Why Sports Collecting Isn’t Just About Cards Anymore—and That’s a Good Thing
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The Hobby Has Grown Up—and It’s Way More Than Just Cardboard Now
What started as a pandemic-time hobby for many has blossomed into something way bigger than expected. While trading cards got a lot of people back into collecting—whether it was chasing rookies or digging through childhood shoeboxes—2025’s sports memorabilia market is showing just how wide and wild the hobby has become.
It’s not just about glossy Topps or rare refractors anymore. Now it’s about game-used bats, Super Bowl-worn cleats, million-dollar home run balls, and the stories that come with them.
From Pack Rippers to Passionate Collectors
Remember when you couldn’t find packs on shelves? When everyone seemed to be grading cards or selling on eBay? That frenzy was real—so real, in fact, that eBay reported $2 billion in card sales during the first half of 2021 alone. But what’s even more interesting? Many of those new collectors stuck around.
“I think people expected it to be a phase,” said Joe Orlando, a longtime hobby expert and exec at Heritage Auctions. “But a lot of them stayed, and that’s a really good thing.”
Now, with more access, community tools like eBay Live, and players like Shohei Ohtani, Victor Wembanyama, and Caitlin Clark grabbing headlines, collecting has become more connected—and personal—than ever before.
The Shift: Why Game-Worn and Game-Used Gear Is Booming
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed that cards aren’t the only things breaking auction records. There’s a growing interest in items that were actually part of sports history—game-worn jerseys, signed balls, and on-field equipment that was there when it happened.
“These aren’t just replicas or collectibles made after the fact,” Orlando explained. “These are the items that made history. People feel a stronger emotional connection to that.”
And the numbers don’t lie:
- Babe Ruth’s 1932 ‘Called Shot’ jersey sold for $24 million
- Roger Maris’ 1961 game-used uniform went for $1.58 million
- The ball from Ohtani’s 50/50 season milestone? A staggering $4.4 million
New Names, New Markets, and Still Plenty of Nostalgia
Sure, legends like Ruth, Mantle, and Jordan still rule the long-term value charts. But the current crop of athletes is bringing in a whole new wave of collectors.
Caitlin Clark broke the WNBA card record with a $234,850 sale.
Paul Skenes’ rookie card sold for $1.11 million—before he even earned that much in the majors.
Even Formula 1 cards are seeing spikes, with global interest up 60% year-over-year on eBay.
At the same time, nostalgia still has a grip. People love the icons. The GOATs, as they say, never go out of style.
But It’s Not All Moonshots and Millionaires
Not everything in the hobby is skyrocketing—and that’s okay. As Orlando points out, the modern card market has cooled in some areas. Some sets won’t age well. Not every great player will become collectible gold.
That’s why he recommends thinking long-term and buying what you love.
“Don’t chase what’s hot today,” he says. “Buy the best quality you can afford—and buy what actually excites you. If you’re still happy looking at it five years from now, that’s the win.”
Bottom Line: It’s Not Just a Hobby—It’s a Lifestyle
Sports collecting in 2025 is about more than money or trends. It’s about the connection between fans and history. It’s about storytelling through jerseys, cards, and equipment. And it’s about chasing moments that matter—whether they’re worth $5 or $5 million.
Whether you're deep into rookie rainbows or just hunting your first signed ball, the hobby has space for everyone. And if you're wondering if now’s the time to get in? Trust us—it is.
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