Sports Trading Card Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis By Type (Physical Sport Trading Card, Digital Sport Trading Card) By Application (American Football, Baseball, Basketball, Association, Football, Hockey, Others) Covid-19 Impact, Latest Trends, Segmentation, Driving Factors, Restraining Factors, Key Industry Players, Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2034

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SPORTS TRADING CARD MARKET OVERVIEW

The Sports Trading Card market is set to grow from USD 1.98 billion in 2025 to USD 2.25 billion in 2026, and is expected to achieve nearly USD 6.1 billion by 2034, advancing at a CAGR of 13.3% during 2025–2034.

A trading card, also known as a collecting card, is a small card made of thick paper or paperboard that frequently has an image of a person, location, or thing, as well as further information like facts or trivia. Trading cards are primarily related to sports. Since they relate to various video games, like Pokémon, trading cards that are non sports are distinguished from sports trading cards. It is generally believed that the game with the most distinctive cards is the most popular, and it currently dominates the market for sports trading cards.

The significant technological advancements in the trading card industry are what essentially drive the market for sports trading cards. Whether they are a direct translation of offline trading card games (like Chaotic) or stand-alone online trading card games (like Star Wars' Galaxies), the popularity and growth of online trading card games is a rapidly expanding trend.

Key Findings

COVID-19 Impact

Pandemic Hampered the Market Growth Owing to Lower Demand

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with Sports Trading Card Market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market's growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

The market as a whole has been impacted by COVID-19, and the growth rate for 2019–2020 has been impacted as the effect of COVID-19 spreads. The COVID-19 crisis is forcing businesses and organizations to manage risk and digitize operations in order to provide reliable information and experiences to the decision-makers. These factors impacted the market dynamics.

Latest Trends

Significant Technical Advancements Are Driving Market Growth

Due to substantial technological improvements in the sports trading card industry, the global market for sports trading cards has experienced rapid expansion. Up to five trading-card licensees were involved in several ongoing sports leagues. With just one card maker, the four main sports leagues agreed to "exclusive" trading card partnerships. Currently, Topps and Upper Deck own the rights to the NHL, while Panini America has the NBA and NFL licenses. It is predicted that the vast population base in this industry, particularly in developed nations worldwide, will fuel the rise of the sports trading card market in the coming years. The study on the global sports trading card market offers a comprehensive analysis of the industry.

• In 2025, sales for top ten athlete cards on platforms like eBay totaled nearly USD 175 million in just the first seven months.

• According to research firm Circana, sports trading card sales increased ~48% year-over-year, reflecting a resurgence in collector demand.

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SPORTS TRADING CARD MARKET SEGMENTATION

• By Type

According to type, the market can be segmented into Physical Sport Trading Card, Digital Sport Trading Card etc. Physical Sport Trading Card will be the leading segment.

• By Sport Type Analysis

Based on application, the market can be divided into American Football, Baseball, Basketball, Association Football, Hockey, Others. American Football is anticipated to be the dominating segment.

Driving Factors

Technological Advancements Helping To Expand Markets

Due to the rising desire for new, contemporary, and antique cards and the development of new technologies, the sports trading card market is also expanding rapidly. During the anticipated period, traders have demonstrated incredibly excellent profits on sports card investments.

Increasing Number of Competitions to Foster Development
The market for sports trading cards is booming as a result of technological developments and a rise in consumer desire for new, contemporary, and historical cards. Additionally, sports card investing has demonstrated to offer traders incredibly remarkable profits along with an increase in the number of competitions with sizable prize pools that present profitable growth chances over the course of the anticipated term.

• Licensing exclusivity is powerful (≈35%) – Major leagues such as the NBA and NFL grant single-brand partnerships (e.g., Panini), which significantly boost consumer demand for officially licensed, authenticated products.

• Hybrid digital-physical models are growing (≈25%) – Platforms like Upper Deck’s e-Pack combine digital collecting with physical redemption, expanding engagement and attracting tech-oriented audiences.

Restraining Factors

Increased Internet Gaming And Television Programming Are Limiting Industry Expansion

The development of the offline sports trading card market is limited by the rise in internet usage and the abandoning of sports cards. The reasons limiting the growth of the worldwide sports trading card market are lack of knowledge, rising sports card costs, and esports gambling.

Young children prioritize playing trading card games like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon. As the players then have a piece of their jersey or their autograph, the kids' attention is shifting to playing video games. It is predicted that the growth of this shift among children and young people would be slow during the projection period. Additionally, the global market for sports trading cards may be constrained by rising sports card prices, a lack of consumer knowledge, and the danger of esports betting.

• Shift toward esports and digital entertainment (≈30%) – Around 25% of Gen Z and younger consumers favor online gaming or esports over physical collectibles, reducing new entrant enthusiasm.

• High card and grading costs (≈20%) – Rising prices for premium cards and PSA/BGS grading fees limit access for casual collectors, slowing broader market participation.

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SPORTS TRADING CARD MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America will continue to lead the segment

The largest market share was that of North America, followed by that of Europe. The popularity of sports and entertainment trading cards in North America will likely lead to an increase in interest in sports trading cards. Since the 1940s, collecting trading cards has been acknowledged as a pastime for sports lovers. Due to middle-aged Americans' growing interest in childhood pastimes like trading cards and nostalgia, North America is expected to increase its market share in the sports trading card industry.

Key Industry Players

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

• Panini (≈40% market share) – Exclusive licenses with the NBA and NFL give it dominance across major sports card categories.

• Topps (Fanatics) (≈30%) – Long-time MLB partner; re-entering NBA through new licensing in 2025 strengthens its competitive stance.

List Of Top Sports Trading Card Companies

• Panini
• Topps Company
• The Upper Deck Company
• Futera
• Leaf Trading Cards

Report Coverage

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, and restraints. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.