Victor Wembanyama Signs Five-Year, $252 Million Extension With Spurs, Sacrificing Bigger Payday to Help Team Build

The San Antonio Spurs have secured the future of their franchise after agreeing to a five-year, $252 million rookie-scale maximum contract extension with Victor Wembanyama. The deal keeps the 2023 No. 1 overall pick in San Antonio through the early 2030s and represents one of the largest rookie extensions in NBA history.

Wembanyama confirmed the news himself on social media, posting, “Spurs family, I’m here to stay. Whatever it takes.” The announcement follows a breakout third NBA season in which the French superstar helped guide San Antonio to the NBA Finals, further cementing his status as one of basketball’s brightest young stars.

Wembanyama Reportedly Turned Down a Larger Supermax Deal

According to reports, Wembanyama was eligible to sign a 30% rookie supermax extension worth approximately $303 million. Instead, he chose a standard maximum extension valued at $252 million, reportedly leaving around $50 million on the table.

The decision gives the Spurs additional salary cap flexibility over the next five years, potentially allowing the organization to continue strengthening its roster around its franchise cornerstone. Even with the smaller contract, the extension ranks among the richest rookie deals ever signed in the NBA, trailing only larger extensions agreed to by players such as Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley.

The move has been widely viewed as a sign of Wembanyama’s commitment to helping San Antonio remain competitive rather than maximizing his immediate earnings.

The Spurs continue building their future around franchise star Victor Wembanyama (Image via NBA)

Spurs Continue Building Around Their Franchise Star

The contract follows Wembanyama’s most productive NBA season to date. He averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and continued establishing himself as one of the league’s elite defensive players after previously leading the NBA in blocked shots.

San Antonio reached the NBA Finals after winning the Western Conference, though the team ultimately fell to the New York Knicks in five games despite holding double-digit leads during each contest.

The Spurs’ young core—including Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie, and Carter Bryant—gained valuable postseason experience, while veteran guard De’Aaron Fox provided leadership after joining the team from the Sacramento Kings.

With Wembanyama now committed for the long term, San Antonio has secured the centerpiece of its rebuilding project. The extension gives the Spurs stability as they continue pursuing another NBA championship around one of the league’s most dominant young talents.