Sports Card Industry Is Expected to Reach $49 Billion in Value by 2032 (2024)

By Staff
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 11:53 AM
Sports trading cards have never been a hotter commodity, according to a new report from Market Decipher. The industry has grown at a record pace, reaching nearly $13 billion in 2021. Experts believe the market will continue to surge well into 2032, where it’s expected to reach just over $49 billion, growing at a rate of 13 percent CAGR (compound annual growth rate).

The market has seen particularly strong growth in the Middle East and Asian Pacific regions due to increased urbanization and access to sporting events. Business expansion is projected for India and China, where the global sports trading card market has seen increased interest.

The National Football League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball have all experienced greater penetration in foreign markets due to increased internet access and sponsorships.

Factors that may hinder industry growth include lack of awareness, rising prices of sports cards, and e-sports gambling may suppress the growth of the global sports trading card market. However, the growing demand for new, recent and vintage cards seems to be keeping these factors at bay.

The autograph card segment saw the largest market share in 2021 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5 percent over the forecast period.

The industry is also dealing with the impact of NFT trading cards, which has grown in popularity over recent years. Through NFT-enabled wallets, these can be stored, viewed and transferred.

Online sales of sports cards have also grown. The sports trading cards sales on eBay show a jump of 142 percent with the online retailer selling more than 4 million more sports, collectible cards and non-sport trading cards.

Other cards seen significant growth include basketball cards, which have seen sales increase by 300 percent in the past year. Pokemon cards also saw sales increase by more than 500 percent last year.

Sports Card Industry Is Expected to Reach $49 Billion in Value by 2032 (1)

Greetings, my fellow aficionados of sports trading cards! The realm of card collecting is currently ablaze with fervor, and I'm here to guide you through the intricate tapestry of this booming industry.

Now, let's delve into the rich tapestry painted by the recent article on sports trading cards. The insights offered by Market Decipher paint a vivid picture of an industry on a meteoric rise. In 2021, the market soared to an unprecedented $13 billion, and projections suggest a staggering surge to over $49 billion by 2032, boasting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13 percent.

The catalysts behind this surge are multifaceted. Urbanization and increased access to sporting events have fueled remarkable growth in the Middle East and Asian Pacific regions. Notably, India and China are emerging as key players, reflecting a globalized interest in sports trading cards.

The digital era has ushered in a new era for major sports leagues. The NFL, NBA, and MLB are extending their reach into foreign markets, leveraging internet accessibility and strategic sponsorships. This global expansion is a testament to the evolving landscape of sports trading cards.

However, as with any burgeoning industry, challenges loom on the horizon. Issues like lack of awareness, escalating card prices, and the specter of e-sports gambling threaten to impede growth. Yet, the insatiable appetite for new, recent, and vintage cards appears to act as a resilient buffer against these impediments.

Zooming in on specific segments, autograph cards seized the throne in 2021, commanding the largest market share. Projections indicate a steady growth with a CAGR of 7.5 percent over the forecast period, underscoring the enduring appeal of personalized, signed memorabilia.

NFT trading cards have also left an indelible mark on the industry. The rise of non-fungible tokens has introduced a digital dimension to card collecting, allowing for secure storage, viewing, and transfer through NFT-enabled wallets.

The digital revolution extends to online sales, where eBay emerges as a key player. A staggering 142 percent surge in sports trading card sales on eBay, totaling over 4 million cards, underscores the growing preference for online transactions in this space.

Closing in on individual card categories, basketball cards witnessed a jaw-dropping 300 percent sales spike in the past year, a testament to the sport's global popularity. Pokemon cards, not to be outdone, boasted a remarkable 500 percent increase in sales, proving that nostalgia and collectibility transcend generations.

In essence, the sports trading card landscape is a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation, where autographs meet NFTs, and online platforms redefine the market. As we navigate this thrilling journey, one thing is abundantly clear—the allure of sports trading cards is not just enduring; it's evolving.

Sports Card Industry Is Expected to Reach $49 Billion in Value by 2032 (2024)
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