Replay Sports Cards Expands into New York with First Long Island Franchise
Event summary
- Replay Sports Cards signs franchise agreement with Rob Ansalone to open shop in Bellmore/Merrick area of Long Island, marking its entrance into New York.
- New location targeted to open in fall 2026, offering full-service card buying, selling, trading, and grading experience.
- Ansalone, a Long Island native and former gym franchise owner, cites personal connection with Replay co-founder Mike Martin as key factor in partnership.
- Replay team to participate in Fanatics Fest (July 16-19) in New York City, operating dedicated retail space at Card Combine event.
The big picture
Replay Sports Cards' expansion into New York comes as the trading card hobby continues its resurgence, with franchise models gaining traction in niche retail sectors. The company's focus on community-building and education aligns with broader industry efforts to attract younger collectors and sustain long-term growth. With over 3 million cards donated through its Replay Gives Back initiative, the brand is positioning itself as both a commercial and social force in the sports collectibles space.
What we're watching
- Market Penetration
- Whether Replay can successfully establish itself in the competitive New York trading card market through its community-focused approach.
- Franchise Model Scaling
- The pace at which Replay expands its franchise network and maintains consistency across locations.
- Hobby Accessibility
- How effective Replay's strategy is in making trading card collecting more accessible to families and new collectors through educational initiatives like Fanatics Fest participation.