News

Today marks the launch of a significant collaboration between Fanatics and Sotheby's, poised to revolutionize the sports card industry. This partnership will facilitate exclusive auction events, offering collectors the opportunity to buy and sell highly prized sports cards. These cards, each valued at $100,000 or more, will be available through a series of live and online auctions organized by Sotheby’s.

In conjunction with this announcement, Fanatics is introducing Fanatics Collect, a new collectibles marketplace set to launch later this summer. This platform will replace the PWCC brand and aims to provide a dynamic environment for collecting, featuring auctions, a Buy Now marketplace, secure vaulting, and partnerships for authentication and grading.

The inaugural auction under this partnership is scheduled for September in New York and will feature a notable PSA 8 1948 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson card. This card is celebrated as the only true rookie card of the baseball legend from one of the most iconic post-war card sets, known for its vibrant design and roster of Hall of Famers.

Nick Bell, CEO of Fanatics Collect, emphasized the cultural significance and the expansive reach this partnership aims to provide, enhancing visibility for these prestigious items across the globe. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, expressed excitement about leading the trading card market to new heights through innovative exhibitions and engaging events.

The collaboration between Fanatics and Sotheby's represents a pioneering step in the evolution of the trading card community, promising an era filled with innovation and enhanced accessibility for collectors. With plans to introduce features like peer-to-peer trading, AI concierge services, and digital collectibles, Fanatics Collect is set to become the premier online destination for sports card enthusiasts seeking rarity and quality in their collections.