The NBA first revealed that Wemby was a top-three finalist for the Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards on April 22. Credit: Reginald Thomas II / San Antonio Spurs

The Nike G.T. Hustle 2 “Victor Wembanyama” basketball sneaker sold out within minutes of going on sale Wednesday morning, according to unlucky Spurs fans venting their frustrations online.

The anticipated alien-themed shoes went on sale via Nike’s website at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Despite a $170 price tag, the kicks sold out within minutes, leaving Wemby enthusiasts, including San Antonio sports podcaster Carolina Teague, empty-handed.

“Tried to buy Victor Wembanyama Nike shoe 3 minutes ago,” Teague posted on social media platform X. “Shoes in my size completely sold out in 2 minutes. Multiple shoes are sold out. Boys were removed from the Nike SNKRS app. SOLD OUT IN TWO MINUTES. Absolutely freaking insane.”

KENS5 sports reporter Tom Petrini faced similar problems trying to get his hands on the coveted footwear.

“Wemby’s shoe sold out in every size in like 5 minutes lmao,” Petrini tweeted.

Debuted by Wembanyama during the NBA All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars scrimmage, the shoes pay tribute to the Spurs center’s “extraterrestrial” nickname. That handle stems from Wemby’s “mythical skills” that could make one question whether the 2024 Rookie of the Year was “imported from another planet,” according to Nike’s website.

But not every Spurs fan ended up empty handed.

San Antonio real estate agent Eric Salinas, who was lucky enough to land a pair of the sought-after sneakers, posted a photo of his purchase on X. “Office swag,” he tweeted.

It’s unclear when the Nike shoes will be back in stock. However, online entrepreneurs have already begun reselling them on eBay for nearly double the retail price.

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This article appears in May 1-14, 2024.

Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...