Phoenix, February 5, 2026
The sports card market has seen a resurgence since 2020, significantly impacting local shops and communities in Phoenix. This boom highlights the resilience of small businesses and showcases the spirit of entrepreneurship as local vendors adapt to increased demand. Trends show a growing interest in both sports and non-sports cards, fostering a vibrant environment for collectors and new ventures in the area. The expansion into online platforms has further bolstered this market, integrating community engagement and investment into the culture of card collecting.
Phoenix’s Card Comeback: How the Sports Card Boom Reshaped Local Entrepreneurship
The sports card market has experienced a significant resurgence since 2020, transforming local shops and collector communities across Arizona. This renewed interest highlights the adaptable spirit of small businesses and the power of entrepreneurial innovation in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Fueled by a blend of nostalgia, increased leisure time, and the rise of online marketplaces, the trading card industry has evolved from a niche hobby into a dynamic economic sector. Local entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable resilience, quickly adapting to meet surging demand and new market dynamics, contributing to Phoenix’s vibrant economic growth.
A Nationwide Resurgence with Local Impact
The global sports trading card market, valued at approximately $11.2 billion in 2020, is projected to reach around $23.64 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of roughly 7.45% between 2025 and 2034. This nationwide boom directly influenced Arizona’s landscape, as lockdowns and increased disposable income during the pandemic period led many to rediscover old hobbies. U.S. Google searches for “best sports cards to buy right now” surged by 680% between January 2020 and February 2023, signaling a thriving market for both hobbyists and investors. This surge in interest was also reflected in online sales, with the sports card market on eBay growing by over 150%, and more than four million additional cards sold in 2020 compared to 2019.
Phoenix: A Hub for Collectors and Innovation
Phoenix, Arizona, has established itself as a significant center for sports card collectors. The city’s deep appreciation for sports, supported by local professional teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Arizona Coyotes, generates consistent demand within the sports card market. This dedicated fan base fosters a thriving environment where shops and collectors can actively buy, sell, and trade cards.
The local climate and diverse communities further enhance this environment, allowing for a wide range of interests, from vintage baseball cards to the latest rookie cards. The growing appeal of sports memorabilia, driven by social media and online platforms, also boosts the hobby’s popularity and creates more opportunities for collectors to engage and expand their collections.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Adaptation in Arizona
The increased demand during the pandemic period encouraged the establishment of new businesses in the sports card market. For instance, Rip Valley, a card and memorabilia shop in Downtown Phoenix, opened in February 2023, capitalizing on this renewed interest. The shop aims to provide an immersive experience for collectors, going beyond the traditional card shop model.
Small business owners and vendors have had to adapt quickly to the evolving market. Benny Trujillo, a vendor who operates Benny’s Card and Collectibles, transitioned to card shows and online tools to support his business, highlighting the necessity of modernizing operations in the post-2020 era. This adaptability underscores the resilience and entrepreneurial drive of Arizona’s small business community.
The Evolution of Collecting: Investment and Community
The sports card market has seen a shift in culture, with a growing emphasis on investment alongside traditional collecting for passion. This has introduced a new dimension to the hobby, where the question of “what’s it worth?” has become more prevalent. The market now includes purist collectors, speculators, and participants in “online breaks,” where individuals purchase shares of a card box opened live online.
Despite the financial aspect, the hobby continues to foster community. The resurgence has brought together multiple generations over card collecting, with children discovering the hobby and parents sharing their prized collections. Events hosted by local shops, such as “Topps Hobby Rip Night” at Rip Valley, provide opportunities for collectors to mingle with athletes and other enthusiasts, reinforcing the community aspect of the hobby.
Digital Platforms and Market Trends
The expansion of the online marketplace has been a significant factor in the market’s growth. Live-shopping platforms have become crucial for breaks, auctions, and quick sales, making access easier and often more affordable. In 2025, one such platform reported over $8 billion in gross merchandise value from live sales, demonstrating the substantial impact of digital innovation on the industry.
The global sports trading card market is expected to continue its expansion, with basketball cards generating substantial revenue and autograph cards gaining traction. Technology integration, including digital cards and blockchain authentication, is presenting additional growth opportunities. North America continues to lead the global market for collectible sports cards.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Phoenix’s Economic Landscape
The sports card boom serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of consumer interests and the capacity of local businesses to adapt and thrive. The entrepreneurial spirit evident in Phoenix’s sports card shops, alongside the robust community of collectors, continues to contribute to the city’s overall economic health. Supporting these local ventures helps to sustain a diverse marketplace and encourages further innovation.
Phoenix’s retail market has shown significant growth and resilience, driven by population increases and strong consumer spending. This business-friendly environment allows various sectors, including the unique sports card industry, to flourish. By recognizing the value of these specialized markets and supporting local business owners, Phoenix can continue to build on its foundation of economic growth and community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sports Card Market in Phoenix
- What caused the recent boom in the sports card market?
- The sports card market boom since 2020 was primarily caused by factors such as pandemic-related lockdowns, increased disposable income, a surge in nostalgia, and the rapid growth of online selling platforms.
- How has the sports card market impacted local businesses in Phoenix?
- The increased demand in the sports card market helped convince people that the market could support new businesses in Phoenix, leading to the opening of new shops.
- What is the current size and projected growth of the global sports trading card market?
- The global sports trading card market was valued at approximately $11.2 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach around $23.64 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate of roughly 7.45% between 2025 and 2034.
- Are non-sports cards also experiencing growth in Arizona?
- Yes, the market in Phoenix is still expanding, particularly across non-sports categories such as Pokémon, which now share shelf space with traditional football and baseball cards.
- What role do online platforms play in today’s sports card market?
- Online platforms have become increasingly important, serving as major pipelines for breaks, auctions, and quick sales, making the process of buying and selling cards easier, more accessible, and often cheaper.
Key Features of the Resurgent Sports Card Market
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Market Growth (2020-Present) | Significant surge driven by lockdowns, nostalgia, and online selling platforms. | Nationwide |
| Market Value (Global) | Approximately $11.2 billion in 2020, projected to reach $23.64 billion by 2034. | Nationwide |
| Impact on Local Businesses | Encouraged the opening of new shops and required existing businesses to adapt to new market trends. | State-level (Arizona/Phoenix) |
| Rise of Non-Sports Categories | Expansion into non-sports cards like Pokémon, sharing shelf space with traditional sports cards. | State-level (Arizona/Phoenix) |
| Online Marketplace Influence | Live-shopping platforms are crucial for sales, auctions, and breaks, increasing accessibility. | Nationwide |
| Community Engagement | Fosters multi-generational collecting and local events in card shops. | State-level (Arizona/Phoenix) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
