Sports Card Market Trends: How Does the Sports Card Industry Affect the Economy?

Over the last century, sports cards have gone from collectibles that were worth less than the bubble gum they came with to nearly mythical pieces that can (and have!) paid off mortgages. 

These cards have become market movers in their own right, but how exactly does the sports card industry affect the economy as a whole? Get the inside track with this Giant Sports Cards blog.

A Snapshot of the Sports Card Industry

The sports trading card market was valued at $11.52 billion in 2024, and experts believe it will hit $23.64 billion by 2034. Most sports card market trends since the COVID-19 pandemic point to one unavoidable fact: sports cards are going to play an even bigger part in alternative investing as time goes on.

What’s Driving The Momentum?

A recent New York Times piece interviewed some of the biggest names to find out what the industry looks like today and where it might go tomorrow. Their answers offer some unique insights into the impact of sports cards on the economy and why it’s growing.

Goldin Auctions CEO Ken Goldin points to the growing popularity of women’s sports and the skyrocketing demand for WNBA cards as a key player in rising sales. eBay’s Adam Ireland mentions the increasing sales for ‘new’ sports like F1 as a driver for sports cards.

A Demographic Boost

Perhaps the most critical sports card market trend, and one mentioned by most executives in the interview, was the role played by younger demographics in the sales of sports card boxes.

“...at least 25 percent of the folks in here are under 18…that means that the hobby is very healthy, it’s growing, it’s extending…”

- Arena Club’s Brian Lee, at the National for NYT

Sports card companies are making the right moves in broadening appeal for their new releases and successfully targeting a new, younger audience for continued future growth. 

Why does that matter for the economy? Interested younger buyers tend to spend more as disposable income increases, creating a multiplier effect in the long term.

The Impact of Sports Cards on the Economy

Job Creation

Sports card market trends aside, there’s a fascinating economy propped up by the demand for sports cards. Those marveling at a new Topps sports card often fail to realize the handiwork and labor that’s involved in getting the card from the factory floor to their homes. The industry employs thousands in two ways:

• Direct Employment: Major companies like Panini and Fanatics (22,000 for Fanatics alone) employ thousands of workers directly across design, printing, production, marketing, and other verticals.
  

• Indirect Employment: Indirectly, the industry engages thousands more driving fan-favorite conventions and card shows like the National, offering hundreds of businesses opportunities for sales.

Conventions and Card Shows

Speaking of conventions and sports card market trends, we can’t discuss the economy without diving deeper into the overwhelming impact of these events. Card shows like the National draw thousands to venues across the country and even internationally, creating business for hotels, convention centers, and exhibition grounds.

They’re steadily growing, too. Organizers reported a third consecutive year of growth for the National this year, reporting over 100,000 visitors for the five-day event. Visitors bought hobby cases, sports card supplies, like card sleeves, and got first looks at new sports card releases.

Taxation

This might be the only time taxes are actually interesting. The growth in the sports card market and trends, like sports card breaking, have fascinating implications for the economy if you consider the revenue generated by taxes.

While there is no explicit data detailing the exact revenue generated by taxes on sports cards, the industry as a whole generates millions in tax revenue, which then generates even more revenue through social programs. 

A write-up by Falcon, Rappaport, & Berkman LLP reveals that industry players are all taxed differently depending on their activities. Card breakers, portfolio managers overseeing large collections, and grading companies like PSA are all taxed at varying rates.

The Alternative Investment Ripple Effect

One leading sports card market trend is the growing perception of trading cards as instruments for alternative investment. Stock market jitters and the ever-unpredictable cryptocurrency space have driven investors to safer shores like sports cards, where values for certain collectibles, like vintage cards, can be (somewhat) predictably tracked.

Fast-Paced Investing

This trend has had a ripple effect for collectors looking to turn a quick profit. Rather than park their funds in a safe card with established value, many now invest thousands into the primary and secondary market in a bid to predict tomorrow’s MVPs. If successful, they can flip baseball cards for thousands in just a few months. This, in turn, pushes the value of the secondary market up.

Capitalize On The Latest Sports Card Market Trends

There has never been a better time to tune into the market and capitalize on surging sports card demand. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ with Giant Sports Cards, the ultimate sports card store for collectors everywhere. Save more with the Giant Rewards program by getting points on every purchase, and get free US shipping on orders over $199.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the sports card market?

The sports card market is big, and it’s always growing. It’s currently valued at $11.52 billion, and growing popular appeal will only send that number soaring higher over time.

What sport is most popular for trading cards?

According to general sports card market trends, the most popular sports for collectors right now are baseball, soccer, football, and basketball.

How do sports cards affect the economy?

The sports card industry impacts the economy through job creation (both direct and indirect), consumer sales through the primary and secondary market, driving tax revenues, and even as an alternative investment vehicle.