Ken Goldin Talks Growth, Lakers Partnership, and Big Auction Plans
Ken Goldin used the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont, Illinois, to highlight how far Goldin Auctions has expanded across sports cards, memorabilia, movie props, and pop culture collectibles. During an exclusive interview, Goldin discussed the continued momentum of The Goldin Touch on Netflix, a new memorabilia partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers, and a teased high-end Shohei Ohtani rookie card that is expected to surface in an upcoming auction.
Goldin also pointed to the company’s growing auction business, including weekly sports card and trading card game sales, while emphasizing that Goldin continues to pursue both high-end grails and more accessible collectibles for a wider audience of buyers.
The Goldin Touch Continues to Drive Attention
Goldin said the response to Season 3 of The Goldin Touch on Netflix was strong, with the series again reaching wide audiences. He noted that many viewers considered it the best season yet and said the show continued to energize collectors.
According to Goldin, the series performed well internationally as well as in the United States, helping bring the Goldin brand to a broader audience beyond the traditional hobby community. That visibility has become an important part of the company’s growth as Goldin Auctions continues to expand its reach through both media and marketplace partnerships.
Studio Auctions Acquisition Adds Movie Memorabilia Depth
Goldin also discussed the impact of Goldin’s acquisition of Studio Auctions, the Hollywood movie props and pop culture memorabilia company that was added ahead of the 2025 National. He said the deal has already helped the company make a stronger push into the movie memorabilia market.
Among the sales Goldin mentioned was a Bruce Lee Game of Death jumpsuit that sold for close to $700,000. He also referenced a private sale in the Harry Potter world that topped $1 million, though he did not identify the specific item.
The comments underscored how Goldin has continued to broaden the company’s catalog beyond traditional sports collectibles while still leaning into the kinds of headline-grabbing pieces that draw attention from serious collectors.
Los Angeles Lakers Memorabilia Deal Brings a New Approach
One of the biggest announcements surrounding Goldin at the National was the company’s memorabilia deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Goldin explained that the partnership is designed to look different from the standard team memorabilia model, where companies typically buy game-used inventory and then sell it through a single pipeline.
Instead, Goldin said the Lakers relationship is built around sponsorship, in-stadium promotion, and live selling through eBay Live immediately after games. The idea is to connect fans watching at home and fans in the arena with the opportunity to purchase items tied directly to that night’s action.
Goldin said the plan is intended to create an event around each game rather than simply move inventory. He described the approach as a way to help the team maximize its game-used assets while also introducing more fans to the hobby and to Lakers memorabilia.
He added that the partnership will include Goldin auctions featuring Lakers material as well, including current items, historical pieces, and cards. The company sees the Lakers deal as a model that could be applied to other teams and other sports in the future.
Goldin Hints at More Team and Event-Based Deals
When asked whether similar opportunities could extend beyond the NBA, Goldin said the company believes it offers something different from other memorabilia businesses. Rather than focusing only on buying and reselling game-used items, Goldin wants to build fan-facing events and unique buying opportunities around major moments.
He indicated that the Lakers partnership will not be the last major team deal from Goldin and suggested that more announcements could follow in 2026. Goldin’s comments pointed to a broader strategy centered on live experiences, event-driven sales, and direct fan engagement tied to sports moments.
That approach fits with the company’s recent growth through acquisitions, media exposure, and its relationship with eBay, all of which have helped Goldin Auctions increase its footprint across the collectibles market.
High-End Goldin 100 Auction Features Major Headliners
Goldin also previewed an upcoming Goldin 100 auction, which is expected to include several major headline items. He said the company recently sold a PSA 9 Pikachu Illustrator for $2 million and has a BGS 8.5 example lined up for the next event.
He also teased an unannounced Shohei Ohtani limited rookie card that he described as a seven-figure-plus item. Goldin did not reveal the exact card, but said it would be part of the upcoming auction.
Additional highlights mentioned by Goldin include one of the best Tom Brady jerseys he has handled, from the season when Brady was unanimous MVP, as well as an early-career LeBron James jersey worn in multiple games, including one in which James recorded a double-double.
The mix of cards and game-used memorabilia reflects the range Goldin has built into its high-end auction platform, where rare sports cards, iconic jerseys, and other elite collectibles often share the same spotlight.
Weekly Card and TCG Auctions Continue to Grow
While the biggest headlines often come from record-setting sales and marquee memorabilia, Goldin said the company is also focused on building steady volume through its weekly sports card and trading card game auctions. He said those auctions are now doing more than $1 million per week.
Goldin described that balance as a key part of the company’s long-term strategy. On one side, Goldin continues to chase the rarest and most expensive collectibles in the hobby. On the other, it is working to maintain a steady flow of material that remains accessible to a wider base of collectors.
That dual approach has helped Goldin Auctions remain visible in both the ultra-high-end market and the broader day-to-day card market, where weekly activity can be just as important to growth as record-breaking sales.
Record Sales and Bigger Goals Ahead
Goldin said the company is continuing to break records across categories, not just in sports cards and memorabilia. He pointed to the sale of the 1776 Exeter printing of the Declaration of Independence Broadside for $3,646,443 on July 8, 2026, as another example of the company’s reach beyond the hobby’s traditional lanes.
He also said Goldin is moving closer to the larger scale he has long talked about, including the goal of becoming a billion-dollar company. While he did not provide a full breakdown of annual results, he said the numbers would surprise many people when they are released.
For now, Goldin said the focus remains on expanding the business, increasing supply, and continuing to offer both affordable collectibles and top-tier trophy items. The company’s upcoming events, including the 2026 Summer Game Used Memorabilia Auction, are expected to reflect that mix.
Upcoming Goldin Auctions and Collectibles to Watch
Collectors can view upcoming Goldin Auctions items on the company’s website, where future events and featured lots are expected to be posted as they are announced. With the Lakers partnership now public, a teased Shohei Ohtani rookie card on the horizon, and more high-end memorabilia in the pipeline, Goldin’s next stretch of auctions is already drawing attention across the hobby.
At the National, Goldin made clear that the company is not slowing down. Between live event-based sales, major team partnerships, and headline auction inventory, Goldin Auctions is continuing to position itself as one of the most visible names in the collectibles market.
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