The world of sports collecting has undergone a dynamic transformation, expanding from the realm of trading cards to encompass a treasure trove of memorabilia that tells compelling stories and connects fans to iconic moments. Once a pastime focused on glossy card packs, the hobby has grown into a booming marketplace that revels in the history, emotions, and narratives that sports embody.
Trading cards certainly reignited interest in the collecting hobby, especially during the pandemic when nostalgia and newfound free time sent many scurrying to attics and storage spaces in search of hidden gems. However, as we journey into 2025, the sports memorabilia market has blossomed into a broader and more inclusive space than ever before. No longer confined to rectilinear cardboard, it now spans game-used items such as bats, Super Bowl-worn cleats, and million-dollar home run balls—the tangible echoes of history in motion.
The transition from mere pack rippers to passionate collectors has been noteworthy. The initial pandemic-induced rush, which saw eBay reporting a staggering $2 billion in card sales in the first half of 2021 alone, had many assuming it was a temporary bubble. Yet, contrary to expectations, many of those new collectors have become permanent fixtures in the community.
Joe Orlando, a hobby aficionado and executive at Heritage Auctions, reflected on this evolution, stating, “I think people expected it to be a phase, but a lot of them stayed, and that’s a really good thing.” Indeed, the collecting landscape has been thoroughly enhanced by greater access to community-centric tools like eBay Live, accompanied by the stellar performances of athletes such as Shohei Ohtani, Victor Wembanyama, and Caitlin Clark, whose stories make sport not only about competition but about personal connection.
This expansion goes hand in hand with the surging interest in game-worn and game-used gear, a phenomenon that further diversifies the market. Auction records are being set, not just by cards, but by historical artifacts like jerseys worn during pinnacle moments and equipment that was there when monumental achievements unfolded. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill replicas; they are the artifacts of the game itself, infused with the very essence of sports history, and collectors are drawn to the palpable connection they offer.
Take for instance the iconic Babe Ruth’s 1932 ‘Called Shot’ jersey, which sold for a staggering $24 million, or Roger Maris’ 1961 game-used uniform, fetching $1.58 million. Even modern memorabilia, like the ball from Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 season milestone, has reached astronomical values—$4.4 million, to be precise. For collectors, these pieces represent more than monetary value; they are custodians of sports storytelling.
The market isn’t solely about preserving the past either; new stars and sports are bringing fresh energy to the scene. Now, contemporary athletes are also breaking records previously set by legends like Ruth, Mantle, and Jordan. Just consider Caitlin Clark, who shattered the WNBA card record with a sale worth $234,850, or Paul Skenes, whose rookie card sold for $1.11 million, a sum surpassing his earnings from the sport itself. The increased interest in international sports is also notable, as seen in the rise of Formula 1 trading cards, which experienced a 60% year-over-year spike in global interest on eBay.
Despite these exciting developments, the landscape of sports collecting hasn’t seen uniform appreciation across all sectors. Some areas, like the modern card market, have experienced cooling periods. Joe Orlando advises enthusiasts to adopt a long-term perspective, urging them to invest in what they genuinely love rather than chasing fleeting market trends.
Orlando succinctly puts it: “Don’t chase what’s hot today. Buy the best quality you can afford—and buy what actually excites you. If you’re still happy looking at it five years from now, that’s the win.”
Ultimately, in 2025, sports collecting has transcended its status as a mere hobby. It’s a lifestyle—a bridge between fans and the rich tapestry of sports history. It’s a pursuit that blends narratives through jerseys, cards, and gear, allowing collectors to chase not just investments, but the moments in sports that truly matter.
Whether you’re amassing a vibrant rookie card collection or on the hunt for your first signed ball, the beauty of this expanding universe is that it offers something for everyone. For those contemplating dipping their toes into this arena, the signs point to this being the perfect time to embark on an adventure in collecting. The game of taking part in this tapestry of history is wide open, beckoning newcomers and veterans alike to join its ever-evolving play.
