San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is among the most highly anticipated rookies in NBA history. He is renowned for his versatile skill set, encompassing outside shooting, scoring, passing, defensive prowess, and many more.
All of these abilities are housed within the Frenchman's astounding 7-foot-4 frame, sparking the interest of many fans, analysts, and observers of the game.
Despite being early in his NBA career, the top pick of this year's NBA Draft already boasts a net worth of $10 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth.
This number is projected to rise further as he continues to fulfill his immense potential. His presence on an NBA team is projected to add $500 million in franchise value.
With his debut season underway, many ask: How much will Victor Wembanyama earn in his rookie season?
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Victor Wembanyama's Rookie Contract
Upon being drafted by the Spurs with the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, the 19-year-old prodigy signed a four-year rookie scale contract with the team worth $55.2 million.
Here is the breakdown of Victory Wembanyama's rookie contract, according to Spotrac:
2023-24: $12,160,680
2024-25: $12,768,960
2025-26: $13,376,880 (team option)
2026-27: $16,868,246 (team option)
2027-28:: $23,615,545 (qualifying offer)
In his first season, Wembanyama is set to earn approximately $12.1 million in salary. He is virtually guaranteed to remain with the San Antonio Spurs for the initial four years of his professional career, barring any unforeseen circumstances or trades.
The third and fourth years of the contract are team options, and the Spurs will likely exercise them to retain the promising talent, potentially leading to him earning nearly $17 million by his fourth season in the world's premier basketball league.
Upon the expiration of the initial contract, the San Antonio Spurs have the option to extend a qualifying offer to the center, amounting to over $23.6 million.
In comparison to Wembanyama's pact, the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, forward Brandon Miller, signed a four-year contract worth $49.4 million with the Charlotte Hornets, while the third overall pick, guard Scoot Henderson, inked a four-year deal worth $44.4 million with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Victor Wembanyama's Endorsements
Wembanyama has been wearing Nike shoes on the court since his days in the French league LNB Pro A.
Although the specifics of his Nike contract have not been publicly disclosed, it has been rumored that Wembanyama received a substantial $100 million from the Swoosh brand for donning their products on and off the court.
If the rumor is true, Wemby's pact would surpass LeBron James' initial Nike deal, which holds the rookie record for the largest shoe contract in NBA history.
In 2003, Nike signed James to a groundbreaking seven-year, $90 million contract before he set foot on an NBA court.
However, sneaker industry insider Nick De Paula of ESPN and Boardroom reported that Wembanyama's existing footwear and apparel deal with Nike from his professional stint in France would carry over into his NBA career.
Aside from Nike, Wembanyama holds endorsement deals with video game developer 2K, plant-based sports drink Barcode, and sports merchandise retailer Fanatics, according to his agent, Bouna Ndiaye.
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