Sports Market Insight Issue 9 Week of 3/28/25

The State of the Sports Card Market This Week from Graden Cards LLC

The sports card market remains volatile as we head into the final stretch of the NBA season and MLB spring training kicks into high gear. Basketball cards have seen a spike in interest, with young stars like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren driving significant market movement. Meanwhile, baseball collectors are eyeing prospects set to make an impact on Opening Day, leading to increased activity in Bowman Chrome and Topps flagship rookie cards.

Football Cards: Offseason Movement Creates Buying Opportunities

With the Super Bowl behind us and the NFL offseason in full swing, football card prices have dipped slightly, presenting an opportunity for savvy investors. Quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields remain hot topics of discussion, with potential trades and contract extensions influencing card values.

Key Takeaways:

• Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes remain safe investments, but offseason speculation has caused fluctuations in pricing.

• 2023 rookie quarterbacks like CJ Stroud and Bryce Young are seeing steady interest despite mixed rookie performances.

• Veteran players with uncertain futures, such as Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins, present high-risk, high-reward scenarios for collectors.

Baseball Cards: Spring Training Standouts Impacting Market Trends

As spring training ramps up, collectors are keeping an eye on rookies and breakout players. Top prospects like Jackson Holliday and Jordan Walker have seen their Bowman Chrome autos surge in value due to strong performances. Additionally, modern vintage collectors are flocking to early-career cards of stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Shohei Ohtani, anticipating another dominant season.

Basketball Cards: Playoff Push Means Price Spikes

With the NBA season nearing its climax, the race for playoff spots has caused fluctuations in the basketball card market. MVP candidates like Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić are seeing steady price gains, while role players on contending teams are getting sudden spikes in demand.

Notable trends:

• Anthony Edwards' market is heating up as the Timberwolves push for a deep playoff run.

• Wembanyama remains the hottest name in basketball cards, with his Prizm and Optic rookie cards commanding premium prices.

• Ja Morant's market is rebounding after his early-season suspension, with collectors speculating on a late-season surge.

Soccer Cards: Rising Stars and International Tournaments Drive Demand

The global soccer market continues to be driven by young stars and international tournaments. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé remain top investments, while emerging talents like Endrick and Florian Wirtz are gaining traction in the collecting community.

TCG Market: Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! Dominating Sales

The TCG market remains red-hot, with Pokémon continuing to lead sales. The latest Scarlet & Violet set has seen strong demand, while older vintage sets are steadily increasing in value. Yu-Gi-Oh! has also seen a resurgence, with collectors targeting rare, high-grade cards from early 2000s sets.

Final Thoughts

As always, staying ahead of market trends is key to making smart buying and selling decisions. With the NBA playoffs, MLB season, and NFL Draft approaching, expect continued volatility across the sports card market. Keep an eye on emerging trends, and don’t be afraid to make strategic plays based on upcoming events.

Stay tuned for next week’s insights and keep collecting smart!