Sports card collecting is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in North America, and for good reason — it combines the thrill of sports fandom with the excitement of collecting and the potential for smart investing.
Whether you're drawn in by a favourite player, a nostalgic childhood memory, or the buzz around rookie cards, getting started doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's how to begin.
Step 1: Choose Your Focus
The biggest mistake new collectors make is trying to collect everything. Start with a player or team you genuinely love. A focused collection is more rewarding and easier to manage than a scattered one.
Popular starting points:
- A current superstar's rookie cards (Patrick Mahomes, Shohei Ohtani, Connor McDavid)
- A team's core players across multiple years
- A specific set or product (Panini Prizm, Topps Chrome, Upper Deck Series 1)
Step 2: Learn the Basics
Understanding card terminology will help you shop smarter:
- Base card: The standard version of a card in a set
- Rookie card (RC): A player's first officially licensed card
- Parallel: A variant of a base card with different colouring or foil
- Auto: An autographed card
- Numbered card: Limited to a specific print run (e.g., /25 means only 25 exist)
- Graded card: A card that has been professionally evaluated and encased
Step 3: Set a Budget
You don't need to spend a lot to have a great collection. Cards under $5 can be beautiful and significant. Set a monthly budget and stick to it — this hobby can be addictive!
Step 4: Buy Smart
Buying individual cards ('singles') is almost always better value than opening packs. The expected value of most packs is lower than their retail price. Buying exactly the cards you want, at market price, is smarter collecting.
Step 5: Store Properly
Protect your cards from day one:
- Penny sleeves: Cheap plastic sleeves for every card
- Top loaders: Rigid plastic holders for better cards
- Card binders: For storing and displaying your collection
- Storage boxes: Long-term storage for large collections
Welcome to the hobby — it's a great one!