The Four Tiers of Sports Collecting: What We Can Learn from Victor Wembanyama’s Viral Jersey Swap

In the world of sports collectibles, not all memorabilia is created equal. Some items hold deep personal meaning, while others are simply investments. A recent story about Victor Wembanyama’s jersey swap with a young fan, which ended up on auction for over $10,000, has sparked a debate: Should some items be considered untouchable?

Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down the four tiers of collectibles and what they mean for collectors navigating these tough decisions.

The Viral Moment: Victor Wembanyama’s Jersey Swap

At a recent Spurs game, a young fan with a sign asking for a jersey swap caught Wembanyama’s attention. The 7’5” phenom swapped his jersey with the kid, creating a heartwarming moment that quickly went viral. Days later, the jersey appeared on Golden Auctions, with bids surpassing $10,000.

For many collectors, this raised ethical questions: Should the family have sold the jersey, or should they have preserved it as a memento of an unforgettable experience?

The Four Tiers of Collecting

Dr. Tarver introduces a framework to evaluate collectibles and their significance:

1. Tier 1: Untouchables
   These are items with unique, personal connections. Examples include game-used jerseys handed directly to fans by players or items tied to once-in-a-lifetime moments. In the Wembanyama example, the jersey swap created a special story for the young fan. Selling it removes that story from the collectible’s value.

2. Tier 2: Personal Signatures
   Memorabilia signed by players in unscheduled moments, such as before or after a game, falls into this category. These items hold value because the player chose to take the time to engage. Dr. Tarver shared his own example of meeting Jordan Poole, who signed a game-used jersey he had purchased, elevating it from Tier 4 to Tier 2.

3. Tier 3: Paid Events (Mercenaries)
   When players are compensated to sign items at shows or events, the memorabilia becomes less personal but still holds value. These are structured environments where autographs are more transactional.

4. Tier 4: Click and Buy
   Items purchased online or at auctions that lack a personal story fall into Tier 4. These collectibles can still hold value, but they lack the emotional or narrative weight of higher-tier items.

The Ethics of Selling Collectibles

The debate around the Wembanyama jersey centers on whether it was right for the family to auction it off. While financial needs or lack of space can justify selling, Dr. Tarver argues that items tied to personal stories—especially those involving children—should be preserved whenever possible.

Why Stories Matter in Collecting

Memorabilia isn’t just about the player—it’s about the moment. From Steph Curry’s “Night Night” pose to LeBron James’ record-breaking dunk, cards and collectibles often represent pivotal events that fans cherish.

“Moments are what make collectibles special,” says Dr. Tarver. “The more personal the story, the more meaningful the item becomes.”

Final Thoughts

The four tiers of collecting offer a lens for navigating tough decisions. Whether you’re keeping a signed jersey or flipping a card, understanding the emotional and ethical weight behind collectibles can help you make the right call.

What’s Your Take?
Do you agree with the four tiers? What’s the most meaningful item in your collection? Share your thoughts in the comments or on the Sports Cards Are Dope podcast!