Global Sports Trading Card Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Global Sports Trading Card Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Market Outlook

According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global sports trading card market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% between 2025 and 2034. The market is driven by the growing interest in sports collectibles, the rising value of rare trading cards, and the increasing participation in trading card games and events.

Sports trading cards, which feature images of athletes, their stats, and other relevant information, have become popular collectables and investments worldwide. These cards span across a variety of sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and soccer, attracting collectors, investors, and sports fans alike. The market growth of sports trading card is driven by a surge in demand for rare and limited-edition cards, as well as an increasing number of digital platforms enabling easy access to trading, buying, and selling these collectables.

These cards span across a variety of sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and soccer, attracting collectors, investors, and sports fans alike. The global sports trading card market has witnessed significant growth, driven by a surge in demand for rare and limited-edition cards, as well as an increasing number of digital platforms enabling easy access to trading, buying, and selling these collectables.

The increasing interest in sports memorabilia and the nostalgia associated with trading cards have fuelled market growth. Enthusiasts view sports trading cards not only as collectables but also as investments, with the value of certain rare cards appreciating over time. This has led to a growing number of individuals viewing trading cards as a viable alternative asset class, further boosting demand. Additionally, the rise of professional trading card grading services has contributed to the market's growth. Professional trading card grading services help authenticate and assess the condition of cards, making them more appealing to serious collectors and investors, consequently driving up the sports trading card market share.

In recent years, the market has been revolutionised by the introduction of digital trading cards and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Digital sports cards, which are virtual versions of traditional physical trading cards, have gained significant popularity, particularly among younger generations who are more accustomed to digital platforms. Digital trading cards offer a new form of engagement, allowing collectors to purchase, trade, and display their collections on digital marketplaces.

The rise of blockchain technology and NFTs has further transformed the market for sports trading card. NFTs, which provide proof of ownership and authenticity for digital assets, have made it possible to tokenise sports trading cards, enabling collectors to own unique digital assets tied to their favourite athletes. This trend has created a new avenue for investment, as certain NFTs and digital trading cards have fetched significant sums in online auctions.

As per the sports trading card market analysis, notable NFT platforms like NBA Top Shot, which allows users to buy, sell, and trade officially licensed digital highlights of NBA players, have witnessed significant success, attracting millions of users. These platforms enable fans to own exclusive moments from their favourite players, and the limited-edition nature of many NFTs has created a sense of scarcity, further driving demand. As the NFT space continues to grow, it is expected to complement the physical trading card market, providing collectors with more diverse options for building and managing their collections.

Technological advancements in grading and authentication services have significantly contributed to the growth of the market. Professional grading services assess the condition, authenticity, and rarity of trading cards, providing collectors and investors with a standardised evaluation of their cards' value. Companies like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS) are widely recognised for their expertise in grading, and their certifications add credibility to high-value cards, making them more appealing to potential buyers, leading to the sports trading card market expansion.

With the growing demand for sports trading cards, the role of grading services has become more prominent. Collectors and investors are increasingly relying on professional grading services to ensure that their cards are genuine and in optimal condition. The grading of a card can greatly influence its market value, with higher-graded cards typically commanding a premium. Additionally, the availability of digital records of graded cards has improved transparency and trust within the market, further boosting the market's growth.

Market Segmentation

The global sports trading card market can be divided based on the type, distribution channel, and region.

Market Breakup by Type

• Character Cards
• Image Card
• Autograph Card
• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape

The EMR report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the global sports trading card market. Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:

• PANINI S.p.A
• Futera Limited
• TRISTAR Productions, Inc.
• Leaf Trading Cards, LLC
• The Upper Deck Company
• The Topps Company, Inc.
• Select Australia Pty Ltd.
• Hit Parade
• NETPRO Trading Cards, LLC
• Burbank Sportscards
• Others

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*We at Expert Market Research always strive to provide you with the latest information. The numbers in the article are only indicative and may be different from the actual report.