Most Popular Players in Sports and Their Impact on Trading Cards
Share
Here are some of the most popular players in various sports and their impact on the trading card market:
Basketball
-
Michael Jordan
- Impact: Often considered the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan's trading cards, especially the 1986-87 Fleer rookie card, are iconic and can fetch extremely high auction prices. His status has significantly driven the basketball card market, with collectors aggressively pursuing memorabilia related to him.
- 1986-87 Fleer Rookie Card: This card is one of the most iconic basketball cards. In 2021, a gem mint (10) copy sold for $1.74 million, which set a record for the highest price for a basketball card at the time.
-
LeBron James
- Impact: As one of the best current players and a significant figure in basketball culture, LeBron's cards are constantly in demand. His rookie cards, especially from 2003-04 sets, are notable for their growing value as he continues to add to his legacy.
- 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph: In 2021, a graded version of this card sold for $5.2 million, making it the most expensive basketball card at that time.
Football
-
Tom Brady
- Impact: Widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Brady's cards, especially from his rookie season in 2000, are among the most valuable football cards. His involvement in many record-breaking moments keeps demand high.
- 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Autograph: A signed rookie card of Tom Brady fetched $3.1 million in 2021, making it the most expensive football card sold at that time.
- 2002 Topps Chrome Black Refractor: This card sold for $1.8 million in 2021.
Soccer
-
Lionel Messi
- Impact: Messi's success and popularity in soccer have made his trading cards highly collectible. His various World Cup and club cards have consistently increased in value, appealing to both soccer fans and card collectors.
- The most expensive Lionel Messi card sold to date is the 2014 Panini Prizm World Cup Lionel Messi #12 Gold Prizm, which fetched $522,000 at an auction in April 2022.This card is extremely rare, with only 10 copies in existence and just 2 graded as PSA 10.
Baseball
-
Babe Ruth
- Impact: A historic figure in baseball, Ruth's trading cards are among the most sought after, especially vintage cards from the early 20th century. His legendary status elevates the demand for any memorabilia related to him.
- 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth Rookie Card: A rare copy sold for $4.6 million in 2022, showcasing the continuing appeal of Ruth’s legacy.
Hockey
-
Wayne Gretzky
- Impact: Known as "The Great One," Gretzky's cards, particularly the 1979 O-Pee-Chee rookie card, are some of the most valuable in sports card history. His influence on hockey helps maintain interest in collecting hockey cards.
- 1979 O-Pee-Chee Rookie Card: A gem mint (10) Gretzky rookie card sold for $3.75 million in 2021, which set the record for the highest price ever paid for a sports card.
Other Notable Players
- Tiger Woods (Golf): His cards, especially from his peak years in the late 1990s and early 2000s, command high values due to his status as one of the greatest golfers. The most expensive Tiger Woods card sold to date is the 2001 Tiger Woods SP Authentic Golf Gold Auto #45 Rookie Card /100. A PSA 10 graded version of this card sold for $369,000 at Goldin Auctions in April 2021, setting an all-time high for any Tiger Woods card.
- Conor McGregor (MMA): A modern sports icon, McGregor's cards appeal to both sports fans and collectors due to his controversial and charismatic persona. The most expensive Conor McGregor card sold to date is the 2017 Topps UFC Chrome Superfractor Conor McGregor #97 1/1, which fetched $73,800 at an auction in 2021.
Conclusion
The popularity of these players significantly influences the trading card market, often leading to increased demand and value for their cards. Collectors respond enthusiastically to both current stars and legendary figures, creating a dynamic and thriving marketplace.