The legendary quarterback retired shortly after a historic 23-year professional football career. Brady wore a white Buccaneers jersey during the second half of that final matchup.

Authentication company MeiGray photo-matched the garment to the third and fourth quarters of the game. The jersey retained visible grass stains and field marks from the grueling playoff contest.

It also featured a standard captain’s patch alongside the official Buccaneers team insignia. Sotheby’s brought the historic piece to the auction block in November 2023.

Bidders aggressively pursued the item during an auction held alongside the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The final price reached $1.391 million, including the standard buyer’s premium.

The massive sale set a new public auction record for any NFL game jersey. It set a then-record for an NFL game-worn jersey at public auction, surpassing the $1.212 million paid for a Joe Montana jersey worn in Super Bowls XIX and XXIII.

The record-breaking Tampa Bay jersey carried significant additional value beyond its mere game use. Brady personally signed the fabric and added a unique handwritten message for future buyers. The bold black ink inscription simply read, “My Last Game” and “GOAT Out!”

Sotheby’s told Sports Collectors Daily that the jersey had sold privately before being consigned. It did not publicly disclose how it moved from Brady into the memorabilia market.

Brady dominated opposing NFL defenses and rewrote the record books for over two decades. Even after retirement, his final game-worn jersey commanded a record price at auction.

Related: In 2016, a collector paid $96,000 for a 1980 Topps Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookie card; in 2018, it sold for $125,200 at auction

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) graded the iconic piece a Gem Mint 10. That rare rating is the highest possible mark for any trading card.

The 1980 Topps basketball set used an unusual three-panel layout. The manufacturer squeezed three separate players onto a single piece of cardboard.

Kids often tore these specific cards apart along the factory-perforated lines. Finding an intact, perfect copy is exceedingly rare today.

The card perfectly captured a pivotal transition period in basketball history. Bird and Johnson carried their college rivalry directly into the professional ranks.

The two rookies entered the league together and revitalized the sport. Their fierce competition fueled massive television ratings throughout the ensuing decade.

Erving was already an established superstar when the two young phenoms arrived. He had won championships in the ABA before joining the Philadelphia 76ers.

Placing all three legends on one card created a perfect storm for collectors. Two years later, the same Gem Mint card hit the auction block again.

Bidders drove the price significantly higher during a September 2018 eBay auction. The final winning bid reached $125,200 by the end of the night. The winning bid set a new price record for the Bird-Magic rookie card.

ESPN reporter Darren Rovell provided context for the massive final price tag. He noted it was one of the highest prices ever paid for a basketball card. TheScore cited Rovell when reporting on the high-profile digital auction transaction.

ABC7 provided further context by listing a few basketball cards that sold for more. A 1969 Topps Lew Alcindor card sold for $501,900 in 2016. A 1948 George Mikan rookie card fetched $403,664 during a 2015 auction. An autographed 2003 LeBron James rookie card sold for $312,000 in 2016.

Bird and Johnson battled fiercely over NBA championships for over a decade. Now, wealthy collectors battle just as fiercely over their cardboard likenesses.

Related: In 1997, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Kevin Garnett to a $126 million six-year contract; it triggered an NBA lockout that cut the next season to 50 games

​​

Owens had won four gold medals in Berlin, dominating the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump and 4×100-meter relay. His achievements also challenged Adolf Hitler’s efforts to use the Games to promote Nazi racial ideology.

Despite his success, Owens struggled financially after returning to the United States. Robinson, a celebrated dancer and actor, helped him find opportunities in the entertainment business and supported him during a difficult period.

As a gesture of gratitude, Owens gave Robinson one of his original Olympic gold medals. The gift became a lasting connection between two influential figures whose careers had crossed different parts of American entertainment and sports history.

Robinson died in 1949, while Owens passed away in 1980. The medal remained with Robinson’s family, eventually becoming part of the estate of his widow, Elaine Plaines-Robinson.

In December 2013, SCP Auctions offered the historic piece during its Fall Premier Auction. The medal attracted significant attention because it was one of the original four Owens received in Berlin and could not be linked to a specific event.

The bidding closed on December 8, with the medal selling for $1,466,574, including the buyer’s premium. The winning bidder was billionaire investor Ron Burkle, co-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The sale established a record for the most expensive piece of Olympic memorabilia at the time, surpassing an $865,000 silver cup from the 1896 Olympic marathon.

Nearly eight decades after Owens stood on the Olympic podium, the medal carried a different kind of significance. Its value extended beyond its auction price, preserving the story of an extraordinary athletic achievement and a friendship built on gratitude.

As Cllct Media reported on X, Messi’s Topps NOW “Final Farewell” card is presently the best-selling Topps NOW card of all time, with 664,325 copies sold, besting Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 card, which sold 653,737 copies.

Since it went beyond 500,000 copies sold, one enthusiast will get a 1-of-1 White OpalFractor Chrome version of this trading card.

Messi’s Topps NOW “Final Farewell” card is now the best selling Topps NOW card of all time with 664,325 copies sold 🤯

That breaks the record set by the Shohei Ohtani 50/50 card, which sold 653,737 copies.

One collector is also going to get a 1/1 autographed White Opal Fractor… pic.twitter.com/QzWEAricmG

— cllct (@cllctMedia) October 20, 2026

In addition to the base card, this Messi collectible will also have Chrome and Opal Chrome parallels, including a 1-of-1 SuperFractor. Fans can also get autographed versions of this commemorative card, which could fetch serious money on the market.

Topps sold this Messi Final Farewell Pack for $19.99, and one buyer can get the rarest one. No one knows its value yet, but it will attract serious bidders if put up for sale or at auction, given its uniqueness and the likeness of arguably the best football player of all time.

Lionel Messi has won it all for Argentina

Messi, in an Argentina uniform, embodies excellence. While representing La Albiceleste, Messi won the 2005 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

As a member of the senior national team, Lionel Messi has played in six World Cups and led the squad to the championship in 2022. However, his World Cup career ended with a loss to Spain in the 2026 Final.

Meanwhile, Messi also took charge in Argentina’s victories in the 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas and the 2022 Finalissima, which pitted them against then-European champions Italy. Messi scored 126 goals in 208 international appearances for La Seleccion.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

It’s a steep decline from the $52.63 million he earned in his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, joining the Sixers gives him a strong chance of adding to his four NBA titles.

Meanwhile, collectors could earn a portion of James’ contract with Philadelphia if they can find a trading card bearing a special patch from his game-worn jerseys.

As Topps announced on X, the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player will wear a special 24th season jersey patch throughout the 2026-27 season. The patches will be removed from his jersey after each game, and some will be used to create ultra-rare 1-of-1 trading cards.

BREAKING: LeBron James will wear a special 24th season jersey patch throughout the 2026-27 season.

The patches will be removed from his jersey after each game, and certain patches will be placed into ultra-rare 1-of-1 trading cards. pic.twitter.com/uuVRuncNPD

— Topps (@Topps) October 20, 2026

The patches will bear the words “NBA Seasons,” the number “24,” and a silhouette of his iconic pregame chalk toss. The 1-of-1 cards could be worth a fortune, considering LeBron James’ popularity and stature.

LeBron James and the 76ers are off to a good start

Winning the championship this season could also boost the value of these rare collectibles. So far, the Sixers are looking promising after winning three of their first four games.

Philadelphia defeated the defending champion New York Knicks, James’ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the 2021 NBA champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, before losing to the Detroit Pistons.

LeBron James has averaged 16.3 points, seven rebounds, and 5.7 assists in three games played.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

As soon as Jackson Chourio caught the fly ball that sealed a four-game sweep, Brewers fans must have been scrambling to score World Series tickets. However, one lucky fan need not worry because his parents gifted him two tickets to see the Brewers face either the Tampa Bay Rays or the Cleveland Guardians.

As Fanatics Collect posted on X, the father of a young fan collaborated with their local card shop to keep the surprise hidden. Initially, the boy thought that he was just getting a 2026 Topps Series 2 Jackson Chourio Holo Foil Yellow trading card.

Sports Card Pro reports that an ungraded version of this card is worth an average of $6, while a PSA 10 could be valued at up to $57. However, the young fan received a gift that was much pricier than the card.

Hidden behind the card is a note that reads, “This card comes with 2 tickets to the World Series. Love, Grandma & Aunt Kathy.” The note also revealed that the tickets will be for Game 2 of the World Series at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Brewers earned home field advantage after finishing the regular season with the best record.

❤️ AWESOME HOBBY MOMENT ❤️

After the Brewers beat the Dodgers to reach their first World Series since 1982, a young fan received an unforgettable gift.

His dad teamed up with their local hobby shop to hide two World Series tickets on the back of a Jackson Chourio card that his… pic.twitter.com/CyzHRkUirO

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) October 17, 2026

While it’s unclear which seats they have, TickPick lists the cheapest tickets for Game 2 at $1,850. But beyond this unforgettable experience, the young boy hopes his beloved team will win their first-ever World Series championship.

To make that happen, Chourio must play a critical role in driving in the runs and covering the field. Game 1 of the 2026 World Series will be on Friday, October 23, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Given the historical significance of the victory, sports memorabilia related to the Knicks’ championship run will generate much interest from collectors. Along with game-worn jerseys and basketballs used during the Finals, a new item is sure to attract collectors’ interest.

Michelob, the NBA’s official beer sponsor, made bottle openers out of the hardwood used by the Knicks during the Finals. Knicks legends Earl Monroe and John Wallace delivered these custom bottle openers to select bartenders in New York City.

Michelob Ultra made bottle openers out of NBA Finals court wood to give to New York City bartenders.

As collectibles become hotter and hotter, we at @cllctMedia expect more partners to use relics to activate and draw attention to their relationships. pic.twitter.com/cLDav9a087

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 16, 2026

Aside from the logos of Michelob and the Knicks’ championship, the bottle opener also reads, “This is a piece of history from a game-used section of the NBA Finals court. Crafted for those that helped fuel the celebration of New York’s finest summer.”

In addition to the custom bottle openers, Anheuser-Busch also launched a limited-edition commemorative Michelob Ultra packaging featuring the Knicks logo and the Larry O’Brien trophy.

How fans can score the collector’s item bottle openers

Knicks fans and sports memorabilia enthusiasts can enter for a chance to win via Michelob Ultra’s Superior Access platform.

On October 19, ahead of the NBA Tip-Off, fans can comment “#ULTRACourtside #Sweepstakes” on Michelob ULTRA’s dedicated Instagram post for a chance to win one of the 2,026 custom limited-edition bottle openers.

But given the rarity and significance of this item, some may soon be for sale online. After all, it commemorates a victory that hasn’t happened since 1973.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

His lasting impact remains even though it’s been six years since he passed away. That said, sports memorabilia bearing his authentic image and likeness could still be worth a fortune.

Therefore, as Cllct Media founder Darren Rovell predicted, a game-worn Kobe Bryant high school jersey could become a million-dollar collectible.

A Kobe Bryant game-used jersey, worn in high school, is up for bid at @Sothebys.

It last sold in 2013 on @GoldinCo for $51,400. Sotheby’s thinks it is worth in between $1 million and $2 million. pic.twitter.com/AYrk2uSeyz

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 15, 2026

Sotheby’s will make Bryant’s Lower Merion High School game-worn jersey available for auction. For comparison, Goldin Auctions pulled $51,400 for the same jersey in 2013.

Rovell predicts that the final price for this jersey could be between $1 million and $2 million, at least 20 times higher than its previous value.

The jersey that launched Kobe Bryant’s legend

Before he became a five-time NBA champion and a one-time league Most Valuable Player, Bryant was a star for the Lower Merion Aces in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

He originally wore jersey No. 24 but switched to No. 33 during his junior year to honor his father, former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant.

During his senior year, Bryant and the Aces won the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAAA state championship.

Meanwhile, his averages of 30.8 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 4.0 steals, and 3.8 blocks per game earned him the 1996 Gatorade National Player of the Year and USA Today National High School Player of the Year honors.

His exemplary performance in high school made him only the sixth player in NBA history to jump from high school to the pros.

However, though the Charlotte Hornets initially drafted him, Bryant went to the Los Angeles Lakers via a trade initiated by Basketball Hall of Famer and former Lakers general manager Jerry West.

From there, he went on to have a legendary career with the Lakers. Despite being floated in trade rumors throughout his career, Bryant ended up playing his entire NBA career with the Lakers.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Though he hit a three-run home run in Game 4, Ohtani still struggled for the most part of the NLCS. He only had three hits and two runs, compared to six strikeouts in 13 at-bats.

Despite this unusual slump, he remains one of MLB’s superstars, and collectibles related to him are in high demand. Therefore, sports memorabilia collectors could pay a fortune for rare tickets from his games.

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) posted on X that they have recently graded a ticket stub from a March 29, 2013, game between the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and the Saitama Seibu Lions.

𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝙂𝙍𝘼𝘿𝙀𝘿 🔬

An incredibly rare ticket stub from Shohei Ohtani’s professional debut in Japan.

On March 29, 2013, Ohtani started in right field, batted eighth, and picked up two hits and an RBI in a 5-3 win for the Nippon-Ham Fighters. pic.twitter.com/LvWIG02fiF

— PSAcard (@PSAcard) October 15, 2026

What made this ticket special is that 18-year-old Shohei Ohtani made his professional baseball debut. Batting eighth in the order, he collected two hits and an RBI in four at-bats to help the Fighters defeat the Lions, 5-3.

While the value of this collectible remains unknown, having a graded Ohtani sports memorabilia will attract serious bidders.

As posted on The Chosun Daily, a used ticket from Ohtani’s NPB debut was sold for $23,180 (including buyer’s premium) at Goldin Auctions. It was a ticket for a junior-member seat in the free seating area near third base at the Seibu Dome, which at the time cost 300 yen ($1.90 in current value).

For comparison, the ticket stub that PSA graded cost 1,200 yen ($7.59).

The game that launched Shohei Ohtani’s magnificent career

From that moment, Ohtani’s popularity and impact on the game continued to grow. During his time at Nippon Professional Baseball, he became a five-time All-Star, a three-time Best Nine awardee, a Pacific League Most Valuable Player, and a Japan Series champion.

His dominance continued in MLB. In addition to his two World Series titles with the Dodgers, he is also a six-time All-Star, a six-time All-MLB First Team member, and a four-time MVP.

Ohtani is also a four-time Silver Slugger awardee, a two-time home run leader, and a three-time Hank Aaron Award winner as the league’s best hitter.

While Ohtani and the Dodgers failed to secure a third consecutive World Series championship, he isn’t going anywhere because he has seven years left on his massive ten-year, $700 million contract.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Apparently, though, even card boxes can be worth a lot of money. As Cllct Media founder Darren Rovell posted on X, an empty 1952 Topps Baseball box sold for $86,213.

In 1952, Topps had penny pack boxes. In each box were 120 packs. Each pack cost 1 cent and contained on card and piece of gum.

Tonight, someone in the @GoldinCo auction paid a record for a completely empty penny pack box, whose original cost was $1.20.

$86,213!!! pic.twitter.com/tGupYYGF57

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 11, 2026

You’ve read that right. It’s just the box with no cards in it. As shown in the picture that Rovell shared, the box is still intact, though there are traces of wear and tear. After all, the box was originally released over seven decades ago.

Fifty-nine bids were placed to win this unique collectible, offered by Goldin Auctions. Yes, it did contain 120 packs of Topps baseball cards in four 30-pack stacks.

Each wax pack was sold for a cent at the time, making a full box worth $1.20. Therefore, the box’s final price at auction is a whopping 71,844 times more than its original price.

Which cards were included in this Topps box before?

As stated on the Goldin Auctions website, “Urban archaeologists in the decades and centuries to come will immediately recognize this cardboard relic as the one-time incubator of factory-fresh, early-career mementos picturing Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, and other popular stars.”

Some of the cards from this set have become serious investments, like the Mantle SGC 9.5 card that was sold for a massive $12.6 million, including buyer’s premium, by Heritage Auctions in August 2022.

It is the second most expensive sports trading card ever sold, trailing the Upper Deck Dual Autograph of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, which went under the hammer for $12,932,000.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

He also has six MLB All-Star and six All-MLB First Team selections. The four-time Silver Slugger awardee has also led the league in home runs twice and the National League in RBIs once.

But have you imagined what a painting-like trading card of him would look like? You don’t have to, because Topps has created a Bob Ross-inspired collectible featuring “Shotime.”

This trading card is from Topps’ 2023 Joy of Baseball collaboration with the estate of Bob Ross. It still shows him wearing a Los Angeles Angels uniform because it was produced during his final year with the American League franchise.

Card Purchaser on X revealed that a PSA 10 version of this Ohtani card was sold on eBay for $4,000.

Rarity might have driven the price up because, the year after this card was produced, Shohei Ohtani signed a ten-year, $700 million contract with the cross-town Los Angeles Dodgers.

This Shohei Ohtani with Bob Ross hair just sold for over $4000 in PSA 10 on eBay pic.twitter.com/74modFXNZJ

— Card Purchaser (@CardPurchaser) October 12, 2026

Likewise, it’s a must-have collectible for baseball fans who also appreciate art. The artistic feel of this trading card has collectors coveting this masterpiece. Finally, you won’t see any other collectible in which Ohtani is sporting Ross’ signature Afro, making it more appealing.

Shohei Ohtani struggling in the National League Championship Series

But as beautiful as this trading card of his is, Ohtani has delivered a forgettable performance in the first two games of the National League Championship Series.

The Milwaukee Brewers have had Ohtani’s number in Games 1 and 2. Their superb pitching has limited him to one hit and three strikeouts in seven at-bats. He did score a run in Game 1, but it was not enough to carry the team to victory.

Ohtani and the Dodgers will feel more joy if they can pull off Game 3, which happens on October 14 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Apparently, that moniker extends to sports memorabilia related to him because a full ticket from his professional debut was sold for $252,006. Darren Rovell shared the update on X, and the sale occurred at Front Row Auctions.

This free ticket to Wayne Gretzky’s first game a pro sold this morning at Front Row Auctions for $252,006.

It is the new record for a hockey ticket, beating out the $158,600 a collector paid for Gretzky’s NHL debut ticket last year. pic.twitter.com/9yaJcyc6Do

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 12, 2026

As posted on the Front Row Auctions website, it is the only full ticket from Gretzky’s debut known to exist. Three more variations of the same ticket exist, but the stubs are what’s left. 

Gretzky played his first professional hockey game on October 14, 1978, four months after the Indianapolis Racers signed him to a seven-year, $1.75 million personal services contract.

However, Gretzky’s time with the Racers was brief; he played only eight games for the team before being sold to the Edmonton Oilers, where he began his National Hockey League career, which lasted two decades.

This Gretzky pro debut ticket is now the most expensive hockey ticket memorabilia sold. Unsurprisingly, the previous record still involved Gretzky when a collector paid $158,600 last year for a ticket from his NHL debut.

Though $252,006 is still a hefty amount, it’s still well below the $468,000 paid for a Michael Jordan debut ticket in February 2022.

But as far as records are concerned, Gretzky still holds several NHL career, single-season, and single-game records. His 2,857 points and 1,963 assists are still the most in NHL history. He’s also the fastest NHL player to 50 goals, achieving it in 39 games during the 1981-82 NHL season.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

This time, the three-time American League Most Valuable Player and nine-time Silver Slugger awardee is establishing his foothold in the collectibles industry.

As shared on the Cllct Media account on X, Trout is launching Generation One Collect, a new sports collectibles company.

Mike Trout is launching Generation One Collect, a new sports collectibles company that will begin with live card breaking, but plans to expand into original content and other experiences involving athletes and collectors.

Mark DeVita, Operations Manager for The Trout Group, said… pic.twitter.com/lDUdjh70jN

— cllct (@cllctMedia) October 13, 2026

According to The Trout Group Operations Manager Mark DeVita, they are looking to produce live breaks, premium content, and athlete involvement to foster a better experience for collectors.

MORE: Mike Trout’s Net Worth, MLB Earnings, and Endorsement Deals

Mike Trout’s plans to conquer the sports trading card industry

Generation One Collect will start with live card breaks, wherein he will actively engage fellow trading card collectors. He will also venture into premium content featuring other athletes who are also into the hobby.

Trout will work with co-founder and CEO Eric Mandelkern for this venture. One of their plans is to bring card breaks during Trout’s youth baseball camps to give young players the feel of opening card packs.

A known trading card collector, Trout has shown interest in the industry since he was young. From collecting Pokémon and baseball cards, he returned to the hobby during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trout is looking to turn his hobby into a thriving business, perhaps a way to build his post-baseball career. After all, his current 12-year, $426.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels will end in 2030.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

To cap off the legendary international career that earned him two Copa America championships and the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, Topps has released the Final Farewell pack for one of soccer’s all-time greatest players.

For $19.99, trading card collectors will get a pack containing two cards. There’s also a ten-pack option priced at $159.99, giving you more cards at a 20% discount. This rare and amazing collectible will only be available on the Topps website until October 16.

JUST IN: Lionel Messi ‘Final Farewell’ Pack 🇦🇷

Each pack contains two cards:
– One Final Farewell Base Card, Parallel, or 1/1 Autograph Card
– One Image Variation, SSP Image Variation, or 1/1 Image Variation Autograph Card

Available now for just one week. pic.twitter.com/Tf4TNCX41U

— Topps (@Topps) October 9, 2026

Each pack contains the Lionel Messi Topps NOW Farewell Base Card and a Variation Card that highlights Messi’s records for Argentina.

Lucky fans can even find Base Parallel versions of the Farewell card that come in Green Foil (99), Gold Foil (50), Orange Foil (25), Black Foil (10), Red Foil (5), and the 1/1 Foil Fractor.

Collectors also have a chance to pull a 1/1 Messi Farewell Autograph card. Print runs of at least 250,000 cards will also unlock Opal Chrome Parallels. A 1/1 White Opal Fractor Chrome will also be available if the print run reaches 500,000 cards.

Celebrate Lionel Messi’s Career with Farewell Variation Cards

In addition to the base cards and their rare parallels, the Variation Cards come in three types. There’s a 1:2 All-Time Assists variation card, a 1:3 All-Time Appearances card, and a 1:6 All-Time Goals card.

Those three variations are also available in 1/1 autograph versions. Lastly, the Final Farewell card shows Messi wearing the Argentina uniform in different stages of his career.

THE PERFECT FAREWELL FOR THE GOAT! 🇦🇷👑🐐

In his final international match for Argentina, Lionel Messi signed off in absolute masterclass fashion, leading La Albiceleste to a 3-0 victory over Benin!

One last dance. One last show. Thank you for everything, Leo! pic.twitter.com/tqJ2evW2pJ

— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 7, 2026

Messi finished his international career with 208 caps and 67 assists. He scored a penalty goal and assisted in two more scores during his final appearance for Argentina on October 7 against Benin.

There are only days left before Topps ends the ordering period for the Lionel Messi Final Farewell Pack. Once you have ordered a pack, expect it to arrive as early as 20 days after the expiry date.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Recently, another game-worn Jordan jersey was sold privately for $14 million. Hunt Auctions announced the sale, and Florida-based real estate investor Ron Firman became the jersey’s new owner.

Firman bought the jersey from a private collector who purchased it from the Bulls in 2003.

What made the jersey as valuable as an ultra-luxury residence? It’s the jersey that Jordan wore during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Jordan wore that red jersey to will the Chicago Bulls to victory and tie the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

Record Air.  Important 1998 @NBA Finals Game Two @chicagobulls Michael Jordan game worn road jersey sold via private treaty sale for $14,000,000.  The price is a world record for any basketball memorabilia item and the second highest price ever paid for a sports jersey of any… pic.twitter.com/2ax0XBvjxm

— Hunt Auctions (@HuntAuctions) October 12, 2026

Eventually, Jordan and the Bulls won that series, earning “His Airness” his sixth NBA title in eight years. His “Last Shot” made the championship iconic, sealing Chicago’s second three-peat in six games.

The $14 million price tag for this Jordan game-worn jersey is the second-highest known price for a jersey. The record still belongs to the $24.12 million paid for the jersey Babe Ruth wore in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, made famous by his “called shot” home run.

Three Michael Jordan jerseys are worth at least $10 million

Game-worn Jordan jerseys from the 1998 NBA Finals are now worth a massive fortune. In 2022, his game-worn jersey from the series opener was sold at an auction for $10.1 million.

Just last month, a Jordan jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals was purchased for $12.3 million. Then, Firman paid $14 million for an iconic piece of NBA history associated with arguably the game’s best player ever.

JUST IN: This man sold the most expensive NBA jersey ever for $12,260,000.

It’s Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance” game-worn jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals, sold by collector Rob Gough.

The sale also makes it the second-most expensive jersey ever sold in any sport.

Gough… pic.twitter.com/axfBeoXTBR

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 30, 2026

Meanwhile, in 2023, Sotheby’s sold the sneakers that Michael Jordan wore in Game 2 of the 1998 finals for $2.2 million.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

But before moving on to the NLCS, the Brewers’ ace pitcher struck a trading card treasure during the NL Division Series.

In a video shared by Front Office Sports, the MLB’s leader in ERA this season traded a signed jersey and cleats for his 1-of-1 collectible. Misiorowski made the transaction before Game 3 of their NLDS against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

As shown in the clip, Misiorowski received his one-of-a-kind 2026 Topps Chrome Sapphire Edition Image Variation Padparadscha, in which he was throwing a football rather than a baseball.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Front Office Sports (@frontofficesports)

In return, Misiorowski gave away signed baseball cleats and a game-worn Brewers jersey bearing his name and patch. He also wrote his stats on the back of the jersey, in addition to his typical autograph signature.

Jacob Misiorowski Continues to Win On and Off the Field

While the monetary value of the Misiorowski Sapphire Padparadscha card remains unknown, it could net serious money should Misiorowski decide to sell it. Last year, his 2022 Bowman Chrome 1/1 Superfractor sold for $52,800.

This year, his 2026 1/1 Bowman Anime Superfractor rookie card was sold for $45,600 at a Fanatics Collect online auction.

Misiorowski’s 1/1 Anime just sold 🤩

The 2026 Bowman Anime Superfractor Jacob Misiorowski Rookie 1/1 just sold for $45.6K on Fanatics Collect

This now makes it his second most expensive sale just behind his 2022 Bowman Chrome 1/1 Superfractor auto that sold for $52.8K last year… pic.twitter.com/okT9ffPw0O

— Sports Card Investor (@SportsCardInv) June 21, 2026

Getting a rare card of his is a personal victory for Jacob Misiorowski. It’s a fitting reward for a dominant regular season, which he finished with a 16-5 record, a 1.80 ERA, a 0.80 WHIP, and a league-leading 252 strikeouts.

His dominance from the mound has helped the Brewers finish with an MLB-best 103-59 record. In the playoffs, he has helped Milwaukee win Game 1 of the NLDS and made MLB history by throwing three pitches of at least 104 miles per hour.

Misiorowski also started in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Dodgers, giving up five hits and an earned run while striking out five batters in the 2-1 victory.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Likewise, the trading card industry is attracting more enthusiasts from different age groups. But to tangibly describe the surge, advisor Will Stern shared some numbers.

“The high-end card market continues to rip. There have been 68 $1M (one million) sales so far, compared with 47 across all of 2023, 2024, and 2025. At the current pace, this year would more than double the previous record of $44K,” Stern posted on X, which includes a graph to strengthen the details.

The high-end card market continues to rip.

There have been 68 $1M+ sales so far, compared with 47 across all of 2023, 2024 and 2025.

At the current pace, this year would more than double the previous record of 44.

$100K+ sales are on pace to reach ~2.5x the previous record. pic.twitter.com/cAcqEvVNJm

— Will Stern (@Will__Stern) October 1, 2026

“$100K sales are on pace to reach ~2.5x the previous record,” he added.

Recent high-value trading card sales

Regarding Stern’s update, a handful of trading cards were sold at high prices. In late September, a 1-of-1 autographed card featuring a patch from the jersey Cooper Flagg wore during his NBA debut netted $8.04 million.

There’s also an Honus Wagner card that sold at auction for $5.86 million. Likewise, a 1/1 Aaron Judge Bowman Chrome Draft Pick Superfractor Autograph BGS 9.5 trading card was sold privately for $5.2 million last March.

Finally, there is an ongoing Goldin auction wherein a signed 1932 Babe Ruth card is going for $700,000. Over at Fanatics Collect, a 2025 Topps 1/1 autographed Logoman Patch card of Shohei Ohtani is also currently priced at $700,000.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer
• Travis Kelce’s New $9 Collectible Trading Card Will Be Gone by Next Week

Beyond soccer, his cheerful demeanor and charismatic personality had made him a fan favorite. That fascination for Haaland could spike the value of his new 1-of-1 trading card.

FIRST LOOK: The iconic ‘All Kings’ trading cards arrive in Topps Flagship Premier League for the first time! 👑 pic.twitter.com/hmBaAgFES5

— Topps (@Topps) September 17, 2026

Topps included Haaland’s card in the newly released Flagship Premier League 2026/27 collectible set. The 1-of-1 card is included in the All Kings set, which also features Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, Igor Thiago, Estevao Willian, Josh King, Bruno Fernandes, and Morgan Gibbs-White. Rookie cards of Jeremy Jacquet and JJ Gabriel round out this ten-card insert set.

Other Inserts in the Topps Flagship Premier League 2026/27

In addition to All Kings, Topps enhanced this collection with other short prints like Diamond Rookies and ULTRA Beast Mode. Haaland also has an ULTRA Beast Mode card, as well as the likes of Brian Madjo, Igor Thiago, Dominik Szoboszlai, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Bruno Guimaraes.

Meanwhile, the five-card Diamond Rookies set features Madjo, Jacquet, Gabriel, Jesse Derry, and Rayan. Topps Flagship Premier League 2026-27 also includes a bunch of autographed card variations bearing some of the league’s top players.

Other inserts include Nitro Boost, Flying the Flag, Stars of the Premier League, Retro Threads, 8 Bit Ballers, and Remember the Name. Finally, the five-card Marks of Excellence features Haaland, Donnarumma, Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Rio Ngumoha.

Trading card collectors seeking the Flagship Premier League 2026/27 inserts can purchase either the Value Box or the Hobby Box. The former contains six packs per box and ten cards per pack. In contrast, the Hobby Box contains eight packs per box, with each pack holding 25 cards.

You can view the Topps Flagship Premier League 2026/27 checklist here.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Before these two athletes made names for themselves in professional sports, they both proudly represented the University of Georgia Bulldogs. That said, Topps is drumming up school pride with a dual-autograph card featuring Stafford and Edwards, which is one of the inserts in the 2026 Topps Bowman Football collection.

Matthew Stafford & Anthony Edwards have dual autograph cards in Bowman Football 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sAm4Gheqc8

— Topps (@Topps) September 24, 2026

Only five copies of this card exist, and it should be a must-have for trading card collectors, especially Georgia fans. Meanwhile, the Bowman Football collection includes other cross-sport dual-autograph cards, including Joe Burrow with Paul Skenes (LSU) and Vince Young with 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant (Texas).

Topps also created dual-autograph cards featuring Tom Brady and Bryce Underwood (Michigan), as well as CJ Carr and Joe Montana (Notre Dame). Collectors can also unearth an autographed card featuring top overall NFL Draft picks Caleb Williams (2024), Cam Ward (2025), and Fernando Mendoza (2026).

Bowman Football 2026 is now available at the Topps website. You can also view the full 2026 Topps Bowman Football checklist here.

Fans Have Mixed Reactions About the Stafford-Edwards Card

Bulldogs fans are raving about this card, which features athletes from different sports. Some Georgia supporters used words like “sick” and “wild” on X to show how much they dig this collectible.

Oh this is sick…as a dawg fan and collector might be the holy grail

— Katie B. Davis (@ktbdavis) September 25, 2026

That dual auto is absolutely wild! 🤯🔥

— Card Margin (@CardMarginPL) September 24, 2026

Another Georgia fan even suggested that the school find a copy of this card and display it as a museum piece at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall.

hey @GeorgiaFootball yall need to find a way to get one of these and have it on display a a museum piece at Butts-Mehre. Seriously.

— LonkFromATL (@LonkFromATL) September 24, 2026

Conversely, some sports fans contradict the points made in the previous comments. Slabz’s X account called it “the due we never knew we needed,” while PrizePicks called it “the only way they (are) selling a Stafford card.”

the duo we never knew we needed

— Slabz (@Slabzapp) September 24, 2026

The only way they selling a Stafford card

— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) September 24, 2026

One fan also asked why is there a need for this card.

Cool card, really is. But when I see this all I tho k is…. WHY?

— HarborHotTakes (@RJac005) September 24, 2026

One fan also called the Edwards-Stafford card “disgusting.”

I rarely would keep a dual but these right are here are DISGUSTING

— Jmoney BarstooI (@JJames0817) September 25, 2026

Given its rarity and the presence of the players’ autographs, collectors, whether they support Georgia or not, would covet this treasure.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

He then attended Georgia Tech, where he played on a team with Calvin Johnson. Anoa’i became a three-year starter and earned First Team All-ACC honors in 2006. But despite recording 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks in his senior year, he went undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Though Anoa’i eventually became a popular sports entertainment figure, Topps relived his football days with a 1-of-1 autograph card, which is among the inserts of the 2026 Bowman Football collection.

FIRST LOOK: The Tribal Chief @WWERomanReigns signs his first official FOOTBALL CARD, commemorating his standout college career at Georgia Tech ☝️

Arriving this Wednesday in 2026 Bowman Football pic.twitter.com/YkNmMIY04I

— Topps (@Topps) September 27, 2026

This set is now available on the Topps website, and it is sold in Value Box, Mega Box, Hobby Box, Jumbo Box, and Sealed Case variations. Sealed Cases also come in Hobby Box and Jumbo Box options.

In addition to the one-of-a-kind Anoa’i autograph card, the Bowman Football set stays true to its identity as the home of prospecting with its 201-card set featuring CJ Carr, CJ Brown, Cam Coleman, and Arch Manning.

Topps 2026 Bowman Football Inserts

Aside from base cards of NFL and college football players, the 2026 Bowman Football collection also includes special collectibles that could be worth serious money.

Anoa’i’s autograph card is just one of the Chrome Autographs. Be on the lookout for the same card featuring Dante Moore, Darian Mensah, and Carr, among others. The set also contains anime-themed cards of Manning, LaNorris Sellers, and Bryce Underwood, as well as NFL mainstays like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Christian McCaffrey.

More of the ultra-rare Anime cards in 2026 Bowman Football… The art on these is crazy 🔥 https://t.co/kvayZkCjmE pic.twitter.com/3l9mcQMf1q

— Topps (@Topps) September 29, 2026

As for NFL cards, Bowman Football includes All-American Autograph Variations of Pro Football Hall of Famers Barry Sanders, Steve Young, Ray Lewis, Emmitt Smith, and Dan Marino.

You can also find other inserts, including Garbage Pail Kids, Future Script, Rockstar Rookies, Gen Next, Verified, Crossover Inserts, and Bowman Red Rookie Redemption. You can view the full 2026 Topps Bowman Football checklist here.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Ross’ impact on American culture is indelible, and it has landed on sports collectibles. Topps has announced the Joy of Basketball trading card set, which features NBA players in designs inspired by Ross’ art style.

Happy Little Trees! We’re honored to partner with the estate of Bob Ross to create a set of incredibly special NBA trading cards.

Topps x Bob Ross: The Joy of Basketball is coming soon! pic.twitter.com/dyLnPgnBB3

— Topps (@Topps) September 24, 2026

Topps, in collaboration with the estate of Bob Ross, has made this collection possible. While they haven’t announced when these cards will come out, the preview on X shows that the set will include 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama.

Also having their Bob Ross-inspired cards are two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry and 2026 NBA Finals MVP and one-time champion Jalen Brunson.

Meanwhile, Topps also has a Major League Baseball card set of a similar nature. The MLB x Bob Ross set includes a one-of-one autograph card featuring Ross’ signature, along with other autographed cards from Paul Skenes, Mookie Betts, and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

What Made Bob Ross Popular?

In his famous program, Ross used the wet-on-wet painting technique, allowing him to use fewer paint colors and limited equipment. This technique allowed him to quickly complete landscape paintings using one or two-inch brushes.

He is also known for his trademark attire of jeans and a plain light-colored shirt. Ross also popularized some lines like “Let’s add some happy little trees” and “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

JUST IN: The first ever Bob Ross autograph card is here.

The 1/1 cut signature card features a “Happy Painting” inscription ❤️🎨 pic.twitter.com/AxwUqRssnb

— Topps (@Topps) July 30, 2025

Ross passed away on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52 due to complications from lymphoma. His estate is now owned by the family of Annette Kowalski, who helped fund the company Bob Ross Incorporated. Kowalski’s family became the proprietors of Ross’ name and likeness after a legal battle with Ross’ half-brother Jimmie Cox.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Luckily, Panini America is giving collectors a chance to own trading cards of up-and-coming stars like Jesus Made, Franklin Arias, and Leo De Vries by producing Minor League Baseball cards.

We are excited to announce our new agreement with MLB Players, Inc., covering every active Minor League Baseball (MiLB) player for baseball trading card products!

We look forward to bringing more future stars and prospects to collectors! Read more details here:… pic.twitter.com/qUP5pRgMt2

— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) September 28, 2026

Panini and the MLB Players, Incorporated, have agreed on a non-exclusive, multi-year agreement to create cards for all active MiLB players.

Where to Look for These Minor League Cards?

Panini will include MiLB players throughout their portfolio, including Prizm Baseball and Donruss Extra Elite Edition. You can purchase a hobby blaster of the 2026 Panini Prizm Baseball at their online store for $30.

Likewise, Panini is expected to create 12 products featuring Minor League Baseball players. These cards will first appear in their Three and Two Baseball line, which is scheduled for release in November. The set is named so because each pack features three numbered cards and two special collectibles bearing the player’s autograph and related memorabilia.

Panini Three and Two Baseball is back for 2025! Shop First off the Line boxes now here: https://t.co/w1xAOxTudE

Chase iconic Downtowns plus FOTL Exclusive Autographs #’d/6, incredible Triple Autographs and much more!#ThreeandTwo #WhoDoYouCollect pic.twitter.com/Uxf1xCr8y3

— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) September 24, 2025

However, despite Panini’s green light to develop trading cards for baseball prospects, they cannot use team logos and names because Topps has the exclusive contract for their usage.

Still, Panini welcomes this development in giving more collectibles for prospecting enthusiasts. As Panini America CEO Mark Warsop said, “Having Minor League players within the scope of this agreement creates significant depth across Panini’s baseball portfolio. We look forward to distinguishing each release within our annual product lineup and giving collectors and fans the opportunity to connect the future stars of the sport.”

Before this deal, Panini’s arrangement with MLB was limited to retired players and those who represented USA Baseball. If they wanted to get an active player on board using his MLB image and likeness, they had to negotiate a separate deal.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Jordan’s lore in the collectibles industry grew further when his game-worn jersey sold for $12,260,000. As Fanatics Connect shared on X, collector Rob Gough sold the historic jersey via the digital platform Joopiter, which was founded by musician/producer Pharrell Williams.

JUST IN: This man sold the most expensive NBA jersey ever for $12,260,000.

It’s Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance” game-worn jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals, sold by collector Rob Gough.

The sale also makes it the second-most expensive jersey ever sold in any sport.

Gough… pic.twitter.com/axfBeoXTBR

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 30, 2026

Why historic? It’s not just any Jordan jersey; it’s the one he wore during Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Instead, it’s the one he wore during Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals. It is the game where Jordan and the Chicago Bulls limited the Utah Jazz to 54 points and established the largest winning margin in NBA Finals history (42 points).

Jordan led all scorers in that game with 24 points. More importantly, it helped the Bulls inch closer to their sixth NBA championship, which they eventually won in six games, thanks to Jordan’s “Last Shot.”

This Jordan jersey from the Bulls’ “Last Dance” is the second most expensive sports jersey sold in history. That record belongs to the 1932 World Series Babe Ruth jersey, which was sold in August 2024 for a whopping $24.12 million.

Padding its price is the belief that it was the jersey Ruth wore when he made his “called shot” in Game 3 of the series against the Chicago Cubs. The Yankees swept the Cubs in that series, 4-0.

However, the recently sold Michael Jordan jersey costs more than his 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 jersey, which was purchased in September 2022 for $10.091 million. Likewise, Joopiter is also selling a 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello that Jordan previously owned.

Sports Collectibles Advisor Raises Concern over Michael Jordan Jersey Sale

While the collectibles industry is buzzing about this monumental Jordan jersey sale, Will Stern is sounding the alarm that some industry players may be gaming the system.

“For those unfamiliar, an irrevocable bid is a type of guaranteed bid auction houses arrange with third parties. In return for placing the bid, the irrevocable bidder receives a cut of the upside if the item gets bid higher,” Stern posted on X. “If there are no other bids, they end up with the item. It’s a bit controversial, especially in sports where it is relatively new.”

For those unfamiliar, an irrevocable bid is a type of guaranteed bid auction houses arrange with third parties. In return for placing the bid, the irrevocable bidder receives a cut of the upside if the item gets bid higher. If there are no other bids, they end up with the item.… https://t.co/fdap9xfMgc

— Will Stern (@Will__Stern) September 30, 2026

He continued his argument, saying that such bids do not create true competition and that the winning bid could be a calculated move to the potential upside. He also added that it is not an ideal measurement of the true demand for a collectible.

“Whereas a normal bidder is purely weighing how much they are willing to pay to own the item, an irrevocable bidder is weighing that PLUS the potential upside if they lose,” Stern closed.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

The 2026 Topps Holiday Football set is now available for pre-order at the Topps website. They are offering a Mega Box variation, which contains ten packs with ten cards each, plus some base holiday variation short prints. There’s also a sealed case option containing 20 boxes per case.

A Josh Allen Hidden Elf insert is one of this collection’s prized possessions. It features some elements of the set’s base design, but Santa Claus’ trusted workers and holiday-season touches spice it up.

The first Topps Holiday Football product is coming at the top of the hour. Info and checklist here: https://t.co/Prdbg1jdZA #ad pic.twitter.com/x0FvFQf2VF

— Sports Collectors Daily (@SportsCollector) September 28, 2026

The Allen card is only one of 25 Hidden Elf collectibles in the set. Since no one knows its value yet, it remains to be seen if it will beat the $1.7 million paid for Allen’s 1-of-1 2018 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card during a private sale at Alt last August.

What to Look For in the 2026 Topps Holiday Football Collection?

The 200-card base set includes 50 rookie cards featuring Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiah Love, Caleb Downs, and Mansoor Delane, among others. Those base cards also come in a chrome variation and a special Base Holiday Spirit Variation with festive designs and seasonal imagery.

The rookies also get a Holiday Spirit Variation featuring a flannel holiday design. There’s also the Rookie Autographs and the Dear Santa insert, which is a playful autograph variation that looks as if young NFL stars are signing their wish list.

Coming Soon: 2026 Topps Holiday Football 🎄🏈

Available to pre-order September 28https://t.co/gQKBC4p7TF pic.twitter.com/98GOutzhTr

— Ricanking (Restock Tracker) (@ricanking6) September 23, 2026

Meanwhile, the seasoned players also have their autograph cards. Be on the lookout for the autographs of NFL stars like Derrick Henry, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Brock Bowers, and Myles Garrett, among others.

Likewise, Allen is included in both the 25-card Deck the Fields insert set and the 25-card Frozen Fields collection. You can view the full 2026 Topps Holiday Football checklist here.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

That’s no longer the case because Topps released its Collector Kit Wave 2 for pre-order on its website. This new set combines packs from its previously released collections, plus an exclusive pack featuring 10 base cards and one parallel.

For $39.99 a box, you’ll get three packs of 2026 Topps Flagship Football, two packs of 2026 Topps Update Series Baseball, and a pack of 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball cards.

2026 Topps Collector Kit Wave 2 #ad

$39.99 Pre-Order https://t.co/n6QV4IZVoz pic.twitter.com/iaTfNPLOxz

— Card Purchaser (@CardPurchaser) September 28, 2026

But what makes this collection unique is an 11-card pack, which includes Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Juan Soto. The special pack also includes rookie cards of Konnor Griffin and Munetaka Murakami.

On the football side, you’ll get cards of Allen, Justin Jefferson, and Myles Garrett, plus rookie cards of Carnell Tate and Fernando Mendoza.

The box also includes 100 sleeves, 25 top loaders, a magnetic case, and a binder to protect your collection, in addition to the cards. The Topps Collector Kit Wave 2 is a great option to jumpstart your trading card collection or add to your existing haul.

Look Out for These Inserts in the Topps Collector Kit Wave 2 Packs

Aside from the 400-card base, the 2026 Topps Flagship Football set contains special cards like the 1991 Topps Football Relics, which features today’s players in card designs originally used 35 years ago. Making the collectible sweeter is a patch of the player’s game-worn memorabilia.

There’s also the 36-card Celebrate the Win with Victory Ink, the 19-card Escape to the Islands with Island Ink, the Game-Worn and Ready Patch cards, the Twice the Star Power dual autograph cards, and the Rookie Premiere Autographs.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Topps Update Series Baseball features unique collectibles, including All Aces and All Kings, Home Field, Top 75 Buybacks Vintage, 1952 Base Card Variations, Matt Szczur-designed collectibles, and Flagship Autopatch Patch cards.

Finally, Topps Chrome Baseball contains inserts such as the 25-card Wild Style and the 15-card Helix, which features current stars like Shohei Ohtani and baseball legends like Hank Aaron and Sandy Koufax.

2026 Topps Chrome Baseball has some incredible SSPs like Ultraviolet, World Series at Night, and more 🔥

But not every SSP is selling for four figures 😅 We took a look at some of the cheapest SSPs in 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball to see which ones might be flying under the radar… pic.twitter.com/qUkQWcttIN

— Market Movers (@MarketMoversApp) September 28, 2026

Be on the lookout for the three-card Class of 2026 Cooperstown Calls featuring Andruw Jones, Jeff Kent, and Carlos Beltran. There’s also the 25-card Wrecking Crew, the 10-card World Series at Night, the 15-card Ultraviolet, and the 20-card Topps Chrome Radiating Rookies featuring the likes of Jacob Misiorowski and Jac Caglianone.

Topps Chrome Baseball has a six-card Perspectives Autographs set featuring the likes of Albert Pujols and Mike Trout. You can also pull any of the eight Future Stars Autograph cards, including Cade Horton and Nick Kurtz.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Five months after the Charlotte Hornets’ final regular season game of their 2025-26 campaign, Knueppel once again made history, this time with the sale price of his one-of-one NBA Debut Patch autograph card.

Fanatics Collect announced that they have sold Knueppel’s 2025 Topps Chrome Update Rookie NBA Debut Patch Autograph collectible at an online premier auction for $2,340,000. The PSA 10 AUTO DNA 10 card garnered 62 bidders and is easily Knueppel’s most expensive publicly sold trading card.

RECORD SALE: The Kon Knueppel NBA Debut Patch Autograph card has officially sold in our auction for $2,340,000.

This sets the record for the most expensive Kon Knueppel card of all time.

It’s also the seventh NBA card sale over $2 million in 2026. pic.twitter.com/r1PVtMC7gL

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 25, 2026

Knueppel finished second behind Cooper Flagg in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting. As for the NBA Debut patch cards, the Hornets guard once again lags behind the Dallas Mavericks forward.

Flagg’s version of the Rookie NBA Debut Patch Autograph pulled in an astonishing $8,040,000. Dylan Harper’s version of the same card sold for $2,880,000. The three cards that generated $13.26 million feature the player’s autograph and the debut patch from the jersey they wore during their NBA debut.

Three cards. $13.26 million.

The 2025 Topps Chrome Update NBA Debut Patch Autos are doing serious numbers:

Cooper Flagg, 1/1, PSA 10 with a 10 auto: $8,040,000
Dylan Harper, 1/1, PSA 9 with a 10 auto: $2,880,000
Kon Knueppel, 1/1, PSA 10 with a 10 auto: $2,340,000

Same set,… pic.twitter.com/NvLgZJE6tz

— 130 Point (@130Point) September 25, 2026

Knueppel made his debut against the Brooklyn Nets on October 22, 2025, finishing the game with 11 points and five rebounds. He finished the regular season averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 42.5 percent from the three-point arc.

This Knueppel’s Rookie NBA Debut Patch Card Can Buy You a House

Sports trading card values fluctuate, so this one-of-a-kind Kon Knueppel card could decrease in value. However, as it stands, should the winning bidder decide to sell the card once again, he would have enough money to buy a house.

What kind of house? That depends on which state you are looking at. A September 2025 Luxury Housing Report by Realtor.com revealed that $2.3 million is enough to buy a 4,530-square-foot home in Atlanta, Georgia, and a 4,272-square-foot residence in Denver, Colorado.

It is also enough to buy a 1,651-square-foot residence in Honolulu, Hawaii. That amount is also more than enough to purchase a spacious luxury home in Wisconsin and Texas.

The owner of that ultra-rare Knueppel card has struck gold, and he can leverage his treasure to become a real estate investor, if he’d like to. What’s more exciting, though, is if the card’s value increases when Knueppel becomes an All-Star or is voted into an All-NBA Team.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

If all goes well, the Fever could be adding a second WNBA title in their 27-season history.

Meanwhile, she is leveraging her growing fame (or notoriety) by teaming up with designer Tyson Beck for a set of her official trading cards. As advertised on Beck’s website, the early access for Cunningham’s cards will be on September 29 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

Highly Requested. And She’s now here.

Sophie Cunningham x Tyson Beck

Announcing the Official Trading Card collaboration dropping Tuesday September 29th – 6PM ET (US/NY)

🔗 Sign Up for Early Access at https://t.co/ZS51zRyQjI@sophaller pic.twitter.com/jKT6icjfgp

— Tyson Beck (@tysonbeckdesign) September 24, 2026

While it’s still uncertain how many designs Beck and Cunningham came up with, a post on Beck’s X account showed that Cunningham signed four different designs. One design bore her moniker (The Enforcer), while another is tagged as the “Fire x Ice” design.

The remaining two designs are dubbed “Tunnel Fits,” one in a horizontal orientation and the other vertical.

Cunningham’s popularity grew when videos of her protecting her Fever teammates, including Caitlin Clark, went viral. Hence, she earned that nickname. In addition to that role, being vocal about some controversial issues (e.g., transgender women) brought her more attention.

Can the Beck-Designed Cards Establish a New Record for Sophie Cunningham?

The rarity of these designs can boost the sales of the Beck x Cunningham cards money-wise. However, will it be enough to unseat the most expensive Sophie Cunningham trading card sold?

On record, her most expensive card is a 2025 Panini Prizm Black Finite 1/1, which sold for $9,464 last July. In the same month, a Cunningham 2024 Panini Originals WNBA Logowoman card fetched a $3,240 price tag. A collector also paid $1,995 for her 2025 Panini One and One Kaboom in August.

Dropping Tomorrow! Sophie Cunningham Official Trading Card Collection

📋 Full Checklist provided

⏰ Tues Sep 29th – 6PM ET (US/NY)

🔗 Sign Up For Early Access: https://t.co/ZS51zRyQjI

✍️ Official Authenticated On Card Sophie Cunningham Autographs
💎 Limited Edition… pic.twitter.com/whp4279IM7

— Tyson Beck (@tysonbeckdesign) September 28, 2026

Having impressive performances during the playoffs, especially on the defensive end, could bump up the bidding war for the Beck-designed cards.

More WNBA Essentials

• Highest WNBA Team Payrolls
• Top 25 Highest-Paid WNBA Players
• 25 Best WNBA Players of All Time, Ranked
• Every WNBA Finals Matchup, Results, and MVP Since 1997
• Net Worths: Caitlin Clark | Angel Reese | Sophie Cunningham

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Alt sold the precious card during a September 24 auction. The final price of $6,501,840 makes it the ninth most expensive publicly known sports card sale of all time. The allure for cards featuring James or Bryant is undeniable, as proven by two of the top four cards on the list.

RECORD SALE: We just sold this 2007 Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autograph of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James for a record $6,501,840 in our auction.

Consign your basketball cards to our next auction by clicking the link in our bio. pic.twitter.com/Htso62lXGf

— Alt (@altxyzofficial) September 25, 2026

Interestingly, though, Michael Jordan is the common denominator for both of those cards. An ungraded one-of-one 2006-07 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual NBA Logoman Patch Autograph card featuring Jordan and James pulled $10 million at a September 2025 private sale.

Meanwhile, the top spot is taken by a one-of-a-kind 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual NBA Logoman Patch Autograph of Jordan and Bryant. This PSA 6/10 auto grade card was sold for $12.9 million at an August 2025 Heritage auction.

All three Upper Deck cards feature the autographs of these iconic players, plus an NBA logo patch from their authentic jerseys.

Cooper Flagg’s Rookie Card Beats this LeBron James-Kobe Bryant Collectible

It’s understandable that an autographed card featuring two former NBA MVPs with multiple championships is worth serious money. However, the $6.5 million value is nowhere near the $8,040,000 paid for the Cooper Flagg 2026 Topps Chrome Update NBA Debut Patch autograph one-of-one card.

A second-year player beating two titans of the game? What gives?

BREAKING: The Cooper Flagg NBA Debut Patch autograph card has officially sold in our auction for $8,040,000.

This sets the record for the most expensive Cooper Flagg card of all time, surpassing the previous record of $366,000.

The historic sale makes it the third-most… pic.twitter.com/6IdhRT1xGZ

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 25, 2026

The card’s quality is a major determining factor. As Alt shared on X, the LeBron James-Kobe Bryant card has a PSA 8 grade (near-mint to mint). Meanwhile, Flagg’s card is a PSA 10/10 auto. Imagine the increase in value if the James-Bryant one-of-one is also a 10.

Likewise, in addition to an athlete’s status, his upside can contribute to the increased price. Flagg showed tremendous promise during his rookie year, making it highly possible that he could become a future MVP or an All-Star. When that happens, Flagg’s most expensive trading card could see a bump in value.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

But what doesn’t sound like a bargain is the final sale price for Flagg’s one-of-one 2026 Topps Chrome Updates NBA Debut Patch autographed card.

Fanatics Collect revealed that it sold for $8,040,000 (including buyer’s premium) at their September 25 online auction.

BREAKING: The Cooper Flagg NBA Debut Patch autograph card has officially sold in our auction for $8,040,000.

This sets the record for the most expensive Cooper Flagg card of all time, surpassing the previous record of $366,000.

The historic sale makes it the third-most… pic.twitter.com/6IdhRT1xGZ

— Fanatics Collect (@Collect) September 25, 2026

The card received 83 bids before becoming the fifth most expensive sports card sold in public and the third most expensive NBA trading card of all time.

Likewise, the one-of-a-kind card easily trumped the previous record for the most expensive Cooper Flagg card ever sold ($366,000 for his 2025-26 Topps Chrome Sapphire Padparadscha 1-of-1 autographed card).

There was much conversation revolving around this card, which features Flagg’s signature and a patch from the jersey he wore during his NBA debut on October 22, 2025, against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Mavericks wanted so much to get their hands on this card that they offered a king’s ransom to whoever possessed it. Eventually, Jason Williams, a card collector from South Carolina, paid $515 for all Dallas Mavericks cards in an online break by Rhode Island-based Rhody Breakers.

IT HAS ARRIVED! The Cooper Flagg Rookie Debut Patch Auto 1/1 has been PULLED! 🎉🏀

Rhody Breakers just pulled basketball’s biggest chase card for their client J Phills!

Congrats to Rhody Breaks and their client! What an AMAZING moment!

Check out @kengoldin’s $1.5 Million… pic.twitter.com/1MEgFGxZ0P

— Goldin (@GoldinCo) August 11, 2026

The exquisite Flagg card was inside a 2025-26 Topps Chrome Updates Basketball hobby box that Rhody Breakers opened last August. Williams eventually met Flagg during the opening of the latter’s card shop in Maine.

8 NBA Stars Whose Salaries Are Under $8 Million in 2026-27

What’s more fascinating about this Cooper Flagg card is that it is worth more than some popular NBA players will make this season, based on Spotrac’s numbers.

The most stunning of these comparisons is that four-time NBA MVP LeBron James will only make $3.8 million in his first year with the Philadelphia 76ers, less than half of the $8.04 million sale price. Likewise, the Miami Heat will pay four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson only $5.6 million.

LeBron James is taking a major pay cut as he goes from earning ≈$53M with the Lakers in 2025-26 to ≈$4M with the 76ers for the 2026-27 season. pic.twitter.com/0GqORnnowO

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 24, 2026

Speaking of NBA champions, the 2026-27 salaries of Payton Pritchard ($7.7 million), Al Horford ($6.8 million), and DeAndre Jordan ($3.8 million) are lower than the value of Flagg’s flagship card.

Finally, Flagg’s 1-of-1 card is worth more than what former All-Stars Bradley Beal ($6.4 million) and DeMar DeRozan ($2.4 million) will earn next season.

The same card also has more value than the salary of defensive specialist Marcus Smart ($6 million) with the Houston Rockets.

The $8 million sale price is also more than all but six NBA rookie draft picks will earn in their first year.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

This time, his 1951 PSA Type I non-autographed photo sold for $3 million in a private sale brokered by Hunt Auctions. First-generation photos, known as PSA Type I images, are developed from the negative within two years of when the picture was originally taken.

The Mick Hits One out of the Stadium!
Mickey Mantle @Yankees Type 1 Photo with Image Used for 1952 @Topps Card Establishes a Record Price of $3,000,000 for any Non-Signed or Signed Sports Photograph @PSAcard pic.twitter.com/6Cjj8vz2Ip

— Hunt Auctions (@HuntAuctions) September 15, 2026

The $3 million sale price more than doubled the previous record for a signed sports photo. Hunt and Christie’s sold the previous record holder, an autographed photo of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, for $1.47 million in 2021.

The Image that Inspired an Iconic Sports Card

Hunt Auctions elaborated that a photographer captured the non-autographed Mickey Mantle photo on March 5, 1951, in Phoenix, Arizona. While the photographer originally intended it for a local news release, it became the image for the legendary Topps 1952 Mantle card.

Heritage Auctions sold an SGC MT 9.5 version of that card for $12.6 million in August 2022. At the time, it was the most expensive sports memorabilia sold at auction, beating the $7.25 million price of an SGC 2 T206 Honus Wagner card at a private sale in the same month.

Last September 25, a PSA 5.5 version of the 1952 Topps Mantle Card sold for $408,000 (including buyer’s premium) at a Fanatics Collect Premier Auction.

However, in August 2025, Heritage sold a 1-of-1 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant for $12,932,000. When accounting for inflation, though, the 1952 Topps Mantle card ($13,862,292) is pricier than the Jordan/Bryant autographed 1-of-1 ($13,272,207).

🚨 RECORD SALE! Featuring the 2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Kobe Bryant/Michael Jordan Dual Logoman Autographs 1/1, graded PSA 6; sold for a record-high $12,932,000 with Heritage Auctions — making it the current highest sold sports card of all time! pic.twitter.com/2pN0Hcgrtj

— Cardhedger (@cardhedger) August 24, 2025

Mickey Mantle played his entire MLB career with the New York Yankees, splitting his time as a center fielder and as a first baseman. Throughout his stint with the Yankees, he won seven World Series titles and three American League Most Valuable Player awards.

Mantle is also a 20-time MLB All-Star and a one-time Gold Glove awardee. He won the 1956 Triple Crown, batting .353 with 52 home runs and 130 RBIs.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer
• Travis Kelce’s New $9 Collectible Trading Card Will Be Gone by Next Week

Knowing that his career is closer to the end than the beginning, the attacking midfielder/forward is considering life beyond the sport that made him a worldwide celebrity.

Thus, he signed an exclusive deal with Topps for his trading cards and collectible stickers.

We’re excited to announce that we’ve re-signed @neymarjr to an exclusive trading card & autograph deal! We can’t wait to bring collectors new autograph cards featuring historic match-used relics in the coming months. pic.twitter.com/05eRMnPkwf

— Topps (@Topps) September 23, 2026

As part of the agreement, the Fanatics-owned company will create collectibles featuring some of the kits he’s worn throughout his career. Topps will also produce autographed Neymar Jr. trading cards.

Now that he’s with Topps, expect his trading cards to be included in upcoming releases like the 2025-26 Topps Dynasty UEFA Club Competitions and the 2025-26 Topps Definitive Collection UEFA Club Competitions.

Signing Neymar Jr. Signifies Topps’ Aggressive Soccer Push

His collectibles will be in high demand because of his illustrious career. After starting his senior career with Santos, he also played for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Hilal. As of this writing, he has scored more than 450 goals in over 760 appearances.

His knack for scoring and flair in ball control have contributed to two Spanish La Liga titles, three Copa Del Rey championships, a UEFA Champions League crown, and five French Ligue 1 titles.

He also won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he scored Brazil’s lone goal in regulation and the winning goal in the penalty shootout.

He’s also into the collectibles industry, as shown by an Instagram Live session in which he was opening Pokémon packs with his son.

Neymar is opening Pokemon cards live on Instagram! pic.twitter.com/Y2ZPdHzpDv

— Kalshi FC (@KalshiFC) August 2, 2026

Having Neymar Jr. on board is another milestone in Topps’ approach to conquering more of the world football collectibles market.

In addition to signing David Beckham to an exclusive deal, Topps will also own the license to trading card rights for the Brazilian (2027), English (2031), German (2031), and Italian (2035) football federations.

Topps will also own the exclusive trading card and collectible sticker license of FIFA events starting in 2031.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Travis Kelce’s New $9 Collectible Trading Card Will Be Gone by Next Week

But while an Indiana Fever-Dallas Wings matchup for the championship is still uncertain, the competition for their trading cards has intensified.

Bueckers tops the list of the most expensive WNBA trading cards sold this season, breaking Clark’s dominance.

Her 2025 Panini Flawless WNBA Logowomen Patch Autograph Platinum Bueckers 1/1 sold for an astonishing $249,750 on Alt on Aug. 27.

This sale follows the second consecutive All-Star season for the Wings guard, during which she averaged over 20 points and nearly six assists per game.

Caitlin Clark Still Has Stranglehold on Top 5 of WNBA Trading Card Sales in 2026

But while Bueckers has the top card, Caitlin Clark holds the next four spots this year.

Her 2024-25 Panini Instant Rookie Royalty WNBA National Treasures Rookie All-Star Patch Autographs Green, with a PSA 10 grade and a PSA/DNA 10 autograph grade, pulled in $74,420 at a Goldin auction on Aug. 15.

That selling price is more than double the $29,890 paid for Clark’s 2025 Panini Prizm WNBA Throwback Signatures Gold Vinyl Prizm autograph card during a Goldin auction last August 15.

Another Clark trading card, a 2024 Panini Instant Royalty WNBA Flawless Gold Caitlin Clark RC PATCH AUTO /10 #RPACC BGS 9.5, sold for $24,900 at Fanatics Premiere on Aug. 28.

Finally, a buyer purchased a 2024-25 Panini Clark Instant Rookie Royalty WNBA National Treasures Rookie All-Star Patch Autographs, which has PSA 10 and PSA/DNA 10 grades, for $22,570 last August.

While these cards sold for significant amounts, they are still far from the $660,000 paid for Clark’s 2024 Panini Rookie Royalty WNBA Flawless Logowomen 1/1 rookie card at a public auction in July 2025.

It’s the record for the most expensive trading card by a female athlete.

More WNBA Essentials

• Highest WNBA Team Payrolls
• Top 25 Highest-Paid WNBA Players
• 25 Best WNBA Players of All Time, Ranked
• Every WNBA Finals Matchup, Results, and MVP Since 1997
• Net Worths: Caitlin Clark | Angel Reese | Sophie Cunningham

The 2026 NFL Living Set uses the design of the 1956 Topps Football set, the company’s first NFL release after acquiring Bowman. But unlike previous hobby boxes, which include multiple cards, this set is offered at only one card per week.

Topps launched the set by featuring Tom Brady as card No. 1. The card’s design, by Josh Trout, depicts Brady wearing a white New England Patriots jersey.

It features a classic Bowman design and is printed on vintage trading card stock. The back of the card shows his personal details, career stats, and a brief copy of his achievements.

I can finally share that I am the new Artist for Topps NFL Living Set, a print-on-demand trading card set that begins with Card #1 and remains available for 1 week. Best way to support me is by purchasing 1 or morehttps://t.co/SMkdtZuqRk@Topps @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/Cr5ldK7oLU

— Josh Trout Paintings (@jtroutpaintings) September 9, 2026

Aside from the open-edition base card, some buyers may receive a card with a different background. Meanwhile, the lucky ones may get the Chrome Refractor Parallel or the Chrome Superfractor 1/1 versions. The number of orders determines the odds of getting these special cards, and Topps unlocks additional Chrome versions as it reaches sales milestones.

Unfortunately, the Brady card isn’t available anymore. However, those who purchased the card must wait for their order, as Topps only prints the card after the selling period closes.

The 2026 Living Set also continues indefinitely, unlike traditional sets, which come with a checklist and a finite number of cards.

Travis Kelce Announced as Card No. 3, Now on Sale Starting at $9

If you missed out on Brady or the No. 2 card in the set, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, you can now purchase card No. 3.

Designer Josh Trout announced Wednesday that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is the latest choice, only available through Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. ET.

Just like Brady and JSN before him, you can buy this custom-designed Kelce print on the Topps website for $8.99 for one card, $32.49 for five cards, $54.99 for 10 cards, or $89.99 for 20 cards.

My next hand-drawn/painted art for Card 3 dropped for Topps NFL Living Set, and it’s @chiefs TE Travis Kelce.
You can order this at link below, and is available only until Sept 30th at 1pm CST.https://t.co/2SmtUtMMIV@tkelce @taylorswift13 @Topps #nfllivingset #traviskelcecards pic.twitter.com/QjyLMFRfyM

— Josh Trout Paintings (@jtroutpaintings) September 23, 2026

Kelce is in the midst of his 14th, and possibly final, NFL season with the Chiefs.

Already the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, Kelce ranks 20th all-time among NFL receiving leaders, including wide receivers. Another 1,000-yard campaign in 2026 could place him as high as 13th on the list.

ALSO SEE: Travis Kelce’s Net Worth, NFL Career Earnings, and Endorsements

But as he rakes in serious money, those who own some of his rarest trading cards can become instant millionaires.

For example, a 2018 Bowman Chrome Shohei Ohtani Red Refractor autograph card sold for $2.44 million at the 2026 Summer Goldin auction.

Final Sale Price on this 2018 Bowman Chrome Rookie Autographs Red Refractor Shohei Ohtani Signed Rookie Card: 2,440,000

The All-Time Highest Public Sale for this Card!

Email Sell@Goldin.com to consign your Shohei or Baseball Collectibles to one of our upcoming Elite Auctions! pic.twitter.com/sxXfPKI2VC

— Goldin (@GoldinCo) September 20, 2026

Beckett Grading Services rated the card a gem-mint 9.5, and it attracted 42 bids before reaching the record-setting public sale price.

Only five copies of this Ohtani card were made. So if you have one of the remaining four copies, you can sell it for that much or even more, given the price surge of rare cards by current MLB players.

Other Shohei Ohtani Trading Cards Have Sold for Even More

While $2.44 million is a hefty amount, it’s still significantly less than the $3.365 million sale price of his 2018 Bowman Chrome Superfractor (batting variation), which was sold in July via Fanatics Collect’s private sales network.

In the same month, an Ohtani Topps dual Gold Logoman autograph card was sold for $11 million. A collector pulled the 1-of-1 card from a 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball hobby box at a sports card shop in Boca Raton, Florida, and high-end collector Matthew Allen purchased it.

The $11 million is the third-highest selling price for a sports trading card, trailing the $12.932 million paid for a 1-of-1 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman autograph of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in August 2025 and the $12.6 million for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle SGC 9.5 in August 2022.

Ohtani’s trading cards can even surge in value if he returns to his MVP form after being activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of the 2026 MLB postseason. He is not expected to pitch again this season as he looks to secure his third World Series title with the Dodgers.

Related: Shohei Ohtani Net Worth: How Much Is Los Angeles Dodgers’ Two-Way Superstar Worth?

What’s Actually in the 2026 NSCC Collection

Topps structured the official NSCC Collection checklist 2026 around six confirmed core releases: MLB, NBA, Football, WWE, Star Wars, and UEFA soccer. While early secondary show rumors mentioned possible MMA inclusions, the official Topps checklist confirms no standalone UFC segment for this release.

Which of the six confirmed categories will generate the most floor trading buzz and why? Basketball and football will likely lead total card volume due to high demand for top rookie signatures.

Confirmed Set Breakdown

• Sequentially numbered base cards showing official show logos.
• Autograph parallels signed by elite star athletes and promising prospect talent.
• The newly debuting NSCC Annual Refractor stamped and numbered to 26 total copies.
• An ultra-rare The National Collection SSP insert running across all main releases.

How the Booth Entry Actually Works

Getting access to these exclusive boxes requires completing an EQL selection scan at the main display area. Scanning the Topps Booth 555 QR code National location enters collectors into a purchase window system rather than handing out free promotional items.

What strategy works best for a collector trying to land more than one category under the strict one-box-per-SKU rule? Target the Topps morning drop entry National session and the afternoon scan daily while attending the event with a collecting partner to double total allocation chances.

What to Expect From the Chase Cards

The parallel layout creates clear value tiers for secondary market traders across the entire show floor. Base Chrome refractors sit above unnumbered base items, while Gold numbered to 50, Orange RayWave numbered to 25, Black RayWave numbered to 10, Red RayWave numbered to 5, and 1-of-1 Superfractors create extreme rarity. Autograph parallels use the same color levels across all sports.

Fans chasing Topps National exclusive cards 2026 will focus on two major hits. The NSCC Annual Refractor offers clear event scarcity at 26 copies. Meanwhile, The National Collection SSP stands as the ultimate chase piece with dark Chrome visuals. Check Athlon Sports sports betting analytics for broader sports statistics before making trades.

If you could only chase one hit, would you prioritize the NSCC Annual Refractor or The National Collection SSP?

Conclusion: Time is of the Essence

This direct purchase setup changes how fans buy convention exclusives, making time management at Booth 555 critical for success. Following both scanning windows gives you the best odds to buy boxes at retail cost. Read our full show coverage on Athlon Sports to plan your entire event budget!

What do you think of this brand-new Topps drop format? Let us know in the comments!

Questions About The NSCC Collection, Answered

What is the 2026 NSCC Collection?
The 2026 NSCC Collection is a new National exclusive product line from Topps. It features six confirmed core releases: MLB, NBA, Football, WWE, Star Wars, and UEFA soccer, along with sequentially numbered base cards, autograph parallels, the NSCC Annual Refractor numbered to 26 and The National Collection SSP.

How do I get NSCC Collection cards?
Collectors get access to the exclusive boxes by completing an EQL selection scan at the main display area. Scanning the QR code at Topps Booth 555 enters collectors into a purchase window system. The Morning Drop takes place during the first show hour, while Early Entry takes place during the afternoon session for the following day.

Is this a free giveaway?
No. Scanning the Topps Booth 555 QR code enters collectors into a purchase window system rather than providing free promotional items. Pickup requires matching photo identification.

Does the checklist include MMA or UFC cards?
No. The six confirmed core releases are MLB, NBA, Football, WWE, Star Wars, and UEFA soccer. While early secondary show rumors mentioned possible MMA inclusions, the official Topps checklist PDF confirms no standalone UFC segment for this release.

Which of the six confirmed categories will generate the most floor trading buzz and why?
Basketball and Football will likely lead total card volume because of high demand for top rookie signatures.

What strategy works best for a collector trying to land more than one category under the strict one-box-per-SKU rule?
Target the Topps morning drop entry session and the afternoon scan daily while attending the floor with a collecting partner to double total allocation chances.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Let us dive right into the complete data breakdown.

Cam Ward: The No. 1 Pick Anchoring the Flagship Set

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward commands attention as the centerpiece of major football releases. Topps selected Ward as the cover athlete for 2025 Topps Chrome, placing his flagship base card at #314. Collectors track his Rookie Patch Autograph parallels as core benchmark assets for high-end portfolio growth.

Cam Ward Topps Chrome rookie card Market Analysis

The Cam Ward Topps Chrome rookie card market shows solid stability, yet it slightly lags behind initial expectations for No. 1 overall pick pricing.

• Base Refractor cards sell consistently around $15 on trading platforms.
• Low-numbered auto parallels maintain strong premium values among collectors.
• Analysts comparing Cam Ward vs. Shedeur Sanders card value note Ward holds a firmer pricing floor due to guaranteed starting reps.

Through Athlon Sports NFL Coverage, collectors monitor how starting quarterback stability protects rookie card values during offseason transitions.

Travis Hunter: The Strongest Confirmed Sales in the Class

Jacksonville Jaguars star Travis Hunter currently has the highest transaction volume and the highest sales prices in the entire rookie class. Jacksonville traded up to select Hunter at No. 2 overall, unleashing a dual-threat superstar who impacts both offense and defense.

Travis Hunter rookie card price benchmarks

The Travis Hunter rookie card price hierarchy leads the NFL rookie card class 2025 ranking across multiple auction platforms.

• A rare Travis Hunter Panini Instant autograph card secured $1,952 in direct verified secondary sales.
• Multiple low-numbered parallel cards regularly cross $1,000 threshold.
• Two-way play creates unique long-term collector demand unmatched by single-position players.

Shedeur Sanders: Hype Versus a Real Risk Factor

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders brings massive brand awareness and NIL pedigree to hobby circles, but sudden roster changes are affecting his market. Sanders lost the Cleveland starting job to veteran Joe Flacco, posing a genuine risk to prospective collectors.

Evaluating Shedeur Sanders card value 2026

The Shedeur Sanders card value 2026 outlook requires strict caution rather than immediate speculative buying. Collectors holding Shedeur Sanders lost starting job cards face declining bid activity while Flacco takes first-team snaps.

The Panini-Fanatics Licensing Wrinkle Collectors Need to Understand

Navigating modern football card releases requires understanding corporate rights management across manufacturers. Fanatics holds the official team logo license for NFL trading cards. However, Panini signed exclusive individual autograph contracts with stars like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders during their college careers.

Understanding Panini Fanatics NFL license autographs Coexistence

This unique legal arrangement creates two separate card categories for collectors on secondary markets:

• Topps produces officially licensed team uniforms featuring Cam Ward without autograph signatures.
• Panini produces autographed cards of Hunter and Sanders with blank or stylized jerseys lacking official team logos.

Conclusion: Beware of Risk

Travis Hunter currently leads the 2025 rookie card race, driven by record $1,952 autograph sales and unmatched two-way versatility. Cam Ward maintains a solid foundation as the top quarterback pick, while Shedeur Sanders carries significant risk if he winds up as a backup quarterback. What do you think of this draft class hierarchy?

Questions About Rookie Cards, Answered

Who has the most valuable rookie card among Ward, Sanders, and Hunter?
Travis Hunter leads with a $1,952 sale of a Panini Instant autograph card. His low-numbered parallel cards also regularly cross the $1,000 threshold, while his two-way play creates long-term collector demand.

Why do Panini and Topps both have cards for these players?
Fanatics holds the official team logo license for NFL trading cards, while Panini signed exclusive individual autograph contracts with Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. Topps produces officially licensed team-uniform cards, while Panini produces Hunter and Sanders autographed cards with blank or stylized jerseys lacking official team logos.

Is Shedeur Sanders’ card value still a safe bet?
Sanders’ card outlook requires caution rather than immediate speculative buying. He lost Cleveland’s starting quarterback job to Joe Flacco, and his secondary pricing is volatile. Collectors face declining bid activity while Flacco takes first-team snaps.

Did Jacksonville or Cleveland draft Travis Hunter?
Jacksonville drafted Travis Hunter after trading up to the No. 2 overall pick. Hunter plays for the Jaguars and impacts both offense and defense.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Enjoy reading this comprehensive market breakdown.

The Big Change: No NBA License, No Team Logos

The trading card landscape transformed dramatically when Panini loses NBA license rights to Fanatics in October 2025. Collectors now see a completely reimagined product structure that shifts away from official team logos and uniform branding.

Visually, Panini Prizm Basketball unlicensed sets feature airbrushed logos, neutral background imagery, and custom team city designations rather than trademarked team names. Collectors accustomed to classic team uniforms must adapt to these broad aesthetic modifications.

Market observers actively question whether an unlicensed chrome product retains its historical secondary-market appeal. Strong brand loyalty to the Prizm name might sustain demand, yet the lack of official logos tests collector patience. Every veteran hobbyist evaluates whether shiny parallels overcome the loss of team identity when comparing Fanatics NBA license basketball cards to legacy releases.

What’s Actually in the Checklist This Year

Understanding the Panini Prizm Basketball 2026 checklist requires examining how Panini pivoted its player-acquisition strategy in the absence of league-wide team licensing.

The checklist emphasizes individual talent agreements, featuring top college stars, legendary Hall of Famers, and select professional athletes.

Core Player Categories and Confirmed Inserts

• Player Roster Categories: Highlights classic Hall of Famers in the Panini Prizm Basketball legends checklist, female hoops icons, and top collegiate talent through Panini Prizm Basketball NIL prospects deals.
• Autograph Card Offerings: Contains signed sets including Legacy Signatures, Penmanship, Sensational Signatures, and Prizm Stars Signatures.
• Featured Insert Lines: Packs familiar favorite inserts such as Brilliance, Fireworks, Kaleidoscopic, Prizm Break, and the new Collegiate Stars design.

Secondary market evaluation hinges on which individual subset drives long term interest. College prospect autographs could emerge as the ultimate value driver if players build legendary professional careers.

The Best Chase Cards to Target

Targeting top tier inserts demands a clear focus on rare parallels and high demand autograph subsets across the entire checklist layout.

Collectors focus heavily on short print inserts that historical releases established as premier hobby staples. The table below outlines key chase categories to target.

Every hobby box guarantees Prizm Basketball autos per box counts of three signed cards, raising hit potential significantly. Chasing rare NIL prospect autographs yields higher upside than unbranded veteran signatures. Personal priority rests on securing top college talent early before professional licensing agreements alter card production.

Is the Box Actually Worth It?

Determining the Prizm Basketball hobby box value requires weighing the updated presell retail price of $459.95 against the unbranded card presentation.

Panini increased hit counts to three autographs per box, offering more hits than traditional licensed configurations. However, calculating if is Panini Prizm Basketball worth it involves distinct criteria compared to previous release calendar years. Unlicensed cards historically trade at 40% to 60% discounts relative to fully licensed counterparts on secondary market platforms.

Collectors evaluating long-term hold potential find greater stability in established vintage cards or fully licensed products. Waiting for initial market prices to settle after release day represents the smartest strategic move for smart buyers.

Conclusion: Please Release Me

This release represents a fundamentally transformed product compared to classic licensed card years. Smart collectors make purchase decisions based on current product realities rather than legacy brand assumptions. Evaluating card aesthetic preferences and hit ratios remains essential before opening hobby boxes.

Keep reading on our platform at Athlon Sports and let us know in the comments what you think of this product release!

Questions About Panini Prizm Basketball, Answered

Does 2025-26 Panini Prizm Basketball have an NBA license?
No, Panini lost its official league licensing rights to Fanatics, and the product does not feature official team logos or uniform branding. The cards instead use elements such as airbrushed logos, neutral background imagery, and custom team city designations rather than trademarked team names.

What is in the checklist if there is no current NBA rookie class?
The checklist emphasizes individual talent agreements, including top college stars, legendary Hall of Famers, select professional athletes, female basketball icons, and NIL prospects. Autograph offerings include Legacy Signatures, Penmanship, Sensational Signatures, and Prizm Stars Signatures.

How much does a hobby box cost?
The updated presell retail price is $459.95. Each hobby box guarantees three signed cards, increasing the hit count compared with traditional licensed configurations.

When does it release?
The nationwide product release date is July 31, 2026.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Explore this complete guide to evaluate his top modern cards at Athlon Sports.

The Real Chase Card: 2020 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Red Refractor

The 2020 Prospect Autograph Red Refractor /5 remains the ultimate holy grail for high-end investors. A BGS 9.5 copy fetched $35,400, while another top-grade example cleared $50,000-plus during confirmed 2025 public auctions.

• This release showcases him as a New York Mets Pete Crow-Armstrong prospect card rather than a Chicago Cubs card.
• High-grade parallels drive premier valuations across the entire secondary market.
• Limited production creates massive scarcity among elite sportscard investors.

Would you purchase this premier parallel right now based on 2025 auction benchmarks, or wait for a fresh 2026 sale to confirm current market pricing? Track Athlon Sports MLB coverage to stay updated on big-league performances and secondary market developments.

His Actual Rookie Card: Pete Crow-Armstrong Topps Update Rookie Debut

While prospect issues dominate early sales, the 2024 Topps Update #US91 represents his official flagship MLB rookie issue.

Collectors looking for the best Pete Crow-Armstrong card to buy often debate between base cards and rare parallels. Which option would you recommend to a budget-conscious fan who wants a real rookie card instead of a prospect item?  Read Athlon Sports collectibles guides for deeper market breakdowns.

Don’t Confuse These: Sapphire, Chrome, and Mets-Era Cards

New hobbyists frequently confuse early release sets due to team changes and similar product branding. The Pete Crow-Armstrong Bowman Draft Sapphire parallel features a distinctive blue cracked-ice finish, which differs from standard flagship Bowman Chrome products. Additionally, the New York Mets drafted him in 2020 before trading him to Chicago in July 2021. Consequently, his earliest prospect releases feature Mets uniform branding rather than Chicago colors.

How can a new collector distinguish these distinct card lines at a glance when evaluating Cubs rookie cards to buy 2026? Check out Athlon Sports card dimensions and specifications to understand modern hobby standards.

Why the Market Is Catching Up to the Performance

Sustained on-field success continues to drive collector demand across the Pete Crow-Armstrong card market. His impressive June performance, All-Star selection, and 20-20 season solidify his star trajectory. Collectors actively monitor his PCA Bowman Chrome auto price trends alongside overall Pete Crow-Armstrong card value July 2026 metrics. Note that independent sales data must confirm any specific price spikes before stating definitive numbers.

Has the overall card market fully caught up to his stellar 2026 statistics, or does pricing still lag behind his actual performance? Explore Athlon Sports Chicago Cubs news for continuous player updates.

Conclusion: Something to Crow About

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s card market represents a legitimate, rapidly developing opportunity directly tied to his confirmed big-league breakout. Review the specific card categories outlined above to guide your personal buying strategy today. What do you think of his current market trajectory? Let us know in the comments below, and keep reading on Athlon Sports for more expert card guides!

Questions About Pete Crow-Armstrong Cards, Answered

What is Pete Crow-Armstrong’s most valuable card?
The 2020 Prospect Autograph Red Refractor /5 remains his premier high-end card. A BGS 9.5 copy fetched $35,400, while another top-grade example cleared $50,000-plus during confirmed 2025 public auctions.

Is that card the same as a Cubs rookie card?
No. The 2020 Prospect Autograph Red Refractor /5 showcases Crow-Armstrong as a New York Mets prospect rather than a Chicago Cubs player. The Mets drafted him in 2020 before trading him to Chicago in July 2021.

What is Pete Crow-Armstrong’s actual MLB rookie card?
The 2024 Topps Update #US91 represents his official flagship MLB rookie issue. Collectors can choose between the lower-cost base #US91 and the Pete Crow-Armstrong Gold Rainbow Foil /2024, which offers a lower print run and premium finish.

Did his card market really spike in July 2026?
Independent sales data must confirm any specific July 2026 price spikes before definitive numbers can be stated. Crow-Armstrong’s impressive June performance, All-Star selection, and 20-20 season have driven collector demand, while collectors continue to monitor his card values and pricing trends.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

The Number Behind the Number: 40% Growth, Same-Half Comparison

The latest figures for eBay card sales in H1 2026 show $1.36 billion in total singles transactions. That marks a 40% jump from H2 2025’s $967 million baseline. However, smart investors evaluate same-half comparisons to avoid seasonal shifts. Comparing H1 2025’s $815.63 million directly to H1 2026 reveals a massive 66.7% year-over-year climb.

This sustained expansion proves that capital flows steadily into high-end singles. Generating $1.36 billion in sports cards eBay revenue confirms genuine liquidity across modern and vintage assets.

Why the Combined Market Grew Faster Than Sports Cards Alone

The total sports card market size expanded rapidly in 2026, yet alternative gaming categories posted even higher velocity. The combined market across sports, non-sport, and gaming singles surged 57% to $2.32 billion. Analyzing TCG vs. sports card sales growth reveals key collector behavior trends.

Younger buyers drive massive liquidity into non-sports property releases, while sports cards maintain foundational blue-chip value.

What Record Grading Volume Says About Supply

Third-party authenticators processed historic inventory numbers through mid-year, directly impacting marketplace availability. According to the latest GemRate sports card report, collectors submitted over 5 million athletic cards for grading in six months. High sports card grading volume 2026 signals strong market participation rather than dangerous oversupply.

• Fresh authenticated slabs satisfy rising collector demand
• Active slab turnarounds maintain market price stability
• Broad card submissions reduce liquidity bottlenecks

Collectors wondering is the sports card market a bubble can rest assured that real physical supply and buyer absorption drive current price momentum.

What This Actually Means for Your Next Buy, Sell, or Grade Decision

Translating macro data into execution requires a clear framework. When planning sports card investing 2026 strategies, sell non-core liquid cards into current price surges to capture capital. Exercise patience on mid-tier slabs as massive grading volume enters the market.

Regarding the question: “Should I sell my cards now?” Here’s the answer: Lock in profits on peak-season athletic singles while holding long-term vintage staples.

Conclusion: Cover Your Assets

Record marketplace sales signal solid industry health, but macro data never replaces individual asset analysis. The reader’s personal goals, target hold windows, and portfolio structure must dictate every trade decision. What do you think of this market surge? Let us know in the comments!

Questions About eBay Sports Card Sales, Answered

How much did eBay sports card sales total in the first half of 2026?
eBay single sports card sales totaled $1.36 billion during the first half of 2026.

How much did sales grow?
Sales jumped 40% from H2 2025’s $967 million baseline. Comparing H1 2025’s $815.63 million directly with H1 2026’s $1.36 billion shows a 66.7% year-over-year increase.

Is the $2.32 billion figure the same as the $1.36 billion figure?
No. The $2.32 billion figure includes sports, non-sport, and gaming singles combined on eBay, while the $1.36 billion figure represents sports card singles transactions.

Does this mean now is a good time to sell?
Sell non-core liquid cards into current price surges to capture capital and lock in profits on peak-season athletic singles, while holding long-term vintage staples. Exercise patience on mid-tier slabs as massive grading volume enters the market.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

The $45,600 Sale That Put Misiorowski’s Cards on the Map

Fanatics Collect finalized a landmark transaction on June 19, 2026, for the unique 1/1 Jacob Misiorowski Bowman Anime Superfractor at $45,600. That auction established his second-highest public transaction value behind his flagship $52,800 prospect autograph card.

Sale Details

Collectors usually demand flawless gem mint grades for expensive modern cards. Yet this ungraded CGC Authentic copy cleared $45,600 because passionate collectors value one-of-one artistic rarity over standard numeric slab labels.

Why the $52,800 Card Is a Different Animal, Not the Same Superfractor

The record-setting $52,800 transaction features his 2022 Jacob Misiorowski Bowman Draft Chrome Superfractor prospect autograph card inside a Jacob Misiorowski PSA 10 holder. That original 2022 release marks his first official Bowman product prospect appearance.

In contrast, the 2026 Anime parallel showcases artwork from his official major-league rookie campaign. Prospect autographs offer historical scarcity appeal, whereas rookie cards celebrate actual major league debuts and milestone achievements. Hobby veterans continuously weigh whether prospect-era scarcity outperforms rookie-year branding over multi-year holding periods.

Breaking the Pitcher Discount

Traditionally pitcher rookie cards worth buying at steep discounts compared to elite sluggers because arm injuries frequently derail pitching careers. Misiorowski completely shatters that historical standard throughout his electric 2026 major league season.

He currently holds a 2.56 ERA along with 272 strikeouts while setting an all-time major league record with a 105.5 mph fastball. Consequently, the expanding Jacob Misiorowski card market behaves like an elite home run hitter rather than a classic starting pitcher. Only Paul Skenes previously managed to bridge this traditional value gap between pitchers and hitters in modern hobby history.

What the July 22 Topps Chrome Release Means for His Market

The flagship July 22, 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball set brought his official Jacob Misiorowski Topps Chrome rookie auto into public circulation. Secondary market transactions during release week opened near $1,200 before rapidly adjusting downward toward $950.

That immediate drop represents a typical 20.8% post-release price correction as fresh inventory floods auction sites. Smart buyers carefully assess whether to purchase high-profile Chrome autographs during initial release hype or wait for natural off-season stabilization.

The Best Jacob Misiorowski Cards to Buy Right Now

Selecting the best Jacob Misiorowski card to buy 2026 depends on total budget allocation and individual risk tolerance across available release years.

• 2022 Bowman Draft Prospect Auto: The foundational target for long-term Jacob Misiorowski investment cards.
• 2026 Bowman Base Parallels: Accessible options featuring Sky Blue /499, Neon Green /399, Fuchsia /299, and Purple /250.
• 2026 Topps Chrome Rookie Auto: The flagship rookie autograph offering a transparent Jacob Misiorowski rookie auto price.

For collectors on moderate budgets, the 2026 Bowman Purple refractor, numbered to 250 copies, is our top recommendation for its ideal balance of low serial numbering and accessible pricing.

Conclusion: Testing, Testing

The current Misiorowski market serves as an active test case proving that generational pitching talent can command hitter-tier pricing. Investors should review our detailed buying list section to identify sensible entry points today.

Questions About Jacob Misiorowski Cards, Answered

What is Jacob Misiorowski’s most expensive card sale?
His 2022 Bowman Draft Chrome Superfractor prospect autograph PSA 10 set his record at $52,800.

What did his 2026 Bowman Anime Superfractor sell for?
Fanatics Collect finalized a transaction for the 1/1 Jacob Misiorowski Bowman Anime Superfractor at $45,600 on June 19, 2026. The CGC Authentic copy became his second-highest public transaction value.

Are the 2022 and 2026 Superfractor cards the same card?
No. The 2022 card is a Bowman Draft Chrome Superfractor prospect autograph, while the 2026 Anime parallel showcases artwork from his major-league rookie campaign. Prospect autographs offer historical scarcity appeal, whereas rookie cards celebrate major league debuts and milestones.

Why do Misiorowski’s cards matter more than a typical pitcher’s?
Pitcher rookie cards traditionally sell at discounts compared to elite sluggers because arm injuries can derail careers. Misiorowski’s card market instead behaves like that of an elite home run hitter, with high-end sales reaching $52,800 for his 2022 prospect autograph and $45,600 for his 2026 Bowman Anime Superfractor.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

National 2026 What to Buy: Topps National Convention Chrome Checklist

Navigating booth releases requires immediate precision. Topps completely changes its distribution model this year, replacing traditional wrapper redemptions with the digital Topps booth 555 QR raffle. Attendees scan booth signage daily to register for pack access across seven specific sports and entertainment categories. Topps limits each registered attendee to one win per category per day, preventing heavy spenders from monopolizing total inventory.

Key Details for Topps Chrome Exclusives

• Redemption Method: Digital QR code scanning at booth 555 replaces physical wrapper redemptions.
• Category Roster: Sets cover seven distinct sports and entertainment categories across the checklist.
• Daily Limits: Topps restricts redemption claims to one winning entry per SKU each day.

Does this raffle system help average floor attendees? Removing long lines gives collectors more time to hunt for single cards across The National 2026 dealers, although random selection means guaranteed pack acquisition is no longer guaranteed.

NSCC Exclusive Cards Worth Money Beyond Topps

Exclusive releases have historically generated incredible secondary market value, frequently driving post-convention sales well over $10,000.  Collectors interested in historical price spikes can explore our detailed Athlon Sports Historic Sales Report. Top manufacturers deliver low-numbered parallels, autograph cards, and short-printed inserts that immediately dominate market demand.

Which specific segment deserves your primary capital? Smart buyers focus on low-numbered rookie autographs because scarce parallel sets maintain 40% higher price retention over six months compared to unnumbered promotional inserts.

What to Avoid at The National

Exhibitors and seasoned attendees prioritize proper floor conduct to protect high-value assets. Crowded aisles lead to accidental bumping near fragile display cases, while leaving trade bags unattended poses a major theft risk. Following basic tips for the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention helps preserve energy and protect personal capital throughout long floor shifts.

Essential Rules for Floor Safety

• Keep personal bags securely fastened to prevent aisle obstructions and accidental case collisions.
• Never leave high-value card binders or cash bags unattended on dealer tables.
• Maintain personal hydration and clean hands before touching raw vintage cards.

What single mistake hurts first-time attendees the most? Novice buyers ruin their budget by buying common raw singles early instead of securing scarce show exclusives first.

Timing Your Visit for Buying Versus Avoiding Crowds

Attending the Rosemont card show 2026 requires strategic timing. Saturday draws maximum attendee foot traffic, making negotiation difficult. Conversely, dealers hold fresh cash reserves and flexible pricing during Wednesday and Thursday preview hours. Readers wanting full day-by-day floor strategies can check our Athlon Sports Floor Survival Guide.

Selecting Thursday morning offers the optimal balance for serious buyers. Collectors avoid weekend crowds while accessing fresh dealer inventory before stock gets picked over.

Be Careful Not to Overspend

Navigating over 1,000 active dealers without a firm acquisition plan guarantees overspending on common inventory while missing scarce releases. Smart collectors target high-priority exclusives first and manage floor timing efficiently. For complete coverage on selling logistics or show schedules, consult our Athlon Sports Trade Market Hub. What do you think of this floor strategy? Let us know in the comments and keep reading Athlon Sports!

Questions About The National, Answered

How big is the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention?
The event features over 600,000 square feet with 1,000 dealers in its largest layout.

How do I get the 2026 Topps National Convention Chrome promo cards?
Scan the QR code at booth 555 daily to register for the raffle. Winners receive an email notification, and Topps limits each registered attendee to one win per category per day.

Are NSCC-exclusive cards actually worth chasing?
Yes. Exclusive releases have historically generated strong secondary-market value, with some post-convention sales exceeding $10,000. Low-numbered parallels, autograph cards, and short-printed inserts can attract immediate market demand.

What is the biggest mistake first-time attendees make?
Novice buyers can hurt their budgets by buying common raw singles early instead of securing scarce show exclusives first. Timing also matters, with Saturday drawing the largest crowds while Thursday morning offers access to fresher dealer inventory.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Let us break down each product’s specifications to help you make a wise decision.

2025-26 Topps Chrome Black Basketball pre-order

Pre-orders for the 2025-26 Topps Chrome Black Basketball pre-order carry a confirmed price tag of $349.99 per box. Each pack contains 7 cards, guaranteeing 1 encased Topps Chrome Black Basketball hobby box autograph along with rare base parallels. This standalone product functions as a sleek luxury product line rather than a simple parallel addition to standard Chrome. Collectors tracking the NBA coverage often debate whether separate releases complement flagship sets or oversaturate the modern basketball market.

Box Configuration Overview

2026 Topps Marvel Mint checklist

Entertainment collectors can dive into the 2026 Topps Marvel Mint checklist, which drops at a confirmed price of $339.99. The set features a 125-card base checklist, split across tiered parallels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Attendees can also chase the limited Topps Marvel Mint SDCC exclusive variants distributed at San Diego Comic-Con. Fans following general pop culture and sports card trends through the Athlon Sports collectibles hub constantly evaluate which parallel tier or character insert offers the highest long-term growth potential.

Marvel Mint Breakdown

2026 Topps Tribute Baseball price

High-end collectors can evaluate the 2026 Topps Tribute Baseball price set at $619.99 per hobby box. This premier configuration guarantees six total hits, delivering three Topps Tribute Baseball autographs and three memorabilia cards in every box. A standout highlight includes the exclusive Barry Bonds retrospective insert subset honoring his legendary career. Enthusiasts keeping up with major league updates via Athlon Sports MLB coverage must weigh whether this reliable hit rate justifies the higher price point compared to cheaper drops.

2025 Topps Resurgence Football release date

The 2025 Topps Resurgence Football release date arrives this Friday, rounding out the week’s drops. Boxes contain 12 packs with 6 cards per pack, featuring a 200-card base set and 2 guaranteed autographs per hobby box. While distributors list pricing between $319.99 and $329.99, $329.99 remains the primary MSRP estimate. Exploring the full Topps Resurgence Football checklist reveals a strong price-to-hit ratio. Fans who follow gridiron updates on the Athlon Sports NFL hub can compare these numbers directly against high-end baseball options.

Product Comparison Summary

Conclusion

For pure value, 2025 Topps Resurgence Football delivers the best overall ratio with two autographs for $329.99. Meanwhile, high-end buyers will prefer Tribute Baseball’s six guaranteed hits. Navigating an EQL release for the Topps 2026 draw requires verifying the exact distributor costs before placing holds.

Check out market scores and analysis on Athlon Sports live scores and trends to see how these products perform! What do you think of this week’s lineup? Keep reading on Athlon Sports for more market analysis!

Questions About Topps Releases, Answered

What Topps products are releasing this week?
Topps Chrome Black Basketball, Marvel Mint, Tribute Baseball, and Resurgence Football release this week.

How much do these hobby boxes cost?
Prices range from $329.99 for Resurgence Football up to $619.99 for Tribute Baseball.

Which of these releases has the most guaranteed hits?
Tribute Baseball leads with six guaranteed hits per box, including three autographs and three relics.

Is Topps Chrome Black Basketball the same as regular Topps Chrome Basketball?
No. Chrome Black is a standalone luxury release featuring encased autographs and distinct sleek designs.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

A Record Sale, Four Times the Estimate

The auction house originally established a pre-sale estimate between 80,000 GBP and 120,000 GBP, which equals roughly $107,000 to $161,000 in calculated USD values. However, passionate international buyers drove the final hammer price up to 500,000 GBP, or $670,000.

The total price reached 625,000 GBP, or roughly $837,500 after adding the buyer premium. The historic sale occurred at the famous Silverstone Museum auction location on July 7, 2026, during the Budds Motorsport Icons auction.

This extraordinary total achieved an F1 memorabilia record sale for the organizing firm.

What the Helmet Actually Represents

Many sports fans mistakenly classify this headgear as a full season championship piece. However, official records confirm that the driver wore this helmet during three specific Grand Prix events in 1992. Elite collectors prioritize confirmed single race triumphs over general promotional items. Senior analysts at Athlon Sports F1 coverage explain the detailed history behind this unique racing piece.

Provenance of the 1992 Helmet

• Senna wore this helmet during the British, German, and Hungarian Grands Prix in 1992.
• Senna piloted his legendary McLaren MP4-7A Senna car to a memorable victory at the 1992 Hungarian Grand Prix.
• Official statistics confirm that rival driver Nigel Mansell claimed the Nigel Mansell 1992 championship title that year.
• High-end collectors value specific race-winning provenance just as much as full season titles.

A Notable Auction Coincidence: Mansell’s Own Collection, Same Sale

The same afternoon auction presented a separate collection consigned directly by champion driver Nigel Mansell. This scheduling overlap generated widespread confusion across general media outlets. Mansell consigned personal items to generate over 40,000 GBP for the UK Youth charity.

Because Mansell earned the 1992 title, several outlets accidentally labeled Senna’s helmet as a championship piece. Precise reporting protects buyer confidence across the entire Motorsport collectibles market. Industry writers at Athlon Sports racing desk document how easily multi-consignor auctions create narrative confusion among general reporters.

Motorsport Growing Place in High End Collectibles

Historic motor racing items consistently command massive prices at premier global auctions. Market trends reveal strong capital growth across top-tier racing assets. A private buyer previously paid $308,000 for Senna’s personal Mercedes-Benz 190 E saloon. Another collector spent over $250,000 for his final Honda V10 race engine. Analysts at Athlon Sports motorsports division note that racing relics now actively rival traditional major league sports items. The motorsport sector currently expands its global collector base at a rapid pace.

Huge Interest, Huge Price

This record-breaking sale highlights the booming global demand for authentic Formula 1 memorabilia. Verified race-winning history commands huge price premiums, even without a full championship title. What do you think of this record sale?

Questions About Ayrton Senna’s Helmet, Answered

How much did Ayrton Senna’s helmet sell for?
The helmet reached a $670,000 hammer price and $837,500 total with buyer premium fees.

Was this a championship-winning helmet?
No. Senna won the 1992 Hungarian Grand Prix while wearing the helmet, but Nigel Mansell won the 1992 Formula 1 championship.

Why might people call it a “championship-winning” helmet?
Nigel Mansell sold his 1992 championship items at the same auction, causing confusion for some reporters covering the event.

How much did the sale exceed its estimate?
The final hammer price exceeded the high pre-sale estimate by roughly 400% overall.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

This market evolution signals a fundamental transition in how hobbyists value long-term preservation across different eras.

Four Records, One Auction

The recent event at Heritage Auctions Pokémon showcased unprecedented demand for vintage sealed boxes. Market sentiment remains robust as bidders competed for scarce unopened inventory across multiple generations.

Sales Data Overview

Four distinct sets broke historical boundaries in one single sale. Investors often treat single-record sales as market anomalies. Simultaneous records across four distinct eras prove broad capital expansion. Serious capital now targets vintage assets across all major Wizards of the Coast and early Japanese releases. Check out our coverage of high-end vintage card sales to see how individual chase cards compare against these factory-sealed box results.

Expedition’s Doubling Act

The Expedition booster box price surged to $112,500, representing a massive jump from its 2025 milestone of $50,000. While Skyridge sealed booster box held the top overall dollar spot, Expedition posted the highest growth rate.

Historical Context and Era Impact

• Expedition launched the e-Card design era for English card releases.
• Collectors initially overlooked the set due to e-Reader layout changes.
• Later releases like Aquapolis and Skyridge built directly upon this structural foundation.

Early collectors treated Expedition as a secondary product behind classic sets. Modern market logic now revaluates these foundational releases. Buyers recognize that early e-Card era Pokemon sets feature extremely limited print runs compared to earlier Base Set printings. Explore our breakdown of the most valuable e-Card era Pokémon cards to understand which individual pulls drive this set valuation.

Skyridge’s Crystal Cards and the Auction’s Top Sale

The Skyridge sealed booster box achieved the highest price of the event, reaching $212,500. This result shatters its previous 2021 benchmark of $90,000.

Wizards of the Coast produced Skyridge as its final English expansion before Nintendo took over distribution. The set features iconic Crystal Secret Rares including Crystal Charizard, Crystal Ho-Oh, and Crystal Crobat. Final-set nostalgia combines with rare chase cards to drive exponential demand. Collectors pay massive premiums for sealed boxes because opening them destroys irreplaceable inventory.  Read our deep-dive on rare Wizards of the Coast Pokémon sets to analyze how final-era print runs impact long-term pricing.

Why Sealed Wax Is Becoming Its Own Category

Investors view vintage Pokemon sealed wax investing as a hedge against single-card market inflation. Every opened box permanently decreases remaining global supply.

The rising Japanese Base Set booster box value from $125,000 to $137,500 illustrates this principle clearly. Buyers value origin-story sealed boxes as historical display pieces. Unopened boxes offer guaranteed pristine contents that single cards cannot match. Undervalued early sets will likely follow this upward trajectory as collectors seek remaining sealed inventory. Track full pricing movements across our guide to investing in sealed trading card boxes to identify potential market trends.

Waxing Poetic . . . And Profitable

This auction establishes sealed wax as a standalone top-tier asset category. Unopened boxes now compete directly with high-grade singles for market dominance.

What do you think of these record-breaking prices? Let us know in the comments on Athlon Sports.

Questions About Record Sales at Heritage Auctions, Answered

What were the four record sales at Heritage Auctions?
Neo Destiny sold for $60,000, Japanese Base Set reached $137,500, Expedition hit $112,500, and Skyridge achieved $212,500.

Which box had the biggest jump from its previous record?
Expedition doubled its $50,000 record to $112,500, while Skyridge set the highest dollar record at $212,500.

What makes Expedition significant?
Expedition introduced the e-Reader card layout, initiating the historic e-Card set era for English releases.

Why does sealed product matter more than graded singles to some collectors?
Sealed boxes offer a permanently shrinking factory supply that buyers cannot replace once owners open them.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

A Home Run Nobody Realized Was the Last

The monumental event unfolded on July 20, 1976, inside Milwaukee County Stadium before an unassuming crowd of only 10,188 spectators. Pitcher Dick Drago yielded the historic swing during late-inning action.

Historical Discrepancies and Facts

• Discrepancies exist in official media archives, with some box scores citing the sixth inning and others the seventh.
• Pitcher Dick Drago surrendered the hanging slider that cleared the left field fence.
• Milwaukee County Stadium hosted the event with merely 10,188 fans present.
• The franchise held no post-game ceremony or celebration for the legendary slugger.

Had spectators understood that evening that Aaron hit his final career home run, stadium energy would have exploded into an unforgettable celebration. Fans missed an iconic milestone because nobody recognized history in real time.

The Groundskeeper Who Got Fired for Keeping the Ball

Dedicated Richard Arndt groundskeeper scooped up the historical artifact from the left field stands. Team staff denied Arndt direct physical access to return the artifact personally to Aaron.

Firing and Penalties Table

Arndt took the souvenir home after officials blocked his path. Modern sports franchises manage memorabilia opportunities with collaborative fan engagements, making this harsh 1976 termination feel completely unbelievable today.

From a 1994 Signing to a Hall of Fame Exhibit

Arndt preserved the baseball inside a secure bank vault for eighteen long years. The historical artifact eventually completed a remarkable journey toward national recognition.

Key Events in the Artifact Journey

Arndt obtained Aaron signature at a 1994 autograph show while Aaron remained unaware of the item identity.

An auction house sold the piece in 1999 for $650,000.

A significant financial portion supported Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation.

The artifact resides on long-term loan inside the Hank Aaron Hall of Fame Chasing the Dream exhibit.

That this legendary artifact required nearly two decades to reach its rightful home underscores how society often recognizes sports legacy long after the cheers fade. Readers track similar historical auction trends at Athlon Sports memorabilia collection.

The Overlooked Cards, and Record, of Aaron’s Brewers Years

Card enthusiasts frequently overlook Hank Aaron Milwaukee Brewers cards, yet these late-career items capture critical baseball milestones.

The 1975 Topps Hank Aaron Brewers card famously displays an edited Milwaukee jersey over a Braves image. Rare Canadian O-Pee-Chee variants alongside Hostess and SSPC oddball issues present unique treasures. Topps released the Hank Aaron 1976 Topps 550 card as his final active player release alongside a Record Breaker card. Aaron established the Hank Aaron career RBI record on May 1, 1975, reaching 2,297 career runs batted in, a towering mark that he still holds today. Collectors should treasure these final releases because they anchor the closing chapter of baseball greatest run. Check Athlon Sports card analysis for deeper market statistics.

A Lasting Memory

Both the historic baseball and the late-era trading cards prove that true historical weight emerges through hindsight. Quiet moments frequently build the most enduring legacies across American sports history. What do you think of this forgotten piece of baseball history? Let us know in the comments, and reading on our platform at Athlon Sports!

Questions About Hank Aaron’s Final Home Run, Answered

When and how did Hank Aaron hit his final home run?
Aaron hit his final home run on July 20, 1976, at Milwaukee County Stadium off pitcher Dick Drago. Contemporary records disagree on whether it came in the sixth or seventh inning, but the milestone took place before a crowd of 10,188 with no postgame ceremony marking it as the final home run of his career.

What happened to the ball?
Richard Arndt, a Brewers groundskeeper, retrieved the ball after the home run but was denied the opportunity to return it personally to Aaron. He took it home, lost his job, later obtained Aaron’s signature on it at a 1994 autograph signing, and the ball was eventually sold at auction for $650,000.

Where is the ball today?
The baseball is on long-term loan to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as part of the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream exhibit, completing a journey that took nearly two decades from the day it was hit.

What collectible cards exist from Aaron’s Brewers years?
Collectors focus on Aaron’s 1975 Topps Brewers card, the Canadian O-Pee-Chee counterpart, Hostess and SSPC issues, the 1976 Topps Record Breaker card, and his 1976 Topps #550, his final regular Topps card as an active player.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Walking Through the Card Combine’s Five Stations

The Fanatics Collect Card Combine operates as a self-guided, museum-style exhibit featuring an entrance shaped as an open card pack. Visitors start at the Fanatics Collect Hub, where they download the Fanatics Collect app for beginners and pick up a complimentary Topps sample pack Fanatics Fest.

Why does a hands-on format work better for teaching the hobby than a lecture? Direct physical handling builds muscle memory, letting new hobbyists master physical card care alongside digital apps naturally.

The Scanning Tool That Turns a Pull Into a Value

The Fanatics Collect market value scanner integrated into the Fanatics Fest card scanning tool lets fans evaluate physical cards instantly during the walkthrough. Collectors scan their raw pulls to view real-time pricing data directly inside the Fanatics Collect app for beginners.

How much does a tool like this change the experience for a brand-new collector who has no idea what anything in a pack is worth? Real-time valuation eliminates secondary market confusion and brings instant price transparency. Collectors cross-reference live sales figures against updated sports card investing strategies to make informed choices.

• Instant Recognition: Image recognition software identifies set years, parallels, and player names automatically.
• Live Pricing: The app syncs auction data to display real market estimates instantly.
• Portfolio Syncing: Scanned items transfer to digital user inventories, aligning with established sports card portfolio building frameworks.

Instant Rips: A Standalone Feature, Not Just an Exhibit Finale

The Instant Rips digital repacks feature functions as an established Fanatics Live breaking platform product rather than a temporary convention event. The exhibit uses this existing digital repack system to issue a complimentary digital pack into each visitor app profile.

Why does introducing collectors to Instant Rips digital repacks at the show matter more than a one-off freebie? Onboarding users to a permanent digital feature establishes a daily engagement habit long after physical convention booths close. The software maintains active buyback credits set at 90% of current market estimates, providing continuous liquidity. Collectors monitoring these digital trends routinely track broader trading card investment benchmarks provided across collectibles coverage.

Why This Is a Strategy, Not a Show Feature

The persistent availability of the Fanatics Collect Card Combine software ecosystem demonstrates how digital tools drive long-term user retention. New collectors use How to start collecting sports cards workflows to manage, trade, and vault items directly from mobile devices year-round.

What does lowering the entry barrier actually require beyond a single exhibit? Frictionless onboarding requires ongoing pricing transparency, automated digital vaulting, and instant secondary trading access. The broader software network effectively backs up this approach by maintaining connected marketplace services past event dates. Analysts tracking these long-term shifts consult comprehensive sports collectibles market analysis from Athlon Sports data reports.

Create Lasting Value

The Fanatics Collect Card Combine creates lasting value by connecting physical convention activities to permanent software workflows. Digital packs, value scanners, and vault storage remain active tools long after floor lights turn off. What do you think of this approach to onboarding collectors?

Questions About the Card Combine, Answered

What is the Card Combine?
The Fanatics Collect Card Combine is a self-guided exhibit introducing visitors to card collecting basics.

What happens at each station?
Visitors start at the Fanatics Collect Hub, where they download the Fanatics Collect app and receive a complimentary Topps sample pack. The experience includes pack opening and card scanning, retail format education, a live stream breaking demonstration, authentication and slab evaluation, and a digital repack experience.

Is Instant Rips exclusive to Fanatics Fest?
No. Instant Rips functions as an established Fanatics Live breaking platform product rather than a temporary convention event. The exhibit uses the existing digital repack system to issue a complimentary digital pack into each visitor app profile.

Can collectors experience any of this without attending Fanatics Fest?
Yes. The Fanatics Collect Card Combine software ecosystem remains available beyond the event, with collectors able to manage, trade, and vault items directly from mobile devices year-round.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

From a $560,000 Sneaker Sale to a Major Category

The auction giant officially entered this market during May 2020. Buyers immediately recognized the gravity of the Michael Jordan memorabilia Sotheby’s debut featuring 1985 footwear. That initial $560,000 transaction established a strong foundation for expansion. Experts project the house will auction 6,000 individual pieces throughout 2026. This 1,000% volume scaling over six years proves the category holds immense staying power.

Traditional institutions typically require decades to build such robust departments. Yet this operation matched the volume of older divisions. You can track the sneakers valuation guide notice similar expansions. This growth fundamentally changes how institutions categorize premium assets globally.

Why This Is About Generational Wealth Transfer

At the helm executives see a demographic shift driving current valuations. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, states a fresh generation inheriting wealth possesses entirely different interests than historical clientele. These younger buyers demand distinct assets that differ sharply from traditional antiquities and established assets. They treat generational wealth transfer collectibles as both financial anchors and cultural touchstones.

Core Drivers of Changing Collector Habits

• Younger buyers prioritize childhood nostalgia over classic art.
• Investors demand tangible connections to contemporary sporting legends.
• Buyers view premium jerseys as equivalent to masterpieces.
• Institutions adapt sourcing methods to match these portfolios.

The Sales That Prove the Category Ceiling

Monumental transactions continually redefine the ultimate value of athletic artifacts. The market transformed from a novelty pursuit into an established Sports memorabilia luxury collecting discipline following several historic hammers. The $7 million result at the Sotheby’s Holy Grails Fanatics auction proved that modern trading cards rival classical investments. A few specific sales highlight this trajectory.

Record Breaking Auction Results

The Maradona jersey perfectly illustrates the limitless financial ceiling for global cultural artifacts.

What Next Basketball Dominance and the Push Into Other Sports

The institution thrives as the Sotheby’s NBA game-worn partner heavily prioritizing basketball assets. Despite scaling back massive card events due to market saturation, leadership targets new domains. Wachter identifies baseball, Formula 1 and football as major growth frontiers. Formula 1 possesses the precise global audience required to generate staggering eight-figure sales. Motorsport appeal perfectly aligns with wealthy overseas clientele. The Formula 1 memorabilia tracker shows surging international interest. Diversifying across varied sports ensures long-term viability for the luxury athletic sector. This strategic pivot promises exciting future developments for global fans.

Conclusion

This institutional expansion perfectly reflects a broader reshaping of who collects physical assets today. The generational wealth transfer guarantees that rare athletic artifacts maintain their luxury status permanently. The auction calendar tracks all upcoming major events. Readers can share their thoughts in the comment section regarding this financial shift.

Questions About Sports Memorabilia At Auction, Answered

When did the auction house enter sports memorabilia?
The auction giant entered the market in May 2020 with a $560,000 transaction involving Michael Jordan memorabilia and 1985 footwear. The operation is projected to auction 6,000 individual pieces throughout 2026.

What connects generational wealth transfer to this trend?
Brahm Wachter of Sotheby’s states that a fresh generation inheriting wealth has different interests than historical clientele. These younger buyers prioritize childhood nostalgia and contemporary sporting legends and treat collectibles as both financial anchors and cultural touchstones.

What represents the biggest sports memorabilia sales today?
The listed sales include the Diego Maradona shirt at $9.28 million, the Scottie Pippen Collection at $6.2 million and the Kobe Bryant locker at $2.88 million. The Holy Grails Fanatics auction also produced a $7 million result.

Is the auction house expanding beyond basketball assets?
Yes. While the institution heavily prioritizes basketball assets, Wachter identifies baseball, Formula 1 and football as major growth frontiers. Leadership is targeting those areas while scaling back massive card events because of market saturation.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Topps’ NFL Return, Fronted by the No. 1 Pick

Topps officially selected Mendoza as the face of its premier set, bringing back licensed gridiron releases for the first time since securing the Topps NFL license 2026 agreement in April. The 2026 Topps Flagship Football release date arrives on Friday, Aug. 21, ending a long hiatus for fully licensed products. Selecting a rookie quarterback over established superstars signals high confidence in immediate market demand. Collectors continuously seek fresh elite talent, and placing an incoming passer on the box creates instant modern relevance for the franchise.  The Athlon Sports NFL coverage hub showcases how this launch changes sports memorabilia collection strategies nationwide.

Key Release Details

The Résumé Behind the Pick

Mendoza earned his spot atop the draft board through unmatched collegiate performance. He led his team through an undefeated 16-0 season, captured the Heisman Trophy, and reached the national championship game. Furthermore, he topped the entire nation with 41 passing touchdowns before becoming the Fernando Mendoza Raiders No. 1 pick selection. He represents the franchise’s first overall first-round quarterback selection since 2007.

You can follow college football Heisman trophy coverage recognize how his collegiate execution paired with top selection status creates massive long-term value. Analysis in the 2026 NFL draft prospect rankings reflects how quickly the hobby moved to embrace him.

A Rookie Card Frenzy Before He’s Thrown an NFL Pass

Demand exploded immediately following draft night when Topps dropped his first print-on-demand item. The Fernando Mendoza Topps NOW rookie card generated a staggering print run of 126,501 copies within just 48 hours. This record-breaking order volume demonstrates how collector behavior shifted toward instant gratification and early speculative buying. High volume on print-on-demand cards reflects massive retail interest that rivals veteran legends. The latest Las Vegas Raiders updates highlight how his arrival transforms franchise merchandise interest across the country.

Product Metrics

The Collector Who Became the Cover Athlete

Mendoza brings a unique connection to the hobby because he actively collects cards himself. He personally owns the Fernando Mendoza Superfractor 1/1 edition from his Fernando Mendoza Bowman University Chrome set. He acquired his own card by trading playoff tickets and a game jersey to an Indiana student collector with assistance from teammate Carter Smith. Meanwhile, an unsigned BGS 9 copy of that same base card fetched $78,000 in January 2026.

Having a cover athlete who collects creates authentic marketing opportunities. Broader insights in trading card hobby trends overview confirm how athlete engagement drives long-term product enthusiasm.

Conclusion

The upcoming August release sets a brand-new benchmark for football trading cards while defining Topps’ modern NFL rollout strategy. Collectors can track complete set details inside the official Topps Flagship Football 2026 checklist prior to launch day.

What do you think of this historical cover choice? Keep reading on Athlon Sports for complete coverage.

Questions About Fernando Mendoza, Answered

Why was Fernando Mendoza chosen as the 2026 Topps Flagship Football cover athlete?
Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft after an undefeated 16-0 college season in which he won the Heisman Trophy and led the nation with 41 passing touchdowns. Selecting a rookie quarterback over established superstars signals high confidence in immediate market demand.

When does 2026 Topps Flagship Football release?
The 2026 Topps Flagship Football release date is Friday, Aug. 21. The release follows Topps securing the NFL license agreement in April and ends a long hiatus for fully licensed products.

How big was demand for Mendoza’s Topps NOW rookie card?
Mendoza’s Topps NOW rookie card generated a print run of 126,501 copies within 48 hours following draft night. The order volume reflected strong early collector interest before Mendoza had thrown an NFL pass.

What is Mendoza’s 1-of-1 card, and how did he get it?
Mendoza owns a Superfractor 1/1 from his Bowman University Chrome set. He acquired the card by trading playoff tickets and a game jersey to an Indiana student collector with assistance from teammate Carter Smith.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Trading Card Games Enter the Conversation

Mahan indicated potential entry into non-sports gaming products during recent media discussions. Brand leaders see Fanatics trading card games as a strategic growth driver. The company specifically tracks gaming giants like Fanatics, Pokémon, and Magic the Gathering setups to evaluate market feasibility. Readers following trading card game market expansion news can see how gaming brands alter traditional retail shelf placements.

Strategic Considerations for TCG Entry

• Manufacturing Alignment: Existing printing operations must adapt to card-game print runs and deck-distribution demands.
• Licensing Hurdles: Non-sports gaming brands maintain existing intellectual property deals that limit sudden publisher shifts.
• Hobby Retail Distribution: Traditional gaming shops require distinct allocation models compared to standard sports card hobby shops.

Evaluating how current sports card printing infrastructure translates into gaming cards reveals clear distribution advantages. However, game balance mechanics require specialized editorial talent that sports card brands currently lack.

Multisport Crossovers, Leveraged Off an Existing Rights Portfolio

Executive comments highlight plans to release Fanatics multisport crossover cards by leveraging unified league rights. Combining icons across basketball, baseball, and football creates unique dual-autograph opportunities.  Dedicated analysts follow multi sport card collection value guides to measure secondary market stability across overlapping league fanbases.

Strategic Potential Across Licensing Domains

Speculating on these designs suggests that putting legends from different sports on a single card will drive secondary market premiums up by 25% or more. Fanatics holds exclusive licenses with major leagues, enabling these unprecedented multi-athlete pairings.

A Bigger App for Collectors

Leadership outlined plans for heavy technology investments to build an all-in-one digital collecting platform. The existing Fanatics Collect app, rebranded from PWCC Marketplace in 2024, already manages high-value auctions and vault storage. Sourcing does not clarify whether engineers will overhaul the current application or launch a brand-new digital ecosystem. Hobbyists can read digital sports card vaulting reviews on Athlon Sports to compare current secondary software capabilities.

Key App Features Needed

To deliver a complete experience, the application must consolidate real-time price tracking, vaulting services, grading submissions, and live marketplace bidding into a single interface. Collectors currently manage multiple separate tools for valuation and trading. Unifying these services under one umbrella gives Fanatics total control over digital hobby transactions.

Conclusion: It’s About The Vision

These directional priorities outline Fanatics’ vision without setting strict launch dates. The overall strategy positions the company as a comprehensive ecosystem rather than a standard card manufacturer. Analysts reading future hobby market industry reports on Athlon Sports expect these operational changes to redefine collector engagement. What do you think about these strategic plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and keep reading on Athlon Sports for more detailed industry coverage!

Questions About Fanatics, Answered

What did Mike Mahan say Fanatics is exploring next?
Fanatics is evaluating trading card games, multisport crossovers, and a comprehensive mobile collecting application. Mahan indicated potential entry into non-sports gaming products, while executive comments also highlighted multisport crossover cards and heavier technology investment in an all-in-one digital collecting platform.

Is this a new app, or an update to Fanatics Collect?
That remains unclear. The existing Fanatics Collect app, rebranded from PWCC Marketplace in 2024, already manages high-value auctions and vault storage. Sourcing does not clarify whether engineers will overhaul the current application or launch a brand-new digital ecosystem.

When will any of these products launch?
No fixed product launch dates were provided. The priorities outlined by Mahan describe the company’s direction for trading card games, multisport crossover products, and technology investment without setting strict launch dates.

Where did these comments originate?
Mahan discussed potential entry into non-sports gaming products during recent media discussions, while Fanatics Fest 2026 provided the broader setting for the company’s outlined roadmap and industry expansion plans.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer

Read on to discover how sports history fuels a vital social mission on Athlon Sports.

What’s Up for Bid, and How the No-Reserve Format Works

Every lot opens at $100 in this no-reserve charity memorabilia auction, running online from July 22 to July 29, 2026. Eliminating minimum reserve prices generates immediate bidding action and welcomes a broader global audience. Understanding recent collectibles and auction market trends helps bidders evaluate structural shifts across major sales platforms.

A no-reserve structure democratizes participation, transforming standard bidding into collective support for educational initiatives.

The World Cup Final Ball and the Jerseys

Headlining the sports offerings is the official World Cup Final match ball auction, featuring the match ball from the July 19, 2026 showpiece at the 2026 World Cup Final MetLife Stadium venue. Detailed insights from upcoming World Cup tournament coverage highlight how historic moments increase item valuation. The collection also highlights exceptional signed national team kit pieces:

• A Lionel Messi signed jersey auction featuring a signed 2022 Argentina home kit celebrating his championship legacy.
• A U.S. Men’s National Team signed jersey autographed by key squad members following their tournament run.

A player’s broader legacy often drives sustained demand, but direct ties to a final match create immediate collector urgency.

Shakira’s Halftime Show Outfit and the Broader Sale

Music memorabilia adds unique cross-category appeal to the event. A dedicated Shakira halftime show outfit auction features her stage attire from the inaugural halftime performance alongside items from Madonna and BTS. Background details regarding the star-studded halftime show entertainment lineup provide context for these iconic pop culture artifacts. Her yellow outfit from the official song music video appears as a separate lot. Stage-worn assets attract passionate non-traditional collectors, expanding the bidding pool beyond classic sports items.

Where the Money Goes

All proceeds support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which targets a $100 million goal to deliver educational access and sports programs to children in underserved communities. Reports covering broader global event sports finances demonstrate how international sporting bodies drive corporate social impact. Connecting high-profile sports relics with global education establishes a powerful blueprint for corporate and athletic philanthropy.

Charity Begins With A Goooooooool!

The July 29 close date gives collectors a final opportunity to secure landmark sports history while driving real social change. Readers following our extensive sports memorabilia event analysis gain comprehensive context on this historic sale. What do you think of this charity sale, and which lot catches your eye? Let us know in the comments, and keep reading on Athlon Sports for more exclusive sports memorabilia coverage!

Questions About the One Goal Auction, Answered

When does the One Goal auction run, and how does bidding work?
The sale runs online from July 22 to July 29, 2026, featuring $100 opening bids and no reserve prices.

Is the Messi jersey from the current World Cup?
The signed Lionel Messi jersey dates back to his 2022 Argentina championship victory in Qatar.

What Shakira items are included?
The auction includes her halftime show outfit plus her distinct yellow costume from the official music video.

Where do the auction proceeds go?
Proceeds directly support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to expand educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.

Collectibles News & Essentials

• Jesse Owens gave his 1936 Olympic gold medal to his friend Bill Robinson as a token of gratitude; SCP Auctions sold it for $1,466,574 in 2013
• More Trading Card Enthusiasts Are Becoming Millionaires Than Ever Before
• Mickey Mantle’s Picture Paints a Thousand Words, and Pulls $3 Million at a Private Sale
• Brazil Legend Neymar Jr. Makes Career Move Away From Soccer