Sonny Vaccaro Thinks Rookie Sensation Victor Wembanyama Is Worth a Blank Check

Victor Wembanyama is the name on everybody’s lips right now in the NBA community. The myth of the French sensation’s potential has reached the point where he is even being compared to the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The sneaker industry is not oblivious to the hype surrounding Wemby.

As things stand now, Wemby is looking at a multi-year deal that has the potential to surpass MJ’s historic 1984 deal. Sonny Vaccaro, who facilitated Jordan’s Nike deal, even told TMZ Sports that Wembanyama could be worth a “blank check” right now.

When Jordan signed with Nike back in 1984, it was a deal that trumped all sneaker deals up to that point, one that saw the inception of the now world-famous Air Jordan brand.

With Wemby just two days away from being drafted as the most hyped Draft pick since LeBron James, Vaccaro predicted that we might see some unprecedented numbers soon. While it is almost guaranteed that he will be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, the sneakers he will be wearing in the 2023-2024 season haven’t been decided yet.

As things stand, Wemby has a multi-year deal with Nike. He has been rocking customized 20.5 Nike Zoom G.T. Run shoes on the court. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a new deal from Nike.

With all the hype he has generated, Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance, Puma and others, will want to sign him as well. Wemby could be a signature athlete that turns the sneaker game on its heels. Therefore, Vaccaro believes that the rookie star is worthy of a “blank check”,

“My answer to the world today…the Sonny Vaccaro answer. They’re (Wembanyama and Co.) gonna go in and say, ‘Okay! We want our shoe…we’re taking this percentage…we’re telling you what we want.’ Someone’s going to give it to him! There’s no question in my mind. He’s worth a blank check!”

It certainly would take an amazing offer to get Wembanyama on board as a signature athlete. But one thing is certain, if he lives up to the expectations, it will be a deal that no brand would regret.

Wembanyama could have brands chasing him like they did with LeBron James

There can be no denying that Wembanyama is the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. His superstardom at such a young age is on par with that of both LeBron James and Michael Jordan. And with sneaker brands circling like vultures, Wemby could find himself in a situation similar to that of LeBron.

Back when LeBron was still in high school, he had several sneaker companies chasing him. Both Adidas and Reebok were desperate for his signature. And he even got offered a $115 million deal.

But LBJ chose to accept $87 million from Nike.

5-years ago today, Nike signed LeBron James to a lifetime deal worth over $1 billion.

In high school, Nike offered LeBron $90 million while Reebok offered $115 million.

LeBron chose Nike & has thrived, while Reebok is currently being shopped for ~50% of their 2004 valuation. pic.twitter.com/vpEjffye5K

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) December 7, 2020

Regardless of what happens, Wembanyama will have his pick of the litter. Hopefully, he will pick a deal that will help him propel his game and his brand to the next level.