How Graded Non-Sports Cards Are Growing
Graded non-sports cards surged in 2025 and overtook sports cards in grading volume, led by TCGs and pop-culture franchises driving long-term market growth.
How Graded Non-Sports Cards Are Growing
The collectibles market saw a major shift in 2025: non-sports cards and TCGs outpaced sports cards in grading volume for the first time ever. Grading companies processed 26.8 million cards, with 16.8 million of those being non-sports cards - a 95% surge from 2024. Meanwhile, sports cards dropped to 10 million, a 12% decline.
Key highlights:
-
Pokémon cards dominated with 16.1 million graded, surpassing the combined totals of baseball, football, and basketball cards.
-
Non-sports cards now account for 58% of global card circulation, driven by nostalgia and strong franchises like Pokémon, Marvel, and Star Wars.
-
High-profile sales, like a 1999 Prerelease Raichu Holo ($550,000) and a 1977 Star Wars Luke Skywalker ($268,400), boosted interest in non-sports cards as investment assets.
The market is projected to grow from $13 billion in 2025 to $21 billion by 2034, with TCGs and non-sports cards leading the way. Tools like ShowVault simplify collection management, allowing collectors to track and showcase their growing portfolios across platforms.
Bottom line: Non-sports cards have shifted from niche collectibles to a dominant force in the market, offering opportunities for both new and seasoned collectors.
Market Growth and Trends
The 2025 numbers reveal a dramatic transformation in the grading industry and collector preferences. Trading card games (TCG) and non-sports cards experienced a massive surge, growing between 95% and 97% year-over-year to hit 16.8 million graded cards. Meanwhile, sports cards saw a decline of 12%, dropping to 10 million cards graded. For the first time, non-sports cards decisively surpassed sports cards in grading volume.1
Breaking it down further, the sports category showed mixed results. Basketball cards took a steep dive, falling by 23%, and baseball cards dropped by 14%. In contrast, football cards bucked the trend with an 11% increase.1 On the non-sports side, Pokémon dominated, with 16.1 million cards graded - an impressive figure that outpaced the combined totals of baseball (3.6 million), football (3.0 million), and basketball (2.1 million).4
The global market is expected to grow from $13 billion in 2025 to $21 billion by 2034, with much of this growth driven by TCG and non-sports cards. This segment, valued at $7.8 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $12 billion by 2030.6, 7 These figures highlight how non-sports cards are becoming the primary engine of growth in the collectibles industry, offsetting the slowdown in traditional sports cards.
Several factors have fueled this rapid growth. One key development was the PSA–GameStop partnership, which hit a milestone of 1 million graded cards by May 2025. This collaboration made grading more accessible for collectors and positioned collectibles as a significant revenue stream for retailers.2 Additionally, high-profile auction results have reshaped the perception of non-sports cards as serious investment opportunities. For instance, a 1999 Prerelease Raichu Holo (PSA 6) sold for $550,000 in September 2025, while a 1977 Topps Star Wars #1 Luke Skywalker (PSA 10) fetched $268,400 the following month.6 These record-breaking sales have elevated non-sports cards from nostalgic mementos to valuable assets.
This dynamic market growth is setting the stage for evolving grading practices and renewed enthusiasm among collectors, topics that will be explored further in the next section.
Grading Trends and Collector Appeal
The rise of non-sports cards isn't just about numbers; it's about the emotional and cultural pull they hold for collectors. In 2025, basketball card grading saw a 23% drop, and baseball cards followed with a 14% decline. Meanwhile, non-sports cards surged in popularity, driven by nostalgia, their connection to beloved franchises, and unique collectible designs that sports cards can't replicate.1 These shifts highlight how major intellectual property (IP) franchises are keeping collectors engaged year after year.
Franchises like Pokémon, Marvel, and Star Wars - each with fanbases exceeding 300 million - are at the heart of this growth. New movies, shows, and games continuously introduce fresh content, keeping collectors invested. Unlike sports cards, whose values often depend on athlete performance and seasonal trends, non-sports cards hold steady appeal through their emotional resonance and lasting significance.
Rare card variants add another layer of value. Holographic editions, limited-run chase cards (with print runs as low as 100–500), and "Black Label" perfect grades from companies like Beckett create intense demand in the secondary market.5, 2 Adult collectors, who make up 67% of the market and drive over 80% of grading submissions, increasingly treat these rare cards as investment assets. Their scarcity only amplifies the emotional connection and prestige tied to these iconic franchises.
Sports card collecting, on the other hand, often revolves around "blue-chip" legends or short-term performance spikes, leading to market fluctuations tied to sports seasons.5 Non-sports collectors, by contrast, are drawn to milestones like character debuts, blockbuster movie releases, and streaming series that sustain interest over time. This shift is evident in the numbers: non-sports cards now account for 58% of global card circulation, leaving sports cards at 42%.5
Collector Benefits and Platform Integration
With the rise of graded non-sports cards reshaping the market, keeping track of collections across multiple platforms has become a real headache for collectors. If your cards are stored with PSA, Alt, and Fanatics, you’re likely juggling multiple logins and interfaces, trying to piece together a clear picture of your portfolio. This fragmented system has created a need for solutions like ShowVault.
ShowVault simplifies this process with its multi-vault synchronization feature. Using the VaultBridge browser extension, it pulls in card data - like certification numbers, grades, card details, and high-resolution images - straight from your vault pages. Importantly, it does this without storing sensitive login information. The result? A single dashboard that lets you view and update your entire collection with just a click. No more dealing with clunky spreadsheets or manually entering certification numbers. Just sync, and your inventory is instantly refreshed.
"ShowVault unifies your PSA, Alt, and Fanatics inventories into one shareable gallery." 9
Another standout feature is the ability to share your collection. Instead of sending links to multiple tabs, you can create a custom URL showcasing your entire collection. This gallery includes vault-provided scans and live pricing, and you control what information is visible. Details like your cost basis, purchase prices, or personal notes remain private unless you decide to share them.
ShowVault also prioritizes privacy and security. Your vault credentials are never transmitted or saved. The extension only reads the data visible on your vault page and sends it through encrypted channels when you manually trigger a sync. This is especially critical for collectors handling high-value items, such as the PSA 9 Pikachu Illustrator card that sold for $16.5 million in February 2026 10.
Whether you're into sports or non-sports cards, these tools make managing collections much easier. But for non-sports collectors, the need is even greater due to the rapid growth in grading activity. By solving the challenges of fragmented inventory management, platforms like ShowVault allow collectors to spend less time on logistics and more time growing their collections.
Pros and Cons
Taking a closer look at graded non-sports and sports cards reveals some clear advantages and challenges for each category. The diverging trends - non-sports cards experiencing a surge while sports cards face a decline - underscore key differences in collector interest and investment risks.
Challenges with Sports Cards
Sports cards, particularly modern ones, are grappling with what some call the "Junk Wax 2.0" era. Overproduction is a major issue, with more than 429 million NBA cards produced during the 2025–26 season alone. This flood of supply drives down values and increases risk for collectors and investors 11. While vintage sports cards (pre-1980s) maintain their value due to fixed supply, modern cards often struggle. For instance, modern rookie cards can lose up to 50% of their value within a single season if the athlete underperforms 12.
Non-Sports Cards: A Different Story
Non-sports cards, particularly vintage ones tied to entertainment franchises, have carved out a niche driven by scarcity and nostalgia. While modern trading card game (TCG) sets can also face overproduction challenges, vintage cards like the 1977 Star Wars "Luke Skywalker" #1 (PSA 10) or the 1966 Batman #1 (PSA 9) have fetched impressive auction prices - $78,000 and $45,000, respectively 8. These sales show that non-sports cards can compete with high-end sports cards when it comes to value.
Key Comparisons at a Glance
The table below highlights the strengths and weaknesses of graded non-sports and sports cards, making it easier to compare the two categories side by side.
| Category | Graded Non-Sports Cards | Graded Sports Cards |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Growth Rate | +95% to +97% 1, 3 | -12% 3 |
| Market Share (Global Volume) | 58% 5 | 42% 5 |
| Primary Drivers | Pop culture, anime, gaming franchises 5 | Athlete performance, league hype 5, 12 |
| Investment Risk | High supply for modern sets; stable for vintage 3 | High volatility for modern; stable for vintage 3, 12 |
| Collector Demographics | 33% Juvenile / 67% Adult 5 | 80% Adult investors 5 |
| Preferred Grading Companies | PSA (69% share) or CGC (25% of TCG) 4 | PSA (76% share) or SGC (vintage focus) 4 |
| Supply Challenges | Modern TCG overproduction concerns 3 | "Junk Wax 2.0" overproduction crisis 11 |
This comparison illustrates how non-sports cards, backed by nostalgia and pop culture, are thriving, while sports cards are facing hurdles due to overproduction and market saturation.
Conclusion
The non-sports graded card market has seen a dramatic shift, fueled by verifiable scarcity, a deep sense of nostalgia tied to franchises like Star Wars and Pokémon, and trusted third-party authentication that transforms cards into tangible, tradeable assets.
Collector and trader Marty Quinn sums it up perfectly:
"Non-sports cards are coming into their own but they have not hit their peak yet. That means this is a great time to get started."13
Whether you're captivated by vintage entertainment sets or the latest TCG releases, the key is prioritizing quality over quantity. High-grade, authenticated cards - PSA 7 or higher for vintage pieces - offer the best potential, especially when they combine rarity with enduring appeal. This growing market is further bolstered by tools designed to simplify collection management.
Managing a substantial non-sports card collection goes beyond basic spreadsheets. Platforms like ShowVault bring all your PSA, Alt, and Fanatics vault inventories together in one streamlined dashboard. For $24.95 per quarter, collectors gain access to real-time valuations, high-resolution scans, and even a shareable public storefront. With daily market updates and privacy controls, you can monitor market trends while keeping your most prized "grails" secure. Tools like ShowVault make tracking and managing your collection easier than ever.
Non-sports cards have transitioned from a niche pastime into a legitimate asset class. For those looking to diversify or dive into the market, this is an exciting moment to explore what non-sports cards have to offer.
FAQs
Should I grade non-sports cards or keep them raw?
Grading non-sports cards can be a smart move, but it hinges on a few key factors: market demand, card condition, and potential resale value. Getting a card graded often enhances its appeal by authenticating it, offering protection, and potentially boosting its worth - if the premium from a higher grade justifies the grading costs.
That said, not every card benefits from grading. Some cards may actually sell better ungraded, especially if the cost of grading outweighs any increase in value. Before making the call, take a close look at the card's condition and keep an eye on market trends to ensure it's the right decision.
What non-sports cards are most worth grading first?
Grading non-sports cards can be a smart move, especially if you focus on categories like Pokémon, trading card games (TCG), and cards tied to movies, TV shows, or pop culture. These areas have seen a surge in popularity, with demand steadily increasing in the graded card market. By targeting these types of cards, collectors can tap into growing trends and potentially boost the value of their collections.
How can I track PSA, Alt, and Fanatics cards in one place?
ShowVault lets you keep track of your PSA, Alt, and Fanatics cards all in one place. It merges your inventories from these grading companies into a unified, shareable gallery. With features like vault synchronization, centralized inventory management, and an intuitive dashboard, ShowVault makes it simple to organize, monitor, and display your graded card collection.
Sources
1. https://www.si.com/collectibles/over-26-million-cards-graded-in-2025-how-the-market-exploded
3. https://www.drawntocards.com/p/more-than-26-million-cards-were-graded-in-2025
4. https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/major-authenticators-graded-more-26-051500958.html
5. https://www.marketreportsworld.com/market-reports/collectible-trading-cards-market-14722096
6. https://www.si.com/collectibles/top-5-non-sports-card-sales-of-2025
7. https://shopcardsusa.com/blogs/news/trading-card-trends-that-will-shape-collecting-in-2025-2026
8. https://entertainment.ha.com/information/non-sports-trading-cards.s
10. https://showvault.net/blog
11. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sports-cards-market-growth-2026-162318968.html
12. https://www.intelmarketresearch.com/sports-collectible-card-market-28543
13. https://www.psacard.com/articles/articleview/4802/tracking-non-sports-boom