• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
    • Advertise with SC Daily
    • Write for Sports Collectors Daily
    • Write About Your Sports Collection
    • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?
  • Hot on eBay
    • Most Watched Graded Rookies
    • Most Watched PSA 10 Cards
    • Most Watched BGS, BVG Cards
    • Most Watched SGC Cards
    • Most Watched CSG,CGC Cards
    • Most Watched Baseball Cards
      • Most Watched 2023 Baseball Cards
      • Most Watched 2022 Baseball Rookie Cards
      • Bowman Chrome Cards
      • Ronald Acuna Jr. Cards
      • Shohei Ohtani Cards
      • Mike Trout Cards
      • Fernando Tatis Jr. Cards
      • Babe Ruth Cards
      • Hank Aaron Cards
      • Jackie Robinson Cards:
      • Mickey Mantle Cards
      • Willie Mays Cards
      • Vintage Baseball Card Sets
      • T206 Cards
    • Most Watched Basketball
      • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2022-23 NBA Rookie Cards
      • Victor Wembanyama Cards
      • Michael Jordan Cards
      • Kobe Bryant Cards
      • LeBron James Rookie Cards
      • Nikola Jokic Rookie Cards
      • Giannis Antetokounmpo Cards
      • Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
      • Prizm Basketball Cards
      • Panini National Treasures
    • Most Watched Football Cards
      • Most Watched NFL Rookie Cards
      • 2023 NFL Rookie Cards
        • CJ Stroud Cards
      • 2022 NFL Rookie Cards
        • Brock Purdy Rookie Cards
      • 2021 NFL Rookie Cards
      • 2020 NFL Rookie Cards
        • Joe Burrow Rookie Cards
        • Justin Herbert Rookie Cards
        • Jalen Hurts Rookie Cards
      • Josh Allen Rookie Cards
      • Patrick Mahomes Rookie Cards
      • Tom Brady Cards
    • Most Watched Hockey Cards
      • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2021-22 NHL Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2020-21 Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2019-20 Rookie Cards
      • Connor McDavid Cards
      • Wayne Gretzky Cards
      • Bobby Orr Cards
    • Most Watched Soccer Cards
    • Most Watched UFC Cards
    • Most Watched Golf Cards
    • Most Watched 1 of 1 Cards
    • Most Watched Topps SuperFractors
    • Most Watched Racing Cards
    • Top Sports Card Dealers on eBay
    • Most Watched Memorabilia
      • Vintage Sports Memorabilia
      • Vintage Sports Tickets, Stubs
      • Most Watched Autographs
  • Ending Soon on Ebay
    • Baseball Cards
    • Basketball Cards
    • Football Cards
    • Hockey Cards
    • Soccer Cards
    • Golf Cards
    • UFC Cards
  • Top - Ad

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports collecting news - Sports cards and sports memorabilia industry news.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon.com.

  • Sports Memorabilia News
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
      • Shop Talk
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Affordable Vintage Cards, Collectibles
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • Around The Hobby
    • Editor’s Blog
    • David Cycleback’s Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Popular Stories
  • Sell Your Cards
You are here: Home / Business/Industry News / Sports Memorabilia Business News / Mint Condition: What’s Ahead for the Hobby in 2023?

Mint Condition: What’s Ahead for the Hobby in 2023?

January 9, 2023 By Joel Belfer

Leading Off

2022 was an interesting year in the hobby — Fanatics acquired Topps, eBay acquired TCGplayer, startups like Altan Insights and Arena Club raised funding, the first MINT Collective was held in Las Vegas, most card prices declined, and more. So as we turn the calendar — new year, same hobby?

In this edition of Mint Condition, I lay out my thoughts on what to expect in 2023.

Let’s get into it…

Mint Condition’s Take:

(1) Upper end of the hobby and vintage remain strong, rest of market sees continued decline

With the broader economy in flux, the hobby will mirror the rest of the market: high net worth individuals will be least affected and collectors will fall back on “value” investments. Both the upper end of the hobby — grails, stars, rare pieces, pricey wax — and vintage will show strength in an otherwise sleepier year for the industry. In economic turbulence, while all individuals are impacted and spending power declines, high net worth individuals typically are least impacted, meaning they still have ample money to spend and invest. Expect the “high end” definition to narrow though — those who continue to pile money into the hobby will focus on the grails, low pop, and rare vintage portions of the market. 

I believe the other parts of the overall market will continue to show declines like we’ve seen in the last 6-9 months. There should be some bright spots though, as I expect some of the more niche sports, like F1, to draw more interest, especially given they will come to the U.S. for three events in 2023 vs. two last year. Soccer will see momentum coming out of the World Cup, but expect that to fade by the second half of the year. Finally, with Netflix’s launch of an F1-like series for both golf and tennis, popularity for the sport and star players should increase, which will trickle down to the collecting world.

(2) Fanatics makes another big splash

I hope you don’t think this is a cop out given it seems like every month now we are waiting another big announcement from Fanatics, but hear me out. We have just passed the one-year anniversary of Fanatics acquiring Topps. It takes immense time to integrate a $500 million business in an industry, collectibles, that Fanatics was new to. Josh Luber was at the helm, then he wasn’t, so it’s possible Fanatics had to rethink its vision. They hired a CEO in June and a CFO in December. A lot of moving pieces, which is why I believe Fanatics hasn’t made another splash since the Topps deal.

2023 will be different with an established management team in place and ample capital to spend with Fanatics having just raised $700 million specifically for acquisitions in its collectibles, betting, and gaming businesses. Additionally, a down year in the overall hobby could make targets more willing to sell at a lower price, something Fanatics will be sure to take advantage of. 

So what will the next announcement be and will it even be an acquisition? It is fair to believe that Fanatics has been talking to all the key players in the hobby, whether that be in getting itself up to speed on the industry, discussing partnerships, or taking steps to acquire certain companies. Whether it be Panini or Upper Deck, a marketplace, or a grader, Fanatics could go many different ways. However, the key variable for me here is that it takes two to tango. While Fanatics might have a vision, targets need to be willing to actually sell. Of course, with the money at its disposal, Fanatics can probably pay as much as anybody else and sometimes that is what is most important to sellers. But for some, it will also come down to whether sellers want to join Fanatics’ ecosystem, prefer to join another’s (e.g., Collectors), or keep at it alone. From my vantage point, I think it was easier for Nat Turner and Collectors to start building out an ecosystem of brands (like Goldin, Card Ladder, and Wata) because Nat is a lifetime hobbyist vs. what Fanatics is trying to do. The hobby is unlike most industries in that a lot of business owners are traditionalists who might care the same or more about who they sell their business to than the price they get paid for it. All that’s to say is that I expect Fanatics to make another splash or two, but it might prove more difficult than it seems from the outside.

(3) Hobby startup funding slows with certain companies pivoting and even a few shutting down

The last two years were a boon for new companies entering the market seeking to find a foothold in the fast-growing hobby. Venture capital and private equity money was readily available and making large bets across a number of different collectible companies. With those funding sources tightening their belts just a bit in 2023, new money will not be as easy to access. Hobby companies will need to be efficient with their cash-on-hand and start proving out profitability if they aim to raise more money, as VC and PE firms are rewarding profitability moreso than growth at all costs, a shift from recent years. As I discussed a few months ago and believe still holds true, some companies might need to pivot their idea at least once and not all will survive. For example, there are several new marketplaces coming off fresh funding in the last two years. With hobby growth slowing down vs. prior years, that lends itself to a lower number and value of transactions taking place, which will have a direct impact on marketplaces’ growth. Perhaps we see a company or two pivot, combine with another marketplace, or close up shop completely if they run out of money. 

Additionally, I expect the overall competitiveness between hobby companies to increase. In good times and with a growing pie, everyone is more likely to play nice — there is enough to go around for all. But with some cracks being seen in the market and unknowns on the horizon, the public and private chatter and moves by those playing in the same space will become a bit more adversarial. 

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. You can reach me at [email protected] or on Twitter @jbmintcondition

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Facebook Messenger

Related Stories:

Mint Condition: Goldin Expands Offerings; Collectable and eBay; Arena Club Looks for Niche Mint Condition: Perspectives on Hobby Stability Against Potential Recession Notes: eBay Buys TCGPlayer; Japanese Crew at Burbank; Charity Rip; MeiGray’s “Select” Jerseys TCGplayer Accelerates Growth with Key Acquisition Topps Snares UEFA Euro National License from Panini Sports Law Attorney Sifts Through Fanatics’ Blockbuster Licensing Deals PSA Again Expands Space to Increase Capacity 2 Collectors Universe Shareholder Groups Opposed to Revised Deal

About Joel Belfer

Joel Belfer is a full-time finance professional. He combines his love for the hobby and business acumen in breaking down the latest industry news from a business perspective with his newsletter Mint Condition. Hailing from the suburbs of Philadelphia and a graduate of the University of Michigan, Joel is a passionate baseball card collector with a focus on Mike Trout and Giancarlo Stanton. He can be reached at [email protected].

Filed Under: Popular Stories, Sports Memorabilia Business News Tagged With: Arena Club, Fanatics Trading Cards, Joel Belfer, mint condition, Nat Turner, TCGplayer

Primary Sidebar

Our articles may contain affiliate links. When you click on links to merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. 

Shop Sports Cards on Ebay
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Hockey

High End Cards and Memorabilia

  • BBCE Authenticated Boxes, Packs opens in a new window
  • Graded pre-War Card eBay Auctions
  • PWCC Premier Auction
  • PWCC Fixed Price Marketplace
  • Graded Rookie Cards on eBay opens in a new window
  • Authenticated Photos on eBay opens in a new window
  • Graded Tickets & Stubs opens in a new window

Bargain Corner

  • Michael Jordan cards $5 and less opens in a new window
  • Kobe Bryant cards $5 and less opens in a new window
  • Mickey Mantle Cards Under $150 opens in a new window
  • Graded T206 Cards Under $150 opens in a new window
  • Pre-War Cards Under $100 opens in a new window
  • Pre-1980 Graded Baseball Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Pre-1980 Graded Football Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Basketball Cards $25 and less opens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Hockey Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Complete Sets $20 and Less opens in a new window
  • Baseball Hall of Famers for $5 or Less opens in a new window
  • Football Hall of Famers for $5 or Less opens in a new window
  • Hobby Boxes Under $30 opens in a new window
  • Pre-1986 Rookie Cards Under $1 opens in a new window
  • Buy Boxes Directly from Topps opens in a new window

RSS Auction Report

  • Pristine Auction Offers Monthly Elite Auction Ending Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023
  • Heritage Auctions December Sports Showcase Auction Ends Dec. 23, 2023
  • Queen City Cards Current Auction Ends December 17, 2023

Footer

Categories

  • Around the Hobby
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • David Cycleback's Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Editor's Blog
  • Featured Articles
  • Hobby Shop Talk
  • National Sports Collectors Convention
  • Popular Stories
  • Rich Klein's Ramblings
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Sports Memorabilia News
  • Uncategorized

Sponsor Links

  • Sports Card Forumopens in a new window
  • Buying Vintage Sports Cardsopens in a new window
  • Championship Rings For Saleopens in a new window
  • Autographed Baseballsopens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Baseball Cardsopens in a new window
  • Sports Collectors Storeopens in a new window

Pages

Ending on eBay Soon
  • Baseball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Basketball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Football Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Hockey Card Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
  • Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay Ending Soon
Top 100 on Ebay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Baseball Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Card Auctions
  • Top Authenticated Vintage Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
Most Watched on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Graded Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Tom Brady Card Auctions on eBay
  • 50 Hottest Hobby Boxes at Auction on eBay
  • 50 Most Watched Golf Trading Cards on eBay
  • 50 Most Watched Wrestling Trading Cards on eBay
  • 75 Most Watched Bowman Chrome Cards
  • Most Popular Bobbleheads on eBay
  • Most Watched 1/1 Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Basketball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Complete Baseball Card Sets at Auction on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Rookie Card Auctions
  • Most Watched Goudey Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Hockey Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Racing Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Soccer Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Autographs on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Jerseys on eBay
  • Most Watched Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
  • Most Watched Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay
  • Hottest Panini National Treasures Cards on eBay
  • Hottest PSA 10 Cards for Sale on eBay
  • What’s Hot on eBay
Sports Memorabilia
  • Sports Card Bargain Bin
  • Sports Memorabilia Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
About Sports Collectors Daily
  • Advertise with SC Daily
  • Contact Us
  • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
Sell Your Cards
  • What’s It Worth
  • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?

Copyright © 2023 SportsCollectorsDaily.com | Web Design by Wickam Groupopens in a new window