💥Fanatics Is Going Global—And So Is Your Card Market

The Game Just Changed—Are You Ready to Play Smarter?

What happens when Fanatics takes the global stage, grading gets trickier, and collectors like “Mike” start flipping smarter instead of harder? This week’s Playbook dives into the shifting sands of the card market—from Fanatics’ massive moves in Europe to the precise strategies you must use before sending your next card to PSA. If you’re still grading everything shiny, it’s time to pivot—or risk leaving profits on the table.

Let’s break down what’s changing, what’s working, and how to profit from the plays others are missing.

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Let’s get into it!

Breaking News

Fanatics Is Going Global—And So Is Your Card Market

Fanatics is making major waves in the global trading card market. After acquiring Topps in 2022, they've ramped up aggressively—projecting trading‑card revenue to leap from $1.6 billion in 2024, surpass $2 billion this year, and hit nearly $3 billion by 2026. They're expanding globally with their first London store—on Regent Street—and just secured exclusive English Premier League licensing. This isn't just retail; it's an immersive hobby‑hub strategy aimed at unlocking collector demand across Europe and beyond. (More)

Meanwhile, on the grading front, the Sport Illustrated Hobby U report warns that we're in a new era. Sending cards for grading now requires finer strategy—grading fees are higher, buyer expectations tougher, and often, raw ungraded cards are priced as high as graded PSA‑9 versions. Only submit high‑ROI cards like Chrome prospect autos, true short-prints, rare veteran inserts, or junk‑wax gems in top condition. (More)

Weekly Playbook

Why Mike Stopped Grading Rookies and Started Printing Profits

A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a local collector, “Mike,” down at a card show. He pulled out a glossy Chrome rookie auto he’d been holding onto since last fall.

He wanted it graded—but after seeing the fees and waiting time, he nearly bailed.

Then he flipped it: bought a sealed Chrome pack, pulled a true short‑print insert, graded that instead, and sold it for almost 5× his investment.

Mike walked away with cash in hand and paper profit tattooed on his smile.

In today's market, grading is less about slabs and more about strategy.

It’s not a one-size-fits‑all game. You have to be surgical—target only what gives returns, not what looks shiny.

That Chrome rookie auto might seem irresistible—but unless it's a low‑pop Bowman rookie or a true SSP, tossing it through PSA could cost more than it returns.

Instead, shift your plays toward short‑prints and hard‑to‑find relics. And with Fanatics expanding globally, demand for those niche hits just keeps rising. Your timing to strike is now.

Ready to pivot and profit?

My $7 Sports Card Profit Playbook dives deep into exactly which cards to grade, when to submit them, and how to ride this Fanatics boom.

Get access now—before grading fees climb again.

Grab yours today and start flipping smarter, not harder.

-Justin Thompson, Playbook Editor

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