The sports card hobby has seen incredible highs and gut-wrenching lows over the past two decades. But in 2025, something feels different — and if you’ve been around for a while, you probably feel it too.
Is the hobby broken? Or is it simply evolving?
As someone who’s been in the sports card game since I was a kid — and now runs a reselling business and hosts the YouTube show Chasing Cardboard — I’ve traveled the country, interviewed collectors, and bought collections big and small. I’ve gathered insights from thousands of hobbyists across the world.
This post is my honest take on where things stand today in the sports card world — what’s thriving, and what’s concerning.
5 Positive Trends in the Sports Card Hobby Right Now
Despite some challenges, there are still powerful reasons to love the hobby in 2025. Let’s start with what’s going right.
1. Hobby Content is Booming
We’ve never had this much quality content in the card world. From podcasts and YouTube channels to former athletes sharing stories and education — hobby content creators are keeping collectors informed and entertained.
Want to stay in the know? You can find daily videos, live streams, and deep dives across every platform. That level of engagement is keeping the hobby alive and thriving.
2. Education is Everywhere
Collectors are more informed than ever.
People understand product lines, grading companies, comps, and even market manipulation. Social media has added transparency, speed, and accountability — which is helping new collectors learn faster and avoid costly mistakes.
Smart collectors make strong markets. That’s a win for everyone.
3. Scarcity Is Back in Style
The post-2020 boom taught us a hard lesson: overproduction kills value.
Now, we’re seeing a return to form. Rare 90s inserts, vintage cards in high grades, and true short prints are earning premiums again. Scarcity is finally being respected — and that’s a healthy sign.
4. Sports Cards Are Creating Family Bonds
Through Chasing Cardboard, I get countless messages from parents saying the hobby has brought them closer to their kids.
Whether it’s opening packs together, hunting for cards of their favorite players, or trading at shows — sports cards are bridging generations. It’s a reminder that this hobby isn’t just about money or hits — it’s about relationships.
5. At the End of the Day… It’s Still FUN
Card shows. Trade nights. Local hobby shops. Collecting rainbows. Custom art. Display setups. Ripping wax.
There are so many ways to enjoy this world. The integration of physical collectibles with digital platforms is making it even more dynamic. If you’re not having fun, maybe you’re doing it wrong.
5 Concerns Facing the Sports Card Hobby in 2025
Now that we’ve covered the good — let’s talk about what’s not working. These issues could shape the future of the hobby if they go unchecked.
1. Product Fatigue and Overproduction
Print runs are out of control. Manufacturers are flooding the market with endless parallels and inserts — from “zebra” to “jack-o-lantern” variations — making it hard to keep up.
Even seasoned collectors are overwhelmed. Newcomers are confused. And many of us are simply tired of the constant product churn. The hobby needs to reset its relationship with volume and variety.
2. Card Shows Are Turning into Retail Trade Shows
What used to be intimate, community-driven events are now flashy, corporate-style expos.
There’s still value in shows — but they’re leaning too hard into commercialization. Giant repack companies, $500 wax boxes, and influencer booths are replacing community tables and true collectors.
We need to find balance again.
3. The Grading Bubble is Flattening
Let’s be honest — the grading world is a mess.
Gem Mint 10s are no longer rare. Grading fees and upcharges are rising. And consistency across companies is shaky. The market has over-indexed on slabs, and now we’re seeing too many 7s, 8s, and 9s flood the market.
It’s time to rethink the role of grading in the hobby — and that change won’t happen overnight.
4. Lack of Transcendent American Superstars
Shohei Ohtani, Wembanyama, Jokic — we love them. But where are the next American-born megastars?
Whether we want to admit it or not, the U.S. hobbyist base spends more when athletes represent them culturally. Right now, we’re waiting for the next generation of stars to take over — and that vacuum is being felt in the marketplace.
5. Repack Culture & Short-Term Thinking
Repack products are everywhere — mystery packs, chase boxes, subscription services.
While the thrill is real, transparency often isn’t. Odds are rarely disclosed. Value is inflated. And many buyers walk away with less than they paid for.
This culture — combined with constant flipping, auctions, and hype trends — is burning out collectors. We need to encourage long-term thinking: building collections, learning set history, and finding joy beyond the flip.
Final Thoughts: Where the Hobby Goes From Here
I’m still net positive on the sports card hobby.
There’s incredible content, smarter collectors, more transparency, and plenty of fun. But we can’t ignore the cracks — from product fatigue and grading issues to the rise of shallow flipping culture.
As a community, we need to champion long-term enjoyment, smarter buying, and better education.
What’s one thing YOU want to see change in the hobby? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for being part of the journey.
