at basketball games to lure players into giving their kids these jerseys, only to then later sell them for profit. What should be a genuine and memorable interaction between fans and players can sometimes be exploited, leaving a bittersweet taste.
Many fans have expressed disappointment over this practice, noting that it takes away from the authenticity of the moment. Victor Wembanyama’s kind gesture, meant to bring joy to a young fan, has become a commercial transaction, diluting the emotional impact and intention behind the act. However, the monetization of this moment also is somewhat understandable, given the amount of money the jersey could reel in.
