While the hobby covid crescendo is over, The hobby is still alive and well. A trip to almost any show will indicate such. Speaking of shows, we are seeing more of them, in frequency, size and in places that haven't had them prior. As always is in the life cycle of the hobby, many collectors have donned dealer hats and are setting up at their first shows on the “other side of the table”.
More selling platforms are arriving on scene, allowing more opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Technology continues to advance which allows for better photos and presentation along with other processes. You have approximately over 200 plus grading companies to choose from if that's your bag. Although the hobby generally only recognizes between four and six of them.
New local card shops continue to open up and in many cases existing shops are opening second or third stores in different cities or even states.
Auction houses continue to thrive and set records highlighting some incredible cards and memorabilia.
The hobby now has a TV show shown on all the jumbotrons across Major League Baseball. A documentary series on Netflix and the Major League Baseball Network itself has incorporated the hobby into its programming. We've seen the continued entry of athletes and celebrities into the hobby and it looks like that trend will continue.
We've seen collabs, mergers, acquisitions and partnerships. On the corporate side and the show side and more. The NIL has been a game changer for the hobby allowing more and younger athletes the chance to appear on cardboard and chrome and get paid in the process. However it may muddy up the “What's their rookie card?” conversation.
We've also heard about attempted acquisitions being blocked or rejected and companies scratching and clawing to survive and thrive.
A young lady makes an “off color” comment during an interview and becomes an overnight sensation and soon finds her way to sign cardboard for all to purchase..life is good for her.
I've been in the hobby for a long time now and I always say “I've seen everything” but in reality I haven't. Every year this hobby continues to evolve in both good and bad ways. There's always something new, a company, an innovation, an idea, a way to collect. Yes shortly a company will soon control a major portion of the hobby but the NIL/College aspect has opened new doors for other companies and collectors alike.
However, as collectors we've already had many doors to choose from, whether we realized that or not. Even with the new hobby landscape we still will. If you don't like something, go in a different direction. Don't like the new stuff or how it's being handled/distributed or priced. I fully get that. Buy/Collect the stuff already produced. There's no expiration dates on the cards or the hobby itself.
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