Once upon a time, the term “sports collecting” conjured images of boundless rows of trading cards neatly organized in folders, decorated with images of iconic athletes, each piece of cardboard capturing a tiny slice of sporting history. Fast forward to today’s mad, mad world, and those shoeboxes shoved in the backs of closet corners have burst open, as a myriad of new—and old—collectors descend on the vibrant and increasingly expansive world of sports memorabilia.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many nostalgic folks dusted off their old collectables, perhaps finding solace in searching for rookie cards or rare glossy Topps editions they remembered trading in the schoolyard. Yet, in 2025, the world of sports memorabilia has grown into something much larger and more diverse than any of us could have ever predicted. It’s a snowball that started rolling with cards but quickly picked up speed, gathering game-used bats, Super Bowl-worn cleats, and even million-dollar home run balls along the way. A whole new era is upon us, and it’s not just about cardboard anymore.
Remember those frenzied days when finding packs on store shelves was as likely as spotting a Yeti? When it seemed like everyone was grading cards or flipping them on eBay? The frenzy was palpable and proved immensely lucrative—eBay alone reported $2 billion in card sales in the first half of 2021. While it seemed like a fleeting trend to some, many of those newly minted collectors stayed on for the ride. “I think people expected it to be a phase,” mused Joe Orlando, a hobby veteran and executive at Heritage Auctions. But surprise, surprise—“a lot of them stayed, and that’s a really good thing.”
What’s keeping them on board, you ask? Well, the landscape is more accessible and connected than ever, thanks to platforms like eBay Live. Then there are the larger-than-life figures such as Shohei Ohtani, Victor Wembanyama, and Caitlin Clark making headlines and helping to bridge personal connections between collectors and their cherished memorabilia.
While card collecting will always maintain its special slot on the hobby spectrum, there’s been an undeniable shift towards game-worn and game-used collectibles that are soaring in popularity and price. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill mass-produced items—these are the pieces that were actually there when sports history happened. “People feel a stronger emotional connection to that,” explains Orlando. In an era where emotional significance is king, the numbers speak for themselves: Babe Ruth’s 1932 “Called Shot” jersey fetched a cool $24 million, while Roger Maris’ 1961 game-used uniform was snapped up for a tidy $1.58 million. And who could forget the ball from Ohtani’s historic 50/50 season which was a game-changer at $4.4 million?
But the allure doesn’t end there. The new generation of athletes is injecting fresh energy into the world of collecting. Caitlin Clark’s WNBA card now holds the record with a whopping $234,850 sale. Paul Skenes’ rookie card fetched $1.11 million, and that’s before he even pocketed that much from his athletic endeavors. Even Formula 1 collectibles are garnering significant attention, with a 60% increase in interest year-over-year on eBay. Yet, through all the fresh faces making waves, nostalgia retains a stronghold. Icons like Ruth and Mantle still captivate, just as Jordan remains a timeless treasure, perpetually etched in the hearts of collectors.
It’s not entirely about striking gold either; the market hasn’t forgotten its more modest roots. As Joe Orlando wisely notes, the modern card market has plateaued in some areas. Nonetheless, not every set or player has enduring appeal. “Don’t chase what’s hot today,” he advises. “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.”
At its core, sports collecting is evolving beyond mere hobby status. It has become a living, breathing lifestyle encompassing the intertwining of fans, history, and storytelling. A universe where jerseys, cards, and game-used equipment narrate the tales of the triumphs and tribulations of athletes. Whether you’re pursuing a brightly colored rookie card or hunting down that elusive first signed baseball, this expanding universe has space for enthusiasts of every pedigree.
So if you’re pondering whether to join in, dive right in—there’s never been a better time to become part of this exhilarating narrative. After all, it’s not just about the money; it’s about being part of something that stands the test of time, beautifully showcasing the legacy of sport, one collectible at a time.
