Sports Card Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Player/Team-Based (Baseball Cards, Football Cards, Soccer Cards, Hockey Cards and Basketball Cards), Era/Year, Card Grading and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Sports Card Market is accounted for $13.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $26.6 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. The sports card market refers to the buying, selling, and trading of collectible cards featuring images of athletes, often accompanied by their autographs or pieces of game-worn memorabilia. These cards serve as tangible representations of sports stars and are valued for their rarity, condition, and historical significance. The sports card market serves as a multifaceted platform, blending nostalgia, investment opportunities, and a vibrant collector's community.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Popularity of sports

As sports capture the global imagination, the corresponding athletes become cultural icons, driving enthusiasts and collectors to seek tangible representations of their favorite players' achievements. Major sporting events, leagues, and tournaments contribute significantly to the market's dynamics, with heightened interest during championship seasons. The media plays a crucial role in amplifying the popularity of sports, creating narratives around athletes that fuel card collecting trends. Moreover, the widespread fandom and emotional connections people develop with sports further propel the appeal of sports cards, turning them into cherished memorabilia.

Restraint:

Player performance risk

The unpredictable nature of sports means that injuries, declines in performance, or unexpected retirements can swiftly diminish the perceived value of an athlete's cards. Collectors and investors are susceptible to the inherent uncertainties surrounding player careers, and a sudden dip in form or a career-altering event can result in a substantial depreciation of card values. However, this risk underscores the inherent volatility of the sports card market, as it is contingent on the ongoing achievements and popularity of individual players.

Opportunity:

Rise of online platforms and trading communities

Online marketplaces facilitate a global exchange, connecting buyers and sellers from diverse geographic locations, thereby expanding the market's reach and liquidity. These platforms offer a wealth of information, price transparency, and real-time market trends, empowering participants to make informed decisions. Social media and dedicated forums have further fostered a sense of community, where enthusiasts share insights, showcase collections, and negotiate deals. Moreover, these digital spaces have democratized access, enabling collectors, investors, and enthusiasts to engage in buying, selling, and trading with unprecedented ease.

Threat:

Overproduction of cards

Historical periods of mass production have flooded the market with an abundance of certain cards, diluting their rarity and diminishing their perceived value. This oversaturation has led to a lack of scarcity, a key factor that often drives the collectible value of cards. As manufacturers sought to capitalize on the growing popularity of sports cards, the market became saturated with numerous editions, subsets, and variations, contributing to a glut of supply. Consequently, collectors and investors face challenges in distinguishing between genuinely rare and valuable cards and those that are more commonplace.

Covid-19 Impact:

The initial impact saw disruptions in production and distribution, leading to supply chain issues and delays. As lockdowns and restrictions prompted individuals to explore new hobbies and investments, there was a surge in interest in sports cards. The market witnessed a notable uptick in online transactions, facilitated by a growing digital presence and virtual trading communities. However, with live sports events temporarily halted, collectors turned to the nostalgia of existing cards and engaged in speculative trading.

The baseball cards segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

Due to a combination of historical significance, player performances, and evolving collecting trends, Baseball Cards segment is dominating the largest share of the market throughout the extrapolated period. Baseball, deeply entrenched in American culture, boasts a rich history, and its cards hold sentimental value for collectors. The surge in interest is further fueled by standout performances from both seasoned stars and emerging talents, elevating the desirability of their cards. Furthermore, the emphasis on rookie cards, autographs, and limited editions has added a layer of exclusivity, fostering increased demand among collectors seeking unique and rare items.

The raw cards segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Owing to its boom by offering collectors a more authentic and DIY experience, Raw Cards segment is projected to witness substantial growth over the estimation period. Raw cards refer to ungraded, untouched cards in their original condition, and their popularity has surged due to a shift in collector preferences. The allure of discovering hidden gems, potential grading-worthy cards, or simply appreciating the card in its organic state has resonated with a growing number of enthusiasts. Moreover, this segment thrives on the hands-on, personal aspect of collecting, allowing individuals to assess and preserve their cards without relying on third-party grading services.

Region with largest share:

As it is fuelled by a deep-rooted sports culture, particularly in baseball, basketball, and American football, North America region is poised to hold the largest market share throughout the feasible time frame. The region's affinity for sports, combined with a robust infrastructure of trading platforms, auction houses, and conventions, has created a conducive environment for the market's expansion. Additionally, the rise of online platforms and digital communities has made it easier for collectors to connect, trade, and share insights, transcending geographical barriers.

Region with highest CAGR:

Europe region is expected to have lucrative growth over the prediction period. The global appeal of football (soccer) and the rise of European talents in major leagues have further stimulated interest in sports card collecting. The sense of community fostered by online forums and social media platforms has facilitated the exchange of insights and enthusiasm among collectors across Europe, contributing to the vibrant growth of the sports card market in the region.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Sports Card market include Professional Sports Authenticator, Topps Company, Inc, Steel City Collectibles, Leaf Trading Cards, Panini Group, Onyx Authenticated, Upper Deck Company and Fanatics, Inc.

Key Developments:

In July 2023, Upper Deck signed an agreement with Connor Bedard, the number one overall NHL Draft pick. Through this agreement, the company will produce autographed trading cards and be the sole owner of the player's trading cards.

In February 2023, the National Basketball Association (NBA) signed a new exclusive trading card deal with Panini America, Inc., worth over $1 billion.

In February 2021, Topps announced to enter into an agreement with Athletes Unlimited, to create an online exclusive trading card set honouring the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Volleyball league. The Athletes Unlimited Volleyball limited edition trading will feature 44 of the world's best professional players including six Olympians from five different countries.

Player/Team-Baseds Covered:

• Baseball Cards
• Football Cards
• Soccer Cards
• Hockey Cards
• Basketball Cards

Era/Years Covered:

• Modern Cards (1980s-present)
• Vintage Cards (pre-1980)

Card Gradings Covered:

• Graded Cards
• Raw Cards
• Other Card Gradings

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances