The NBA Draft hype around the 7-foot-5 Wembanyama could give the San Antonio Spurs a financial windfall on and off the court, experts say
That’s how Victor Wembanyama introduced himself the day before the NBA draft, when he conducted his first news conference before NBA media. But to talent evaluators, Wembanyama has already emerged as one of the top NBA prospects of a generation with his dominant play for a French professional team this season, and his tantalizing upside on the basketball court.
“All told, the impact on team revenues in 2023-24 will likely be somewhere in the $20-$50 million range,” Rishe said, while adding that the Spurs may also be able to leverage Wembanyama’s arrival when negotiating its next local TV contract.Another economics expert thinks Wembanyama’s financial impact on the Spurs could be even higher.
“I suspect that just the cachet of having this player on your team would be the sort of thing that would entice an owner potentially to pay more for the team, because owners in sports aren’t just about dollars and cents, they’re about dollars and cents, and the prestige and the ego that go along with owning an NBA franchise,” said Matheson.
“A guy like him can certainly open up new markets for you. So obviously, we have had top players from France before like Tony Parker, but this might be maybe a level beyond that,” Matheson said. “And if you could open up a 60 million person country, and all of a sudden make the NBA must-see TV in Paris and not just in the United States, that’s where you can really generate a lot.”
But some sports industry experts see Wembanyama’s impact as more muted, noting the possibility that he maybe doesn’t live up to the incredible hype, as well as the limitations of San Antonio’s smaller market size compared to cities like New York. See also: Here’s how much Victor Wembanyama and other 2023 NBA draft picks will earn on their rookie contracts
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Victor Wembanyama eager to start Spurs careerConsensus No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama will cash in on a dream come true in Thursday's NBA draft. The Spurs will be happy to make it happen.
Read more »
In Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are getting their first franchise player comfortable with being a true celebrity.In Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are getting their first franchise player comfortable with...
Read more »
Wembanyama mania hits the streets with murals, figureAnticipation for presumptive Spurs draft pick Victor Wembanyama has hit the streets with art that includes a Wemby Southtown mural by Colton Valentine.
Read more »
Why Victor Wembanyama is the next big NBA starThe 19-year-old Frenchman — who stands at 7-foot-4 — will almost certainly be selected as the first pick in Thursday's draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
Read more »
How to watch Victor Wembanyama's 'Good Morning America' interviewThe 19-year-old phenom was swarmed by fans and cameras ahead of the NBA Draft set for Thursday night.
Read more »
Victor Wembanyama Throwing 1st Pitch At Yankee Game, Look At My Massive Hands!Future NBA star Victor Wembanyama is throwing the first pitch at the New York Yankees game on Tuesday ... and the giant hooper showed off just how massive he is by covering a baseball with his whole hand!
Read more »