
Global Sports Trading Card Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034
Description
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
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:
Acquire unparalleled access to critical sector insights with our comprehensive market research reports, meticulously prepared by a team of seasoned experts. These reports are designed to equip decision-makers with an in-depth understanding of prevailing market trends, competitive landscapes, and growth opportunities.
Our high-quality, data-driven analysis provides the essential framework for organisations seeking to make informed and strategic decisions in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving business environment. By investing in our market research reports, you can ensure your organisation remains agile, proactive, and poised for success in today's competitive market.
Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your business intelligence and strengthen your strategic planning. Secure your organisation's future success by acquiring one of our Expert Market Research reports today.
*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.
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
- Online
- Offline
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
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
Acquire unparalleled access to critical sector insights with our comprehensive market research reports, meticulously prepared by a team of seasoned experts. These reports are designed to equip decision-makers with an in-depth understanding of prevailing market trends, competitive landscapes, and growth opportunities.
Our high-quality, data-driven analysis provides the essential framework for organisations seeking to make informed and strategic decisions in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving business environment. By investing in our market research reports, you can ensure your organisation remains agile, proactive, and poised for success in today's competitive market.
Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your business intelligence and strengthen your strategic planning. Secure your organisation's future success by acquiring one of our Expert Market Research reports today.
*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.
Table of Contents
114 Pages
- 1 Executive Summary
- 1.1 Market Size 224-225
- 1.2 Market Growth 225(F)-234(F)
- 1.3 Key Demand Drivers
- 1.4 Key Players and Competitive Structure
- 1.5 Industry Best Practices
- 1.6 Recent Trends and Developments
- 1.7 Industry Outlook
- 2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights
- 2.1 Market Trends
- 2.2 Key Verticals
- 2.3 Key Regions
- 2.4 Supplier Power
- 2.5 Buyer Power
- 2.6 Key Market Opportunities and Risks
- 2.7 Key Initiatives by Stakeholders
- 3 Economic Summary
- 3.1 GDP Outlook
- 3.2 GDP Per Capita Growth
- 3.3 Inflation Trends
- 3.4 Democracy Index
- 3.5 Gross Public Debt Ratios
- 3.6 Balance of Payment (BoP) Position
- 3.7 Population Outlook
- 3.8 Urbanisation Trends
- 4 Country Risk Profiles
- 4.1 Country Risk
- 4.2 Business Climate
- 5 Global Sports Trading Card Market Analysis
- 5.1 Key Industry Highlights
- 5.2 Global Sports Trading Card Historical Market (218-224)
- 5.3 Global Sports Trading Card Market Forecast (225-234)
- 5.4 Global Sports Trading Card Market by Type
- 5.4.1 Character Cards
- 5.4.1.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.4.1.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.4.2 Image Card
- 5.4.2.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.4.2.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.4.3 Autograph Card
- 5.4.3.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.4.3.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.4.4 Others
- 5.5 Global Sports Trading Card Market by Distribution Channel
- 5.5.1 Online
- 5.5.1.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.5.1.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.5.2 Offline
- 5.5.2.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.5.2.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.6 Global Sports Trading Card Market by Region
- 5.6.1 North America
- 5.6.1.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.6.1.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.6.2 Europe
- 5.6.2.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.6.2.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.6.3 Asia Pacific
- 5.6.3.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.6.3.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.6.4 Latin America
- 5.6.4.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.6.4.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 5.6.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.6.5.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 5.6.5.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 6 North America Sports Trading Card Market Analysis
- 6.1 United States of America
- 6.1.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 6.1.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 6.2 Canada
- 6.2.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 6.2.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 7 Europe Sports Trading Card Market Analysis
- 7.1 United Kingdom
- 7.1.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 7.1.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 7.2 Germany
- 7.2.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 7.2.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 7.3 France
- 7.3.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 7.3.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 7.4 Italy
- 7.4.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 7.4.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 7.5 Others
- 8 Asia Pacific Sports Trading Card Market Analysis
- 8.1 China
- 8.1.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 8.1.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 8.2 Japan
- 8.2.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 8.2.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 8.3 India
- 8.3.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 8.3.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 8.4 ASEAN
- 8.4.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 8.4.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 8.5 Australia
- 8.5.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 8.5.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 8.6 Others
- 9 Latin America Sports Trading Card Market Analysis
- 9.1 Brazil
- 9.1.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 9.1.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 9.2 Argentina
- 9.2.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 9.2.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 9.3 Mexico
- 9.3.1 Historical Trend (218-224)
- 9.3.2 Forecast Trend (225-234)
- 9.4 Others
- 1 Middle East and Africa Sports Trading Card Market Analysis
- 1.1 Saudi Arabia
- 1.1.1 Historical Trend (218-2024)
- 1.1.2 Forecast Trend (225-2034)
- 1.2 United Arab Emirates
- 1.2.1 Historical Trend (218-2024)
- 1.2.2 Forecast Trend (225-2034)
- 1.3 Nigeria
- 1.3.1 Historical Trend (218-2024)
- 1.3.2 Forecast Trend (225-2034)
- 1.4 South Africa
- 1.4.1 Historical Trend (218-2024)
- 1.4.2 Forecast Trend (225-2034)
- 1.5 Others
- 11 Market Dynamics
- 11.1 SWOT Analysis
- 11.1.1 Strengths
- 11.1.2 Weaknesses
- 11.1.3 Opportunities
- 11.1.4 Threats
- 11.2 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- 11.2.1 Supplier’s Power
- 11.2.2 Buyer’s Power
- 11.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 11.2.4 Degree of Rivalry
- 11.2.5 Threat of Substitutes
- 11.3 Key Indicators for Demand
- 11.4 Key Indicators for Price
- 12 Competitive Landscape
- 12.1 Supplier Selection
- 12.2 Key Global Players
- 12.3 Key Regional Players
- 12.4 Key Player Strategies
- 12.5 Company Profiles
- 12.5.1 PANINI S.p.A
- 12.5.1.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.1.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.1.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.1.4 Certifications
- 12.5.2 Futera Limited
- 12.5.2.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.2.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.2.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.2.4 Certifications
- 12.5.3 TRISTAR Productions, Inc.
- 12.5.3.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.3.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.3.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.3.4 Certifications
- 12.5.4 Leaf Trading Cards, LLC
- 12.5.4.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.4.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.4.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.4.4 Certifications
- 12.5.5 The Upper Deck Company
- 12.5.5.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.5.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.5.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.5.4 Certifications
- 12.5.6 The Topps Company, Inc.
- 12.5.6.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.6.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.6.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.6.4 Certifications
- 12.5.7 Select Australia Pty Ltd.
- 12.5.7.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.7.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.7.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.7.4 Certifications
- 12.5.8 Hit Parade
- 12.5.8.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.8.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.8.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.8.4 Certifications
- 12.5.9 NETPRO Trading Cards, LLC
- 12.5.9.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.9.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.9.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.9.4 Certifications
- 12.5.1 Burbank Sportscards
- 12.5.1.1 Company Overview
- 12.5.1.2 Product Portfolio
- 12.5.1.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
- 12.5.1.4 Certifications
- 12.5.11 Others
- 13 Key Trends and Developments in the Market
Pricing
Currency Rates
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