June 2025 will be remembered as a landmark month in the bustling world of trading cards, where history met hype in a dazzling display of spending. Enthusiasts and investors alike watched in awe as over $305 million were funneled into the trading card marketplace, setting a new industry benchmark that left March’s high-flying record of $303.22 million in the metaphorical dust. As July ushers in its sunshine, late-arriving sales data might just nudge that figure even higher, further cementing June’s reputation as the month that broke the bank in the best way possible.
The main stage for this trading card spectacular was none other than eBay, the e-commerce titan that has long been a go-to for physical cardboard treasure hunters. With its share of over $245 million in card sales, eBay reigned supreme, proving that even in a digital era, the appetite for tangible relics of sports and pop culture remains insatiably robust. Close on its heels, and certainly not to be overlooked, were the prestigious auction house Goldin and the innovative Fanatics Collect, contributing a handsome $32 million and $27 million, respectively, to the grand total.
Card Ladder, the data sentinel of the trading card universe, showcased a staggering 5.2 million individual transactions during June, a near-record-breaking feat in itself. The platform bubbled with activity like champagne in a collector’s victory glass, witnessing transactions that ranged from promising rookies to nostalgic nods to yesteryear.
But what truly made June stand out? Well, lovers of the sportscard game had their dreams dashed or delivered by none other than a 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logoman card. This crown jewel, featuring basketball legends LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, sold for a staggering $1.16 million at Goldin, standing alone in the seven-figure stratosphere for the month. It was a sale that highlighted not only the enduring allure of NBA icons but also underscored the appetite for rarity and prestige in the card world.
Furthermore, the champagne corks continued popping as six additional cards cleared the half-million-dollar hurdle, a whopping 68 rushed past the $100,000 mark, and an army of 239 basked in the glow of exceeding $50,000. It’s a testament to the ever-expanding high-end card market, where collectors measure success not just in dollars but in the tales each card tells.
In parallel, the grading galaxies experienced a surge of epic proportions. According to GemRate, a key player in the card grading cosmos, an unprecedented 12.4 million cards found themselves scrutinized under magnifiers this year—a remarkable 25% increase over the previous year. Notably dominant in this arena were TCG (Trading Card Game) and non-sports cards, with the Pokémon brand continuing to cast its powerful, nostalgic spell over fans both old and new. This year alone, Pokémon cards occupy 97 of the top 100 positions on PSA’s most-graded list, rivaling even the most powerful of potions in terms of popularity.
As the final days of June faded into July, the message was clear: the trading card market is not just alive but thriving with the vigor of a game-winning slam dunk. This record-setting month rounds off an exhilarating first half of 2025, marked by rising tides in both sports cards and TCGs. Whether driven by passion or the promise of potential returns, the momentum is palpable, setting the stage for a second half that promises even more surprises and soaring figures.
The trading card renaissance seems to be far from over, as fans and collectors alike continue to embrace their pastime with fervor and commitment. As new players enter the field and established giants like eBay and Fanatics expand their footprints, the horizon looks hopeful—tinged with the vibrant colors of cherished collectibles, ready and waiting for the next great record to be shattered.
