Replay Sports Cards Bets Big on Franchise Model Amidst Hobby Boom

CHARLOTTE, NC – April 21, 2026 – As the trading card market continues its impressive run, one company is looking to standardize success. Replay Sports Cards, America's first national franchise dedicated to the hobby, announced a robust first quarter for 2026, marked by aggressive expansion, strategic community partnerships, and a deepening footprint in a market experiencing a powerful resurgence. The company's strategy—blending the nostalgia of a local card shop with a modern, scalable franchise model—appears to be paying dividends.

While the broader collectibles market, valued at over $11.5 billion in 2024, is projected to double within the next decade, Replay is positioning itself not just as a participant but as an architect of the hobby's future retail landscape. Its first-quarter activities reveal a clear playbook: grow methodically, build community trust, and cater to every type of collector, from the seasoned investor to the curious newcomer.

The New Playbook: Franchising a Passion

The most significant indicator of Replay's momentum is its franchise growth. During the first three months of the year, the company opened its very first franchisee-owned store and secured agreements to enter two new markets. On February 28, the doors opened in Seymour, Indiana, at a location operated by business partners Josh Stigdon and Jason Buckel, marking a major milestone for the brand's franchise concept.

Following this successful launch, Replay announced two more franchise agreements. Longtime collector Richard "RJ" Cardente will bring the brand to the bustling Nashville market, with an opening planned for this spring. Simultaneously, the company signed a deal with Andrea Deatrich to open a location in Salina, Kansas, making her the first female owner within the Replay franchise system and highlighting the brand's appeal to a diverse group of entrepreneurs.

"Q1 was about proving that Replay's model resonates in multiple markets and with multiple types of collectors," said Mike Weinberger, Co-Founder and Director of Franchising of Replay Sports Cards. "We continued expanding into new communities, opened our first franchise location, and kept building the kind of hobby experience that feels welcoming, trustworthy, and fun. That combination is what sets Replay apart."

This franchise model is the company's answer to a fragmented market of independent shops. By offering a full-service experience that includes buying, selling, trading, and professional grading submissions, Replay aims to create a consistent, credible standard for collectors nationwide.

Riding a Wave of Collector Enthusiasm

Replay's expansion is strategically timed with a period of sustained, healthy growth in the trading card industry. After a frenzied boom and subsequent market correction in 2023 and 2024, industry analysts now point to a more sustainable "measured growth" phase. This new chapter is driven not just by soaring prices for a few key cards—like the rookie card of LeBron James that famously sold for $5.2 million—but by a broader increase in transaction volume across all levels of the hobby.

The global sports trading card market is now projected to climb from approximately $11.52 billion in 2024 to over $23 billion by 2034. The drivers are a potent mix of nostalgia pulling in older collectors, the potential for cards as alternative investments, and a wave of new fans drawn in by breakout athletes and a constant stream of new product releases from giants like Panini and the Fanatics-owned Topps.

"We're seeing strong energy across the hobby, from seasoned collectors to families and first-time buyers walking into our shops," noted Brent Schepel, Co-Founder of Replay Sports Cards. "That is what makes this such an exciting time for Replay. As the category keeps evolving, we're focused on creating stores and experiences that feel credible, accessible, and deeply connected to the communities they serve."

This energy is palpable both in-store and online, creating a dynamic ecosystem where Replay is building its brand.

More Than Just Cards: Building Community Brick by Brick

A core tenet of Replay's strategy is embedding itself within local communities, transforming its stores from simple retail outlets into genuine hobby hubs. This is achieved through targeted partnerships and grassroots initiatives designed to make collecting more accessible and engaging, particularly for younger fans.

In February, the company partnered with the Davidson Wildcats baseball program for its second annual "Trade Day at The Ballpark," distributing free packs of trading cards to fans at select home games. The initiative aims to forge a direct link between the excitement on the field and the joy of collecting.

Further west, a new partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) is bringing the hobby to the high-energy environment of professional sports playoffs. At select home games for the NBA's Denver Nuggets and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, young fans can participate in challenges to win rare trading cards, creating memorable experiences and introducing a new generation to the hobby.

Beyond these high-profile collaborations, the company's "Replay Gives Back" initiative has donated millions of cards to children and actively seeks nominations for youth organizations to receive donations. This focus on accessibility and generosity reinforces the brand's community-first ethos.

A Multi-Channel Strategy for the Modern Collector

While expanding its physical footprint, Replay maintains a robust digital presence, recognizing that the modern collector operates in a hybrid world. The company’s business model is a comprehensive ecosystem that includes its brick-and-mortar shops, a strong presence at major national card shows, and a sophisticated online sales operation.

This is amplified by an aggressive content strategy across multiple live-streaming platforms. The Replay team streams for 16 hours weekly on TikTok and hosts multiple livestreams on Whatnot, a popular real-time marketplace for collectibles. The company also recently expanded its reach by launching on eBay Live, ensuring it meets collectors wherever they are. This multi-platform approach allows Replay to engage with a global audience, facilitate real-time trades, and build a digital community that complements its physical stores.

"We believe the long-term opportunity in this space is tied to trust, consistency, and community," said Mike Martin, Co-Founder of Replay Sports Cards. "Collectors want a local shop experience that feels modern and credible, whether they are buying their first pack, grading a key card, or building a serious collection. That is exactly what Replay is designed to deliver."

With a growing franchise pipeline and an eye on major upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and this summer's Fanatics Fest in New York City, Replay is poised to continue its expansion. By pairing an elevated retail environment with deep hobby expertise and authentic community engagement, the company is building a foundation it believes will modernize the hobby for decades to come.