In an astonishing whirlwind of nostalgia and investment savvy, the trading card hobby world found itself breaking new ceilings this June 2025, basking in the glory of more than $305 million being dropped on sports and trading cards. The numbers haven’t simply inched past a milestone but have effectively catapulted over the previous record established just this March. It seems collectors and investors alike have been bitten by the cardboard bug, and it’s infectious enough to see numbers climbing with no signs of abatement.

This surge, confirmed by Card Ladder, suggests that the allure of trading cards—despite living in an era drenched with pixels pushing boundaries in virtual spaces—is more robust than ever. The tangible thrill of owning a piece of history, or a hint of rarity wrapped in paper and plastic, evidently pulls strong enough to keep this market not only afloat but thriving.

Dominating the landscape of trading card sales, eBay emerged as the primary powerhouse, responsible for an impressive lion’s share—over $245 million of the total sales. Goldin and Fanatics Collect were not ones to be dwarfed, joining the celebration of numbers with $32 million and $27 million in sales, respectively. These platforms function not only as marketplaces but as grand arenas where enthusiasts wield their digital bidding paddles in fervent pursuit of their collectible counterparts.

Across this vibrant stage in the hobby, Card Ladder’s data showed more than a mere hustle and bustle—it chronicled 5.2 million individual transactions. Such activity marked June as one of the busiest months on record, drawing a map of frenetic interest on a landscape previously thought to be quaintly niche.

Capturing the crown jewel of the month was a transcendent sale realized by Goldin: a 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logoman card, bearing both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant’s imprints, glided gracefully over the million-dollar mark, securing a profound $1.16 million. This card stood alone at this towering height, a symbol of the high-caliber engagements that form the crux of the high-end market.

Yet the trickle-down effect in terms of appeal was just as notable. Below this singular sale were six cards that broke the $500,000 threshold, while 68 achieved sales past the $100,000 line, and a significant 239 journeyed past $50,000. Each of these records testifies to a burgeoning belief in the future value of these cards, akin to seeking hidden treasures in plain sight.

The underpinning momentum of this movement was also energized by a newfound zeal for grading, the seraph of authentication and value-realization in this space. According to GemRate, 12.4 million cards have been graded so far in the year, marking a remarkable 25% increase over the preceding year. Within these figures dwells an interesting tidbit: 7.2 million of these graded marvels hail from the TCG and non-sport domains. Here, Pokémon cards reign supreme, playing its own evolutionary game by placing 97 models among the top 100 most graded cards at PSA, proving that the love for Pikachu and the gang is an enduring legacy.

Observing the trajectory of this record-smashing month, it becomes clear that the trading card hobby is waltzing hand-in-hand alongside the modern manifestation of collecting culture. It dances through realms of nostalgia and investment, forging an alchemy that appeals to both the heart and the pocket.

As June draws its curtains, the stage is set for a continued spectacle in the second half of 2025. Enthusiasts are left both satiated and insatiably curious about the possibilities the remaining months hold for a marketplace basking in its prime. Whether it’s the thrill of the chase, the anticipation of the auction hammer, or the strategic maneuvers of investment that fuels their passion, the world of trading cards stands as a mystic arena where value is not only determined by asset or rarity but equally by personal attachment and the shared stories of a global community.

Trading Card Sales Record Broken