When the world unexpectedly paused in 2020 and turned people’s attention inward, a curious revival began in the realm of sports memorabilia. Trading cards staged a comeback, enticing many to dive into attics and basements, unearthing nostalgic shoeboxes filled with childhood treasures. Fast forward to 2025, and what was once a niche pastime of flipping through glossy Topps cards at the kitchen table has morphed into a multi-dimensional giant that encompasses more than mere cardboard. From game-used bats to cleats worn on Super Bowl stages, sports collecting has grown in scope and depth, attracting an ever-diverse crowd with a taste for history and storytelling.
It’s a world beyond the frenzy where supermarket shelves were emptied of trading card packs, and eBay became a virtual Colosseion for frantic collectors. In 2021 alone, over $2 billion in card sales were recorded just in the first six months. But the real story isn’t just about the money or the cards—it’s about the people who stuck around as collectors and enthusiasts, not just investors. “I think people expected it to be a phase,” reflected Joe Orlando, a prominent figure in the hobby and executive at Heritage Auctions. “But a lot of them stayed, and that’s a really good thing.”
The staying power of these new collectors is, in part, thanks to tools like eBay Live and communities orbiting contemporary sports luminaries like Shohei Ohtani, Victor Wembanyama, and Caitlin Clark. These modern arenas of exchange not only foster camaraderie but also deepen the personal connection collectors feel with both the sports and historical memorabilia they covet.
Yet a significant shift within the hobby sees game-worn and game-used gear stealing the spotlight, outlasting the ephemeral craze of card flipping. Authenticity and emotional ties drive this new wave, drawing collectors to items that were physically present during iconic sports moments. Babe Ruth’s 1932 ‘Called Shot’ jersey, for instance, rewrote auction records at $24 million, while a milestone ball from Ohtani’s 50/50 season fetched a staggering $4.4 million. “These are the items that made history,” Orlando explained, emphasizing the stronger emotional resonance such memorabilia carries.
While icons of past golden eras like Ruth and Jordan continue to hold their value, the new generation of sports stars usher in a fresh band of enthusiasts, many of whom discover sports memorabilia collecting through present-day cultural figures. Trailblazers like Caitlin Clark, whose WNBA card fetched a handsome $234,850, or Formula 1 cards, whose popularity has risen 60% year-over-year on platforms like eBay, act as beacons for these newcomers.
Despite the soaring market for blue-chip athletes and their memorabilia, this doesn’t mean every pitch, pass, or dribble equates to monetary magic. As Orlando warns, the fervor creates its own bubble too: not every modern card ages like fine wine. Some may not appreciate or transform into collectible gold. Caution and a love for what truly excites you should guide purchases. “Don’t chase what’s hot today,” he advises sagely. “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.”
While some seek the next million-dollar relic, many embrace sports collecting as an extension of their passion for sports—the lifestyle of an aficionado who connects with the pages of history through physical artifacts. The hobby is more than monetary or market-driven; it exists as a dialogue between the past and future, an exchange between fans and the moments that define the sports they love.
For some, the simple joy of completing a colorful rookie card collection or owning a game ball is enough—the tangible connection to a game, a player, or a single moment on the field. Whether pockets are deep and the chase involves a $5 million prize or it’s a $5 token of nostalgia, the thrill and personal satisfaction remain akin.
Even if you’re just getting started or considering whether now is the time to dive in, rest assured, the resurgence and evolution of sports collecting welcome all. Whether it’s for investment potential or sheer enjoyment, the expanding universe of sports memorabilia offers something for everyone. Step right in—the game is on, and the hobby has room for every die-hard fan and curious newcomer.
