Trading Card Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

A collectible card, known as a trading card, usually showcases an image or photograph of a person, object, or subject, accompanied by pertinent details. These cards are part of a larger set and are frequently traded or swapped among collectors in order to assemble a complete set. Trading cards can be discovered in diverse sectors such as sports, entertainment, and gaming.

The trading card market is growing at steady rate of 5.03% in the forecast period owing to growing popularity of collectibles and nostalgia. The trading card market has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, thanks to the growing popularity of collectibles and the powerful influence of nostalgia. Collectibles have become a mainstream investment choice, attracting both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts. According to a report by The NPD Group, the collectibles market in the United States alone reached USD 8 billion in sales in 2021, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous year. Trading cards, as a highly sought-after category, have contributed significantly to this growth.

Nostalgia plays a pivotal role in the trading cards market. Many individuals who collected cards during their childhood now have the financial means to revisit their cherished hobbies. This sentimental value drives demand and fuels the market further. The Pokemon Trading Card Game, for instance, witnessed a tremendous resurgence thanks to the nostalgia factor among adults who grew up with the franchise.

Additionally, the digital advancements have been warmly welcomed by the trading cards industry, broadening its scope and attracting the attention of a technologically inclined generation. Online marketplaces and trading card applications have emerged as digital platforms, offering collectors easy access to coveted and precious cards. NBA Top Shot, a digital platform dedicated to trading NBA cards, experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity during 2020, with sales surpassing USD 230 million within its inaugural year. Moreover, According to a study conducted in 2021, over 70% of collectors cited nostalgia as a significant motivator for their involvement in the trading card market. Moreover, the value of vintage cards has experienced significant appreciation in recent years. For example, a 1997 Michael Jordan card, previously valued at USD 16, now commands a price of over USD 350, highlighting the influence of nostalgia on trading card prices.

Based on card type, the market is bifurcated into sports and non-sports. The sport segment dominated the market and is expected to behave in the same fashion in the forecast period. The popularity of sports, such as baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey, has contributed to the demand for trading cards featuring athletes from these sports. Moreover, technological advancements in the field of sports trading cards have played a role in the growth of the market. The market's sustained growth can be attributed to the passion of collectors, the nostalgia associated with sports, and the value placed on rare and sought-after cards. Additionally, sports trading cards often feature limited edition and rare cards, which can be highly valuable and sought after by collectors. This creates a sense of exclusivity and desirability, which drives demand for sports trading cards.

Based on end user, , the market is bifurcated into teenager and adult. Among them, teenager to hold a significant share of the market in 2022. Trading card games, such as Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering, have gained immense popularity among teenagers which involve collecting and trading and provide a social and competitive aspect for teenagers.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the shipbuilding industry, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, and Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. The Asia Pacific region has dominated the trading card market in the historic years and is expected to dominate in the forecast period due to the large population of avid collectors, enthusiasts, and fans of various genres, including sports, anime, and pop culture. Moreover, the Asia Pacific region has experienced significant economic growth, leading to an increase in disposable income among individuals. This rise in purchasing power has allowed more people to participate in the trading card market, investing in their favorite cards or sets. The allure of trading cards as a potential investment opportunity has also attracted individuals looking to profit from the appreciation of rare or sought-after cards. Furthermore, the Asia Pacific region has witnessed a surge in popularity for competitive trading card games. Games like Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic: The Gathering have developed vibrant player communities, with regular tournaments and events attracting participants from across the region.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Hasbro Inc., Konami Holdings Corporation, BANDAI SPIRITS, Pokemon, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., The Upper Deck Company, Bushiroad, Fantasy Flight Publishing, Inc., Riot Games, Kyy Games Oy.