US Trading Cards Market is segmented By Type (Sports trading cards, Non-sports trading cards, Other trading cards), By Application (Collectible, Competitive gaming, Investment), and By Distribution Channels (Online and Offline)

US Trading Cards Market shall reach a value of $3.4 Billion in 2033, growing with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2033.

US Trading Cards refer to collectible cards featuring various themes, including sports, entertainment, and gaming. These cards gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century. In 1980s and 1990s, sports trading cards, like baseball and basketball, dominated the market, featuring player photos, statistics, and limited-edition inserts. Additionally, non-sports trading cards featured pop culture icons, movies, and TV shows, appealing to a diverse audience. Collectors often sought rare cards and complete sets, driving a vibrant trading and resale market. While their popularity has evolved with changing trends, US Trading Cards remain a nostalgic and cherished hobby for many enthusiasts.

Pop Culture Trends in the US is driving the market growth. Pop Culture Trends play a pivotal role in propelling the growth of the US Trading Cards market. This dynamic relationship is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the release of highly anticipated movies, TV shows, or the emergence of new sports stars creates a surge in demand for trading cards featuring these cultural icons. Fans seek to own tangible pieces of their favorite characters or athletes, driving up sales and prices. Secondly, the collectible card market often relies on nostalgia, and pop culture trends trigger feelings of nostalgia for collectors, prompting them to revisit their favorite franchises or sports eras through trading cards. Moreover, special editions and promotional tie-ins with pop culture events or anniversaries can generate buzz and excitement among collectors. Limited-edition cards or sets tied to significant cultural moments become highly coveted items. Lastly, social media and online communities play a crucial role in amplifying the impact of pop culture trends. Collectors share their finds, discuss upcoming releases, and create a sense of urgency around acquiring cards related to trending pop culture phenomena. All these factors together create a symbiotic relationship between pop culture trends and the US Trading Cards market, driving its growth and vibrancy.

However, Digital Competition and Changing Interests present significant restraints to the US Trading Cards market. The emergence of digital collectibles, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs), has diverted the attention and investment of both collectors and investors. Digital cards offer the advantages of instant ownership, ease of trading, and blockchain-backed provenance, posing a formidable challenge to the traditional physical card market. Additionally, changing consumer interests, particularly among younger generations, have shifted toward digital entertainment, gaming, and virtual experiences, diminishing the allure of physical trading cards. As a result, the market must grapple with adapting to these evolving preferences and technologies, while also seeking innovative ways to bridge the digital-physical divide to remain relevant and engaging to collectors of all ages.

Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the US Trading Cards market. Initially, it disrupted production, distribution, and card shows due to lockdowns and supply chain disruptions. However, it also led to a surge in online sales as collectors turned to e-commerce platforms. With people spending more time at home, nostalgia-driven purchases and a renewed interest in trading cards boosted the market. The pandemic also accelerated the adoption of digital card collecting and NFTs. Overall, while COVID-19 initially caused challenges, it ultimately drove resilience and innovation within the industry, with online platforms becoming increasingly essential for both collectors and sellers.

According to the type, the sports trading cards segment has held 67% revenue share in 2022. The sports cards have a long-standing and passionate collector base deeply rooted in American culture. Iconic sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB produce cards featuring beloved athletes, attracting dedicated fans. Sports performance directly influences card values, creating excitement around notable achievements. Additionally, the scarcity of rookie cards and limited-edition inserts fosters a competitive market. Lastly, sports trading cards offer a tangible connection to athletes and the thrill of collecting pieces of sporting history, making them a dominant force in the trading card landscape.

According to the distribution channels, the offline segment has held 71% revenue share in 2022. The offline segment maintains a significant share in the US Trading Cards market for several reasons. Firstly, physical card stores and trading card shows offer collectors a tangible and interactive experience, allowing them to examine cards, trade with fellow enthusiasts, and build a sense of community. Secondly, nostalgia plays a vital role, as many collectors have a deep connection to the physical cards from their youth. Additionally, card grading services, authentication, and appraisal companies often operate in the offline space, providing essential services for collectors. Lastly, traditional sports and hobby shops serve as key distribution points for trading cards, contributing to the offline segments dominance in the market.

Recent Strategic Developments
• In 2023, Fanatics inked a multi-year agreement with the National Basketball Association, securing exclusive trading card rights with the league.
• In 2023, the Upper Deck Company entered into a multi-year partnership with Major League Baseball, securing exclusive trading card rights within the league.
• In 2023, the Upper Deck Company and The Walt Disney Company unveiled their merger plans, forming a new entity named Upper Deck Entertainment.
• In 2022, Panini America and Fanatics announced their merger, leading to the creation of a new entity known as Panini Fanatics.

Years considered for this report
• Historical Years: 2021 - 2022
• Base Year: 2022
• Forecast Period: 2023-2033

US Trading Cards Market Research Report Analysis Highlights
• Historical data available (as per request)
• Estimation/ projections/ forecast for revenue and unit sales (2022 - 2033)
• Data breakdown for application Industries (2022 - 2033)
• Integration and collaboration analysis of companies
• Capacity analysis with application sector breakdown
• Business trend and expansion analysis
• Import and export analysis
• Competition analysis/market share
• Supply chain analysis
• Client list and case studies
• Market entry strategies adopted by emerging companies

US Trading Cards Market Segments

By Type (Revenue, USD Million, 2022 - 2033)
• Sports trading cards
• Non-sports trading cards
• Other trading cards

By Application (Revenue, USD Million, 2022 - 2033)
• Collectible
• Competitive gaming
• Investment

Distribution Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2022 - 2033)
• Offline Channels
• Online Channels

US Trading Cards Market Companies
• The Topps Company, Inc.
• Panini America, Inc.
• Upper Deck Company, LLC
• Leaf Trading Cards
• Rittenhouse Archives, Ltd.
• Cryptozoic Entertainment
• Press Pass, Inc.
• In The Game Trading Cards
• BenchWarmer Trading Cards
• Onyx Authenticated

Available Versions of Tradings Cards Market Report:
Global Trading Cards Market Research Report
Europe Trading Cards Market Research Report
Middle East Trading Cards Market Research Report
APAC Trading Cards Market Research Report
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