Why Custom Sports Trading Cards Are So Popular 

Source: Pop Insider

Sports enthusiasts are constantly seeking new ways to commemorate their favorite athletes' achievements and moments of glory. For some, it might be signed memorabilia framed and hung on the walls. Others might find joy in collecting jerseys or attending games and events. 

Amidst the sea of memorabilia, one item has emerged as a cherished treasure: custom sports cards. These personalized keepsakes offer fans a unique opportunity to capture and celebrate their most cherished sporting memories in a tangible and awesome format. 

With their ability to blend nostalgia, customization, and the thrill of the game, custom sports trading cards have skyrocketed in popularity. But how did custom sports cards get so popular? What makes them so sought after, even in the era of digital resources? 

Let's discuss. 

Reasons for the Popularity of Custom Sports Cards 

In a time where digital media dominates, the resurgence of custom sports trading cards taps into a deep-seated human desire for tangible connections to cherished moments. Yes, we can just go to YouTube and play our favorite moments from particular games. 

But what's the fun in that? 

There's just something so personal about a trading card. It's not something everyone has access to; it's just yours to cherish. 

Let's take a closer look at some of the factors that contribute to the immense popularity of custom sports trading cards. 

Nostalgia at Its Finest 

You know that feeling when you stumble upon an old baseball card tucked away in a shoebox, and suddenly you're transported back to that time when you were glued to the TV, cheering on your favorite team? Yeah, that's all the appeal of the trading card. 

It's like magic. One moment, you're in your living room, and the next, you're fifteen years old with the whole family sitting in whatever spot they could find around the TV, biting nails and screaming at each big play. With custom cards, you get to relive those memories every time you look at your personalized card. 

If you have a whole deck of them, that's a trip down memory lane. Every card sparks a memory. In a way, trading cards allow people to reconnect with their favorite sports teams and players, even years later. 

Investment Potential 

It would be wrong to say that custom sports trading cards are solely driven by nostalgia. The recent surge in their popularity also corresponds with the potential for investment. 

With rare and highly coveted cards selling for thousands of dollars, it's no wonder that people are turning to trading cards as a form of investment. In fact, some collectors have made a fortune by buying and selling rare cards at auctions. 

Source: The New Republic

A recent report found that the sports trading card market size in the US was $4,707 million in 2019. The same report also forecasted the market to reach $62,063 million in valuation by 2027. That's a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 28.76% between 2020 and 2027. 

Some of the most popular sports cards are made for the following sports: 

• Baseball 
• Basketball 
• Football 
• Hockey 
• Boxing 
• Cricket 

But it's not just about making money; it's also about the thrill of the chase. The excitement of finding that one elusive card to complete a set or the satisfaction of owning a limited edition card can be just as rewarding. 

Rarity and Scarcity 

Part of the appeal and the investment potential of custom sports trading cards lies in their rarity. Why else would a card sell for millions of dollars? 

For instance, the Michael Jordan 1986-87 Fleer trading card sells for as much as $7,600. What's so special about it, you may ask? It was only in circulation for a brief period and with fewer copies produced than other trading cards at the time. Also, it's Michael Jordan, the GOAT! 

Similarly, the Pete Rose/Al Weis/Ken McMullen/Pedro Gonzalez 1963 Topps, featuring four of the baseball greats, goes for as high as $5,000 on Etsy. Again, the high value is due to the card's rarity. 

Collecting rare cards isn't only about their resale value. It's also a source of pride for collectors to own a limited edition or hard-to-find card. Imagine the bragging rights that come with owning an autographed vintage Muhammad Ali card or a LeBron James rookie card. 

What quicker way to become the star of the party?  

Personal Connection to the Players 

Was Lebron James the inspiration behind you getting into your college's basketball team? Did David Beckham's free kicks motivate you to take up football as a hobby, even if it was just for fun? We all have our favorite players when it comes to sports. 

Owning a part of their legacy is an ode to this relationship. It's no wonder that fans clamor for custom sports trading cards featuring their beloved players. These purchases are usually not for their investment value but as a way to honor the incredible feats of their idols. 

Educational Purposes 

Trading cards also serve as an educational tool for young fans starting out in any sport. Most custom sports cards have a short write-up on the player's achievements, their strengths, and style of play. 

If the card features an image from an important tournament or game, it usually also shows the stats from that game. So, your card deck is sort of like an encyclopedia but for sports. 

Accessibility

Back in the day, it was super hard to get your hands on a sports card. You'd have to hunt down local stores that stocked them or attend conventions. Collectors would be on the lookout for any rare card from their favorite players, often traveling long distances to obtain them. 

Online marketplaces like eBay have made sports cards more accessible. The best part is that you don't have to go somewhere to get your card graded. There are three big companies that already do it for you: 

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
• SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) 
• BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

So, when you buy a card, you know it's of a certain quality and not a fake. Even better, you can design your own custom sports cards through online services like CardMakers. If you have a player and design in mind, you’re all set to creating your own deck with Card Makers. 

Source: CardMakers

Marketing and Branding Tie-Ins

Nostalgia isn't the only use of custom sports cards. Sports trading cards are often intertwined with the marketing and branding efforts of sports leagues, teams, and corporate sponsors. 

Card manufacturers collaborate with sports organizations to release unique sets. These cards often showcase major milestones or promotional campaigns. Since collectors know these are special editions, they'll be willing to pay more for them. 

Suppose a shoe company is collaborating with football players. They can launch a special edition card featuring players wearing the company's shoes. As an added bonus, the players' autographs could be on these cards. We bet people will be bolting to get their hands on these kicks. 

Conclusion

The takeaway is that custom sports cards are popular due to their investment potential, added nostalgia, rarity, educational value, and marketing efforts. They're not your average trading cards but rather a piece of history and culture. 

As we have mentioned, the demand for sports trading cards will only increase as the industry grows. You still have time to get your foot in the game. So, start building your own collection or designing your own custom sports cards. Who knows, it could be worth a fortune in the future!