Victor Wembanyama, the towering French basketball sensation, has quickly risen to global prominence both on and off the court. As of now, his net worth is estimated at $10 million, driven by his lucrative NBA contract and early successes in international and domestic leagues. In June 2023, Wembanyama made history as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, joining the San Antonio Spurs. Here’s an in-depth look at his career, earnings, and milestones.
NBA Contracts and Salary
Wembanyama’s rookie contract with the San Antonio Spurs is a four-year deal worth $55 million, a significant milestone for the young athlete. The structured salary under this deal is as follows:
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| Rookie Year (2023-24) | $12.1 million |
| Year 2 (2024-25) | $12.7 million |
| Year 3 (2025-26) | $13.3 million |
| Year 4 (2026-27) | $16.8 million |
With endorsements and incentives, his income is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Victor Wembanyama was born on January 4, 2004, in Le Chesnay, France, into a family deeply rooted in sports. His mother, Elodie, was a basketball coach and former player, while his father, Félix, was a track and field athlete. Wembanyama initially dabbled in football and judo before focusing on basketball at age seven, inspired by his mother.
At ten, he joined the youth system of Nanterre 92, a professional club in France. By 14, he gained attention at an under-14 tournament with FC Barcelona, helping the team secure a third-place finish. Despite opportunities abroad, Wembanyama chose to stay in France, where he began crafting his legacy.
Professional Basketball Career
Nanterre 92
Victor’s professional journey began with Nanterre 92’s senior team in 2019. His early performances hinted at his potential, and by the 2020-21 season, he was making waves, leading the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in blocks and showcasing his talent on the LNB Pro A stage. Wembanyama capped the season with the LNB Pro A Best Young Player Award.
ASVEL
In 2021, Wembanyama signed with ASVEL, a top French basketball club. Despite injuries limiting his playtime, he recorded a career-high 25 points in April 2022 and helped ASVEL clinch its third consecutive Pro A championship. His performances earned him another Best Young Player Award.
Metropolitans 92
Wembanyama’s move to Metropolitans 92 in 2022 marked a breakout year. During exhibition games in Las Vegas, he drew immense attention from NBA scouts, particularly with a dominant 37-point performance against the G League Ignite. His MVP season in the Pro A league solidified his reputation as the next global basketball star.
San Antonio Spurs
In the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama was selected as the first overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs. This made him the first French player to be drafted #1 overall and only the second European player to achieve this milestone, following Andrea Bargnani in 2006.
International Career
Victor Wembanyama has been a vital part of France’s national basketball program. Highlights include:
- 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship: Silver medal; led the tournament in blocks.
- 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup: Another silver medal, with a record 5.7 blocks per game.
- 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Debuted with the senior team.
With his skills, Wembanyama is poised to be a cornerstone of the French team in future international competitions.
Player Profile
Standing at an astounding 7’3.5″ with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama is the tallest active player in the NBA. His combination of size, mobility, and defensive prowess has drawn comparisons to legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain. Known for his elite shot-blocking, court vision, and scoring versatility, he’s considered one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory.
Off-Court Highlights
Britney Spears Incident
In July 2023, a peculiar incident involving pop star Britney Spears made headlines. Spears attempted to greet Wembanyama at a Las Vegas casino but was reportedly struck by a member of his security team. The story quickly went viral, adding an unexpected twist to the player’s early NBA journey.
FAQ:
What is Victor Wembanyama’s net worth?
Victor Wembanyama’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, primarily from his NBA salary and early career endorsements.
How much is Victor Wembanyama’s rookie NBA contract worth?
Wembanyama’s four-year deal with the Spurs is valued at $55 million, starting with a $12.1 million salary in his first year.
What are Victor Wembanyama’s standout physical attributes?
Victor stands 7’3.5” tall with an 8-foot wingspan, making him the tallest active NBA player. His size is complemented by exceptional mobility and defensive skills.
Which teams did Wembanyama play for before the NBA?
Wembanyama played for Nanterre 92, ASVEL, and Metropolitans 92 in France.
What awards has Victor Wembanyama won?
He’s a two-time LNB Pro A Best Young Player and was the youngest-ever recipient of the LNB Pro A MVP Award in 2023.
