Sports Card Experts See Boom In Trading Card Interest Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The sports trading card business has been surging during the pandemic, as some collectors pick up a new hobby and others return to a childhood favorite.

It is not just baseball cards, experts say basketball and football cards are growing in popularity.

Adam Thomas, owner of S&S Sports Cards in Broken Arrow, said his store has been busier than ever. A basic pack bought for a few dollars may contain a limited stock card worth thousands.

"Don't treat everything as an investment or as a 'get rich quick' scheme," said Thomas. "Collect what you like, whether that's a player or a team or a type of card and enjoy the hobby."

Two cards fetched big prices last month: a signed Patrick Mahomes football card auctioned for $861,000, and a Mickey Mantle baseball card sold for a record $5.2 million.