Graden Cards LLC Sports Market Insight Issue 7 1/31/25

The Latest in Sports Cards & Memorabilia

The sports card market continues to evolve, with key trends shaping investment opportunities, grading insights, and upcoming releases. This week, we dive into the latest market movements, standout players, and hobby news you need to know.

Market Trends: Which Cards Are Hot Right Now?

• Basketball: With the NBA season heating up, rookies like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are leading the charge. Their Prizm Silver and National Treasures RPAs are commanding strong prices, with fluctuations depending on performance.

• Football: As the playoffs conclude, players like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson continue to see demand. Optic Contenders Autos and Select Field Level Silvers remain top targets for investors.

• Baseball: With Spring Training on the horizon, young stars like Elly De La Cruz and Jackson Holliday are getting collector attention. Bowman Chrome 1st Autos remain king for baseball investments.

• Hockey & Soccer: Connor Bedard’s Young Guns rookie is still one of the most chased hockey cards, while soccer collectors are eyeing Jude Bellingham’s and Erling Haaland’s latest issues ahead of international tournaments.

Football Cards: Playoff Performers Driving Demand

The NFL playoffs always bring a shift in card values, and this year is no exception. With Patrick Mahomes eyeing another Super Bowl, his graded rookies—particularly 2017 Prizm and Contenders Autos—are spiking. Meanwhile, breakout performances from CJ Stroud and Brock Purdy have sent their rookie cards soaring. If you're holding playoff stars, this might be a strong selling window before prices correct in the offseason.

Baseball Cards: Preseason Buy Targets

With baseball season approaching, savvy investors are looking at Bowman Chrome prospects and key rookie cards before they take off. If you're looking for value, consider:

• Jackson Holliday (Orioles) – His Bowman Chrome 1st Auto has seen steady gains.

• Elly De La Cruz (Reds) – A fan favorite with power and speed, his cards could explode if he starts hot.

• Jasson Dominguez (Yankees) – If healthy, he could be a breakout star.

Buying before Spring Training can be risky, but it often yields great returns if players perform well.

Basketball Cards: Are Wemby’s Prices Sustainable?

Victor Wembanyama has lived up to the hype, but the big question is whether his card prices will hold long term. Right now, his 2023 Prizm Silver Rookie is selling for over $500 in a PSA 10, but history shows that even elite players see a dip once the hype settles. If you're buying, look for numbered parallels or on-card autos rather than overpaying for base rookies.

Grading Update: PSA vs. BGS vs. SGC

Grading remains key in maximizing card value, but the best option depends on your goals:

• PSA – Still king for resale value, especially for modern cards.

• BGS – Popular for high-end cards, but subgrades matter.

• SGC – Gaining traction due to faster turnaround times and solid resale value.

If you're submitting cards, Graden Cards LLC can help streamline the process!

TCG Spotlight: Pokémon, GPK, and Yu-Gi-Oh!

• Pokémon: The hype around 151 and Scarlet & Violet-era sets remains strong, with Charizard EX and alt-arts leading the way.

• Garbage Pail Kids: The latest Chrome release has brought back nostalgia-driven collectors.

• Yu-Gi-Oh! – With new tournament bans and reprints, prices on some staples have adjusted. Dark Magician Girl and Blue-Eyes White Dragon ultra rares continue to be fan favorites.

Final Thoughts & What’s Next

The sports card market is always changing, and smart collectors stay ahead by tracking trends, buying low, and selling at the right time. If you need help with grading, buying, or selling, Graden Cards LLC has you covered with the best prices and a collector-first approach.

Stay tuned for next week’s issue, where we’ll break down post-Super Bowl market shifts and emerging baseball investments!