A combination of old and new collectors helped not only resurrect the sports card industry, but launch into the stratosphere. The stay-at-home orders caused by the pandemic led old collectors to dig up treasures from attics and basements, while veterans and new collectors alike drove up demand on eBay and other online outlets from the comfort of home. The result was multi-million dollar sales of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic cards right alongside the classics of Mickey Mantle and Honus Wagner.
- Geoff Graser
Freelance writer and FanSided contributor
What is this fandom’s best tradition?
Although it’s harder now for children (and writers like me) to collect and get in on the highest price tag items, many packs can still be found for less than $5. In each pack still lies a chance to pull your favorite player or a rare gem worth 100 times what you just paid.
What we’ll remember about this fandom a decade from now
People went so crazy for sports cards they lined up at Walmart before 7 a.m. and wiped out the shelves of cards by 7:03 a.m. Target realized the craziness of the craze and completely stopped selling cards in stores for the safety of its employees and customers.