Once upon a pandemic time, when the world was shuttered and people scrambled for ways to make the long hours pass, many turned to a beloved, nostalgic pastime: sports card collecting. It offered not just a comforting trip down memory lane, but also the thrill of the chase. Rookie cards, vintage sets, and rare holographic treasures—these pieces of cardboard became prized possessions once more. Fast forward to 2025, and the sports memorabilia market has grown into a titan, where cards are just one facet of a much larger gem.
What began as a pandemic hobby has blossomed into a thriving lifestyle, a trend powered not just by glossy Topps and rare refractors, but by the allure of game-used items like bats, jerseys, and even historic balls that have seen momentous plays on legendary fields. With each item, there comes a story, a connection to a moment in sports history that transcends the mere act of collecting.
Back in the early days of the pandemic, finding card packs was as challenging as striking gold. A frenzy gripped fans and collectors alike, driving eBay to report a staggering $2 billion in sales in just the first half of 2021. But what initially looked like a passing fad outgrew its short-lived prediction, buoyed by a steadfast community of collectors who stayed and deepened their engagement with the hobby.
Joe Orlando, a veteran hobby expert hailing from Heritage Auctions, observed this evolution firsthand. “People expected it to be a phase,” Orlando remarked, “but a lot of collectors stuck around, and that’s a really positive sign for the hobby.”
With innovative platforms like eBay Live, alongside sensational athletes like Shohei Ohtani, Victor Wembanyama, and Caitlin Clark making headlines, collecting has morphed into a more personal and intertwined pursuit than ever before.
Shifting the spotlight from trading cards, the focus has veered toward another segment of sports memorabilia—game-worn and game-used items. At auction houses, these artifacts consistently break records as collectors chase after mementos that stood witness to history. Whether it’s Babe Ruth’s 1932 ‘Called Shot’ jersey fetching a stupendous $24 million or the momentous ball from Ohtani’s 50/50 season milestone commanding $4.4 million, the demand is undeniable.
“These aren’t just replicas,” Orlando emphasized. “They’re pieces that played a role, artifacts of history. There’s an emotional connection to that which profoundly resonates with people.”
And the new wave of athletes reaping the attention doesn’t mean the old guard has lost its luster. Legends like Mantle, Jordan, and Ruth remain unassailable in value, yet fresh names like Caitlin Clark, whose WNBA card set a record at $234,850, are capturing new generations. Even sports like Formula 1 are witnessing surges in interest, with a remarkable 60% increase in card transactions year-over-year on eBay.
But as in all good stories, not every plot point is a spike bound for the stratosphere. Some parts of the modern card market have cooled. After all, no chart climbs indefinitely. Orlando advises collectors to eschew chasing today’s red-hot trends and instead focus on what brings them joy, recommending purchases based on genuine passion.
“Get what you love,” Orlando advises, “Buy the best quality within your means. If, five years down the line, it still puts a smile on your face—that’s the ultimate victory.”
So, where does this leave the myriad sports collecting enthusiasts of today? In a flourishing and diversified community where the love of the game is paramount. It’s a narrative written with every game-worn shoe, every traded card, every sunlit afternoon spent bargaining at flea markets. It is the embodiment of a lifestyle that intricately interweaves people with the sports moments they cherish.
Be you a seasoned collector patiently assembling rookie rainbows or a newcomer on the hunt for a signed ball, there’s a place for you in this vibrant tapestry. And if you’re contemplating leaping into the fray, know that the hobby is ready to welcome you with open arms. The game’s on, and the stakes—whether measured in tens or millions—are richer than ever before.
