The trading card industry is buzzing with excitement after setting a new benchmark in sales for June 2025, witnessing a staggering $305.7 million spent on sports and trading cards. This figure eclipses the previous high of $303.22 million recorded in March, marking the single most lucrative month the industry has seen, according to insights from Card Ladder. The fervor of collectors and enthusiasts combined with the relentless pursuit of choice pieces have propelled trading cards to unprecedented heights, and late incoming data could push this record even higher into the stratosphere as July unfolds.
The heart of this colossal surge beats strongest in the halls of eBay, where card sales accounted for over $245 million. This online marketplace, a veritable treasure trove for both casual collectors and seasoned veterans, has proven to be an indispensable pillar of the trading card industry. Not far behind, Goldin hauled in a commendable $32 million, bolstered by their exclusive sales and offerings that entice high-end collectors. Fanatics Collect also made a notable contribution, adding another $27 million to the total pot. Altogether, Card Ladder registered an astonishing 5.2 million individual transactions during June, making it the second-highest month the platform has ever recorded in terms of sheer volume.
In terms of individual sales, June witnessed a standout deal that had everyone talking. Goldin played the host to the month’s most significant transaction—a 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logoman card featuring basketball legends LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. It achieved a princely sum of $1.16 million, making it the only card sold in June to breach the seven-figure threshold. A perfect blend of star power and rarity, this card stands as a testament to the perceived value and allure of trading cards as sought-after collectibles.
The market’s burgeoning enthusiasm is reflected not just in mesmerizing seven-figure sales but also throughout the spectrum of high-end transactions. In total, six cards commanded prices exceeding $500,000, while 68 different cards charmed buyers enough to exceed the $100,000 mark. Meanwhile, 239 cards found new homes for sums north of $50,000, underscoring a robust and growing strength within the premium segment of the market.
The fervent pace even ignited growth in grading activity—an essential bellwether of industry health. GemRate has reported an unprecedented 12.4 million cards graded so far in 2025, marking a remarkable 25% increase from the previous year. These figures highlight the vitality of the market as collectors clamor for authenticated and accurately rated collectibles. Intriguingly, trading card games (TCG) and non-sports cards made up a significant portion of this uptick, with Pokémon continuing to flex its muscles as a formidable force. In fact, an eye-popping 97 out of the top 100 most graded cards at PSA this year bear the Pokémon name, demonstrating the enduring popularity of these energized creatures in the world of collectibles.
This record-breaking month serves to cap off a remarkably strong first half of the year for the hobby, with enthusiasm expected to buoy the market through the rest of 2025 and beyond. The fervor permeating the air is palpable, unfurling not only across sports but also within the realms of trading card games and even broader categories. Collectors and enthusiasts are constantly on the lookout for pieces that not only hold historical significance but also personal meaning, fueling their passion and driving the market forward.
As the sun rises on the back half of 2025, the optimism and excitement surrounding trading cards seem boundless. Collectors, investors, and casual enthusiasts alike are finding common ground in a hobby that marries nostalgia with investment potential, delighting in the stories captured within each card’s frame. The fervor for trading cards continues to surge onward, seemingly with no summit yet in sight. This recent record-breaking month in June is not a mere flash in the pan, but a dazzling beacon signaling more thrilling chapters yet to come in the saga of trading card collectibles.
