The collectibles market has never been more dynamic and surprising than in 2025, with emerging trends and unexpected champions reshaping how enthusiasts view trading cards and memorabilia.

Industry leaders from top platforms like TCGplayer, PSA, and eBay are unanimous: this year has been transformative. Rob Bigler, CEO of TCGplayer, highlighted the massive surge in demand for emerging game trading cards, specifically noting the immediate popularity of Riftbound, the new League of Legends trading card game, and the remarkable rise of One Piece Card Game.

One of the most exciting developments has been the increasing spotlight on female athletes. Brian Dwyer from REA emphasized the WNBA's pivotal role in driving collector interest, noting a fresh demographic emerging that promises to be a significant pillar in collecting for years to come.

The international collector market has also expanded dramatically, with racing, soccer, and global superstars like Shohei Ohtani driving unprecedented global engagement. The upcoming 2026 Olympics and World Cup are expected to further accelerate this trend.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the Pokémon world saw an unexpected hero emerge. Elizabeth Gruene from PSA revealed that Budew - a previously overlooked character - has become a sensation, with some calling it potentially the most powerful card in the game's history.

Quarterback card markets continue to demonstrate remarkable volatility, with Drake Maye, Jaxson Dart, and Jayden Daniels generating significant online search interest. This underscores the hobby's rapid responsiveness to emerging athletic talent.

David Hunt of Hunt Auctions offered a nuanced perspective, noting the fascinating pricing dynamics where current athletes can suddenly command values rivaling or exceeding legendary predecessors - a trend both exciting and unpredictable.

As 2025 concludes, the collectibles market stands at an exciting crossroads, blending technological innovation, global connectivity, and an increasingly diverse range of interests that promise to make collecting more inclusive and dynamic than ever before.