Sports Memorabilia and Trading Cards Market Projected to Hit $393 Billion by 2036
Event summary
- The combined sports memorabilia and trading cards market is projected to grow from $70 billion in 2026 to $393 billion by 2036, at a CAGR of 18.2%.
- Fanatics dominates the market with exclusive licenses for MLB, NBA, NFL, Premier League, F1, and WWE.
- Pokémon TCG overtakes sports cards in growth, up 97% in 2025 while sports cards decline 12%.
- Topps reclaims the NFL license from Panini, introducing new rarity anchors like game-worn Rookie Patch Autographs.
- CGC's market share surges 631%, challenging PSA's dominance in card grading.
The big picture
The sports memorabilia and trading cards market is undergoing a structural transformation driven by platform consolidation, the rise of graded collectibles as alternative investments, and the shift towards digital commerce. Fanatics' dominance in licensing and retail, coupled with the surge in Pokémon TCG popularity, signals a significant shift in collector behavior and market dynamics.
What we're watching
- Market Consolidation
- How Fanatics' dominance will affect competition and innovation in the sports collectibles space.
- Alternative Investments
- Whether graded collectibles can sustain their appeal as alternative investment assets amid market volatility.
- Digital Transformation
- The pace at which phygital and live commerce models will reshape traditional collectibles markets.