Trading Card Market Size, Share, Trends | 2032

Report Description

Trading Card Market Outlook 2032

 The global trading card market size was USD 2.91 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.63 Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 3.5% during 2024–2032. The market growth is attributed to evolving consumer preferences and expanding applications across various sectors.

Increasing demand for trading cards reflects a growing trend among consumers, driven by factors such as nostalgia, collectability, and investment potential. Trading cards have evolved beyond traditional sports and encompass a wide range of genres, including entertainment franchises, gaming, and pop culture icons. This diversification has expanded the market to a broad audience, attracting avid collectors, casual enthusiasts, and investors seeking unique and valuable assets.

The emergence of trading card games (TCGs) and competitive gaming events has become a significant driver of the market. Additionally, the growing popularity of esports and organized gaming tournaments has created a new trend for trading card manufacturers, retailers, and content creators to capitalize on the burgeoning gaming industry. For instance,

• In December 2023, according to a published report, the trading card market is expected to achieve a revenue of USD 3 Billion by 2024. Leading the market, the US is forecasted to generate USD 858 Million in revenue in 2024, with a per capita revenue of USD 0.37, attributed to the resurgence of card games on online gaming platforms in countries such as the US and Canada.

Collaborations between trading card companies and entertainment franchises, such as movies, TV shows, and video games, have resulted in exclusive and limited-edition card sets, thus increasing excitement and demand among collectors. Cross-promotional strategies, celebrity endorsements, and themed events have contributed to the market's growth by creating a buzz and driving consumer engagement. The global market presents a dynamic landscape ripe with opportunities for innovation, expansion, and profit.

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Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Trading Card Market

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the trading card market, offering profound impacts across various aspects of the industry. AI-powered algorithms enhance the card grading and authentication processes. These algorithms analyze card condition, authenticity, and rarity with unprecedented accuracy, providing collectors and investors with reliable grading assessments.

AI-driven market analysis tools enable traders to make data-driven decisions, predict market trends, identify valuable cards, and optimize investment strategies. AI-powered recommendation systems personalize trading card shopping experience, suggesting relevant cards based on individual preferences and browsing history. For instance,

• In March 2023, Ludex secured capital for its AI-powered app for pricing collectible trading cards, raising over USD 8 Million in funding from family and friends rounds and convertible debt.

Trading Card Market Dynamics

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Major Drivers

Increasing popularity of trading cards among millennials and Gen Z is driving the market. This demographic cohort is drawn to the nostalgia and collectability of trading cards and the social and cultural significance associated with card collection. Millennials and Gen Z actively drive the adoption of digital trading cards and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), seeking immersive experiences in their card-collecting pursuits. The purchasing power and digital savvy position of Millennials and Gen Z fuel the trading card market.

Rising interest from institutional investors has fueled the market as an alternative asset class with the potential for attractive returns. Recognizing the market's historical resilience and low correlation to traditional financial markets, institutional investors are allocating capital to trading cards as a part of diversified investment portfolios. The emergence of card grading services, authentication technologies, and transparent marketplaces has increased institutional confidence in the authenticity and value of trading cards as investable assets. Institutional demand for trading cards is projected to rise, driving market liquidity, price stability, and the trading card market.

Surging demand for rare and graded cards among collectors and investors is fueling the market. Rare cards featuring iconic athletes, characters, or historical events command premium prices in the secondary market, attracting discerning collectors and speculators. Additionally, the proliferation of professional card grading services has increased the marketability and value of graded cards, assuring authenticity and condition.

Growing adoption of digital trading cards and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is augmenting the market, as consumers seek innovative avenues for collecting and trading cards in the digital age. Digital trading cards offer unique advantages such as instant access, portability, and enhanced interactivity, appealing to tech-savvy collectors and enthusiasts. Moreover, the use of blockchain technology ensures secure ownership and provenance of digital assets, mitigating concerns about counterfeiting and fraud. The proliferation of digital platforms and marketplaces is expected to increase the adoption of digital trading cards, fueling innovation and diversification in the trading card market.

Existing Restraints

Proliferation of counterfeit cards in the digital space is hampering the market. Counterfeiters exploit the popularity of trading cards, producing fake replicas that are difficult to distinguish from authentic cards. This undermines consumer confidence and trust in the market, leading to potential financial losses for collectors and investors. Additionally, the presence of counterfeit cards tarnishes the reputation of legitimate sellers and card grading services, posing a threat to the overall integrity of the trading card industry.

Prevalence of scalpers and speculators in the market creates volatility and artificial inflation of card prices, hindering genuine collectors and enthusiasts from accessing desired cards at reasonable prices. Scalpers purchase large quantities of desirable cards with the sole intent of reselling them at inflated prices, exploiting limited supply and high demand. This practice exacerbates market speculation and disrupts the natural equilibrium between supply and demand, resulting in inflated prices and market instability. As a result, genuine collectors find themselves priced out of the market or forced to pay exorbitant premiums to acquire coveted cards, further impeding the market.

Regulatory uncertainty and inconsistencies across jurisdictions impede the market. The lack of standardized regulations governing the sale, distribution, and taxation of trading cards creates legal ambiguity and compliance challenges for market participants. Additionally, regulatory interventions such as restrictions on card grading practices or bans on certain card formats disrupt market dynamics and limit opportunities.

Emerging Opportunities

­High demand for limited edition and rare cards presents high opportunities for collectors and investors to capitalize on the demand for limited edition and rare cards, which command premium prices in the secondary market. Limited edition cards featuring iconic athletes, characters, or special events generate fervent bidding wars among collectors, driving up their value over time.

Rare cards with unique attributes, such as misprints, autographs, or low production runs, are highly sought after by discerning collectors seeking to complete their collections. As the market continues to evolve, the demand for limited edition and rare cards is expected to remain high, offering lucrative opportunities for market participants.

Increasing accessibility of trading cards through online platforms and marketplaces creates opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts to engage with the market globally. Online platforms offer a wide range of trading cards, from vintage classics to modern releases, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Moreover, the convenience of online purchasing and trading allows collectors to connect with sellers and fellow enthusiasts globally, facilitating seamless transactions and community engagement.

Scope of the Trading Card Market Report

The market report includes an assessment of the market trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics are included in the report.

Trading Card Market Segment Insights

 Product Type Segment Analysis

Based on product type, the trading card market is divided into traditional trading cards and NFT (non-fungible tokens) cards. The traditional trading cards segment is divided into sports cards, trading card games (TCGs), and non-sports cards. The traditional trading cards segment held a major share of the market in 2023, attributed to its established market presence, diverse range of offerings, and widespread collector base.

Traditional trading cards, including sports cards, trading card games (TCGs), and non-sports cards, have a long-standing history and appeal to collectors of all ages. Additionally, the popularity of sports leagues, gaming franchises, and entertainment properties contributes to the sustained demand for traditional trading cards. For instance,

• In 2021, the Pokemon Company International introduced the Pokemon Trading Card Game Live, a digital rendition of its renowned TCG enabling players to collect and engage in battles using virtual cards.

The NFT (non-fungible token) card segment is expected to expand at a significant pace in the years, due to the increasing adoption of blockchain technology and digital collectibles. NFT cards offer unique advantages such as verifiable ownership, scarcity, and interoperability, attracting tech-savvy collectors and investors. Moreover, the growing interest in digital art, gaming, and virtual assets drives demand for NFT cards as innovative collectibles in the digital age.

Distribution Channel Segment Analysis

On the basis of distribution channel, the global market is segregated into retail stores, online platforms, and a secondary market. The online platforms segment held the largest market share in 2023, owing to its convenience, accessibility, and wide range of offerings. Online platforms allow consumers to browse, purchase, and trade trading cards from the comfort of their homes, eliminating geographical barriers and allowing for 24/7 access to the market. Additionally, online platforms offer features such as search filters, price comparisons, and user reviews, enhancing the overall shopping experience for collectors and enthusiasts.

The secondary market segment is expected to expand at a significant growth in the coming years, due to increasing demand for rare and vintage trading cards, and the rise of speculative trading activities. The secondary market allows collectors to buy, sell, and trade pre-owned trading cards, including rare and discontinued editions that are no longer available through retail stores or online platforms. The secondary market is poised to play a crucial role in driving liquidity and price discovery for trading card assets.

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Target Audience Segment Analysis

Based on target audience, the trading card market is segmented into collectors, players, and investors. The collectors segment led the market in terms of revenue in 2023, owing to the longstanding tradition of card collecting, the diverse range of offerings catering to collectors' interests, and the emotional and nostalgic appeal of trading cards.

Collectors are driven by a passion for acquiring and preserving rare, unique, and aesthetically appealing cards, forming extensive collections that hold both sentimental and financial value. Additionally, the growth of online platforms and specialized marketplaces has facilitated easy access to rare and vintage cards, further fueling the demand among collectors.

The investors segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period, owing to the increasing recognition of trading cards as alternative investment assets with the potential for attractive returns. The emergence of professional grading services, transparent marketplaces, and institutional interest in trading cards has increased investor confidence in the authenticity and liquidity of card assets.

Genre Segment Analysis

On the basis of genre, the market is divided into sports and entertainment. The entertainment segment is further divided into movies, TV shows, comics, and video games. The sports segment generated a major revenue share of the market in 2023, due to its popularity among sports enthusiasts, collectors, and investors.

Sports trading cards featuring popular athletes, teams, and leagues command premium prices in the market, driven by factors such as player performance, championship victories, and historical significance. Additionally, the cyclical nature of sports seasons and events creates opportunities for the release of new card sets and special editions, driving demand among collectors and investors. For instance,

• In February 2021, Athletes Unlimited and Topps unveiled plans for a unique series of trading cards exclusively for the first-ever Athletes Unlimited volleyball league. Topps announced an online exclusive trading card set commemorating the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Volleyball league.

The entertainment segment is expected to expand at a significant growth rate in the coming years. The growth is attributed to the growing popularity of entertainment-based trading cards among fans of movies, TV shows, comics, and video games. Entertainment trading cards feature beloved characters, iconic moments, and fan-favorite franchises, appealing to a diverse audience of collectors and enthusiasts.

The proliferation of streaming platforms, online forums, and social media communities has increased awareness and engagement with entertainment-based trading cards, driving demand for new releases and limited editions. As entertainment franchises continue to evolve and expand, the segment is poised to capitalize on this trend and drive the market.

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Age Group Segment Analysis

Based on age group, the trading card market is segmented into children, teens, and adults. The teens segment led the market in terms of revenue in 2023, due to the widespread popularity of trading cards among teenagers, driven by factors such as peer influence, social trends, and the appeal of collectible card games. Teenagers are often avid collectors and players of trading card games (TCGs) such as Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Magic. The gathering contributes to robust sales and market growth. Additionally, the growing trend of digital gaming and e-sports has boosted the appeal of trading cards among teenagers, further fueling the demand for related merchandise and collectibles.

The adult segment is expected to expand at a significant pace in the coming years, owing to increasing disposable income levels, nostalgia-driven purchases, and the growing interest in trading cards as alternative investments. Adults, who grew up collecting trading cards in their youth, are increasingly returning to the hobby as a form of recreation, nostalgia, and investment. Moreover, the emergence of rare and limited-edition trading cards, along with the rise of online marketplaces and auction platforms, have attracted adult collectors and investors seeking to build valuable collections and portfolios.

Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global trading card market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. North America held a major market share in 2023, due to its established presence of key market players, robust collector base, and high disposable income levels. The region benefits from a strong tradition of card collecting, particularly in sports and entertainment, driving consistent demand for trading cards. Additionally, the advanced e-commerce infrastructure and widespread access to online marketplaces further contribute to the market dominance in the region.

The market in Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a significant pace in the coming years, owing to the burgeoning population of tech-savvy consumers, increasing disposable income levels, and growing interest in digital collectibles from the region. Rising acceptance of digital technologies and the widespread adoption of mobile devices are boosting the market in the region. Moreover, the rich cultural heritage and diverse entertainment industry provide ample opportunities for the development and distribution of unique and appealing trading card content in the region.

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