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Sports Collecting in 2025: It’s Not Just About the Cards Anymore

What started as a pandemic-era hobby for many has turned into a full-blown movement. While trading cards brought a surge of new energy to the collectibles world, the modern sports collector in 2025 is chasing more than just glossy cardboard. From game-worn gear to record-breaking memorabilia, the collectibles market has evolved—and it’s not slowing down.

The Card Boom Was Just the Beginning

In 2020 and 2021, it was impossible to ignore the return of trading cards. Lines outside big-box stores, grading backlogs, and sky-high eBay sales made headlines. At the height of the craze, eBay was averaging one sports card purchase every second, with $2 billion in transactions reported in just the first half of 2021.

But here’s the twist: while some hobby fads faded (RIP sourdough), sports collecting didn’t just stick—it expanded. According to industry leaders like Heritage Auctions and eBay, a huge percentage of pandemic-era collectors stayed in the game. And many of them grew more sophisticated in what they chased.

From Chrome to Cloth: Game-Worn Gear Steals the Spotlight

There’s something raw and undeniable about owning a piece of sports history—literally. Game-used bats, signed cleats, and even jerseys worn during iconic moments are now some of the hottest items on the market.

“These are the tools that made history,” said Joe Orlando, executive VP at Heritage Auctions. “They aren’t manufactured collectibles like a trading card. They carry the sweat, the story, the moment.”

And collectors are paying attention. In 2024, Babe Ruth’s jersey from his famous 1932 "Called Shot" sold for over $24 million. Meanwhile, Roger Maris’ 1961 game-worn Yankees uniform brought in more than $1.5 million. These aren’t anomalies—they’re the future of high-end sports collecting.

Stars Driving the Surge: From Ohtani to Caitlin Clark

While nostalgia still fuels much of the market (names like Ruth, Jordan, and Brady continue to dominate), active players are commanding more attention than ever.

Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting ball, marking his 50/50 home run and stolen base season, sold for nearly $4.4 million, outpacing even his yearly salary. Caitlin Clark’s WNBA card fetched $234,850—a record for the league. Meanwhile, names like Victor Wembanyama, Paul Skenes, and Jayden Daniels are fueling demand across basketball, baseball, and football alike.

Even Formula 1 and wrestling cards are seeing a surge, with F1 card searches spiking 60% year-over-year globally on eBay.

The Community Is More Connected Than Ever

Platforms like eBay Live have given rise to a more interactive collecting culture. Whether you’re tuning into a live card break or chatting with fellow collectors mid-auction, the social side of the hobby has exploded. It’s no longer just about what you collect—it’s about sharing the journey.

And yes, even non-traditional finds like a Pokémon-shaped Cheeto ("Cheetozard") selling for $87,840 are proving that the collectibles world has room for everything… and everyone.

Market Corrections and Long-Term Thinking

Not everything is trending up. Orlando notes that some modern card categories have dipped, as expected. “Just like the stock market, collectibles go through cycles,” he said. “But the best-quality pieces—those with iconic names or exceptional provenance—tend to perform well long-term.”

For newer collectors wondering what to focus on, Orlando has simple advice: “Buy the best you can afford. The items that give you the most personal joy are usually the ones that also hold value best over time.”