Global Sports Trading Cards Market Size By Product (Autograph Card, Image Card, Character Card, and Others), Application (Association Football, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Cricket, and Others), and Region - Market Share, Trend Analysis, Competitive Intelligence, Historical Data, and Forecast 2023 - 2030
Market Perspective
The global Sports Trading Cards Market was valued at USD 9.69 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 20.48 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.01% from 2023 to 2030.
Sports trading cards have emerged as a prominent segment within the sports memorabilia market, driven by several key factors. The growing interest in both vintage and contemporary cards, the lucrative nature of sports card investing, and the emergence of high-stakes events in the industry have all contributed to this trend. These factors are expected to have a positive impact on the future of the market. Technological advancements have further attracted collectors and investors who recognize the potential value of sports trading cards. The recent sale of LeBron James' signed rookie card for a record-breaking USD 5.2 million exemplifies the increasing popularity of highly sought-after athlete cards. The market's future appears promising as more enthusiasts, collectors, and investors seek opportunities within the sports trading cards market.
Key Insights
- Based on product, the autograph card segment captured the largest industry share of 40.86% in 2022
- Based on application, the association football segment acquired the largest market share of 36.70% in 2022
- Based on region, North America accounted for the largest market share of 60.80% in 2022
Surging Interest in Vintage and Contemporary Cards is Propelling Market Growth
The sports trading cards market is being driven by a surge in interest in both vintage and contemporary cards. Collectors and investors are increasingly drawn to these cards due to their potential for value appreciation. Vintage cards hold historical significance, while contemporary cards often feature current star athletes. This growing interest in both categories is fueling market growth.
Shifting Demographics Toward Video Games to Hinder Market Progress
The shift among younger demographics towards video games as a preferred method of acquiring autographed jerseys is a key challenge facing the sports trading cards market. This shift is resulting in a diversion of attention and expenditure away from traditional sports trading cards. As younger generations prioritize digital experiences, this trend has the potential to impede the growth of the sports trading cards market in the foreseeable future.
Recent Development
July 2023: Panini America, the NBA's exclusive trading card partner, unveiled long-term collaborations with six highly promising NBA prospects. These prospects, all anticipated to be selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, entered into multi-year partnerships with Panini America.
April 2021: Topps, renowned for its baseball cards and Bazooka candy line, entered into a merger agreement with Mudrick Capital Acquisition Corporation II, a special-purpose acquisition company. This merger transaction, valued at USD 1.3 billion, will facilitate Topps' transition to a publicly traded entity.
Segmentation Analysis
Based on product, the market is segmented into autograph cards, image cards, character cards, and others. The autograph card segment held the largest market share in 2022. The growing usage of autograph cards in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has impacted the sports trading cards market. NFTs allow for the tokenization of digital assets, including autographed sports cards, creating a new avenue for collectors and investors to buy, sell, and trade these items. This trend has brought positive changes in the way sports memorabilia is collected and introduced new opportunities for the sports industry to engage with fans and monetize digital assets.
Based on application, the market is classified into association football, baseball, basketball, boxing, cycling, cricket, and others. The association football segment captured the largest industry share in 2022. It serves as a platform for player recognition, allowing fans to showcase to support for their favorite players and teams. The cards provide player statistics and information, making them valuable resources for football enthusiasts. They foster social interaction among fans through card swaps and discussions. Additionally, football trading cards can be educational, serve as commemorative items, and integrate into interactive games or fantasy football leagues.
North America is the Dominating Region Owing to Robust Sports Culture
North America accounted for the largest market share of 60.80% in 2022. The dominance of North America in the sports trading cards market can be attributed to the region's longstanding enthusiasm for sports and collectibles. The United States, in particular, has a robust sports culture and a large base of collectors and investors. The presence of major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB contributes significantly to the demand for trading cards. Furthermore, the development of online platforms for buying, selling, and trading sports cards has expanded the market's reach, making it more accessible to enthusiasts. The prospects for North America in this market remain strong, driven by continued interest in sports and the growth of digital platforms for card transactions.
Europe is the 2nd Fastest Growing Region Owing to Rising Disposable Incomes
Europe is anticipated to be the 2nd fastest-growing region, depicting a CAGR of 8.28% over the forecast period owing to the increasing interest in sports and collectibles across the region. As sports gain popularity, especially in countries like Germany and France, sports trading cards are observing a notable surge in demand. The region's large population, rising disposable incomes, and the preference to connect with global sports culture are major driving factors behind this growth. Moreover, the emergence of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for enthusiasts in the region to access and trade sports trading cards from around the world. This region holds immense potential for the sports trading cards market.
Competitive Landscape
The global sports trading cards market is fragmented with key players such as Futera, Leaf Trading Cards, LLC, The Upper Deck Company, Ace Authentic, Diamond Cards Online Store, Athletes Unlimited, TRISTAR Productions, Inc., and PANINI S.P.A. Companies employ a variety of strategic measures such as acquisitions, mergers, partnerships, product introductions, and collaborations to expand their business globally and enhance their competitive position.
The global Sports Trading Cards Market is segmented as follows:
By Product
- Autograph Card
- Image Card
- Character Card
- Others
By Application
- Association Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Cricket
- Others
By Region
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- South Africa
- North America
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
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Global Sports Trading Cards Market Size
- December-2023
- 148
- Global
- retail
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