Introduction: The Sports Card Boom Continues
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the sports card market, you know that 2025 has been nothing short of electric. Between the NFL season heating up and the MLB playoffs right around the corner, collector demand is skyrocketing. Football stars and baseball rookies alike are fueling card price surges, with some doubling in value in just 30 days.
In this week’s Top 5 Sports Cards Update by Sports Card Investor and Market Movers, we’ll break down the hottest risers in the hobby, explore the Sports Card Market Pulse, and give you a clear view of which players are catching fire among collectors.
Sports Card Market Pulse
Before diving into the top performers, let’s take a step back and look at the broader sports card market.
-
The SCI 500 Index, which tracks 500 of the most prominent sports cards, is up 0.5% over the past week.
-
Over the last 30 days, the market has risen more than 7%.
-
Year-to-date, the index is up 25%, marking one of the strongest runs in recent memory.
Traditionally, prices dip slightly in October and November as sports calendars transition. However, given this year’s momentum, even a small correction would still leave 2025 as one of the best-performing years for collectors. Savvy investors may also find buying opportunities in the months ahead before another surge in the new year.
Top 5 Sports Cards on the Rise this Week
Let’s jump into the hottest cards collectors are chasing right now.
5. Bryce Eldridge
-
2023 Bowman Draft Chrome Auto PSA 10 → Up 14% in the last 30 days (recent sale: $353)
-
Raw Chrome Draft Auto → Up 16% in the last 30 days (recent sale: $300)
-
2023 Bowman Draft Refractor Raw → Up 45% (recent sale: $15)
Why the spike?
The San Francisco Giants’ 2023 first-round pick has been making waves after being called up during the playoff push. With 25 home runs in the minors and an MLB debut featuring a bases-clearing double, Eldridge’s cards are showing big potential.
4. Trey Yesavage
-
2024 Bowman Draft Auto Raw → From $45 to $58 in 30 days
-
Refractor #/499 Auto → From $77 to $125 in 30 days
-
Sapphire Auto #/199 → From $116 to $179 in 30 days
Why the spike?
After blazing through four minor league levels, Toronto Blue Jays Trey Yesavage’s nine strikeouts in his MLB debut set a franchise record. Despite a rocky second start, collectors are betting on his upside, driving his Bowman cards higher.
3. Emeka Egbuka
-
2023 Bowman Chrome University Auto Refractor PSA 10 #/499 → Up 80% (recent sale: $270)
-
2024 Bowman’s Best Auto Raw → Up 190% (recent sale: $77)
-
2024 Select XRC Prism Raw → From $105 to $160 in 30 days
Why the spike?
With Chris Godwin sidelined, rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka has stepped up in Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s already scored 3 touchdowns in 3 games, fueling a surge in both his physical cards and NFL All Day digital collectibles.
2. Baker Mayfield
-
2018 Donruss Base PSA 10 → Up 23% (recent sale: $64)
-
2018 Optic Base PSA 10 → From $55 to $86 in 30 days
-
2018 Optic Downtown PSA 10 → From $1,200 to $1,500 over the last 30 days
-
2018 Prism Base PSA 10 → From $65 to $84 in 30 days
Why the spike?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Baker Mayfield has silenced doubters with a 3-0 start to the 2025 season. Throwing 615 yards, 6 touchdowns, and zero interceptions through three games, his comeback story has collectors rushing to grab his rookie cards.
1. Justin Herbert
-
2020 Chronicles Prizm Black PSA 10 → From $30 to $60 in 30 days
-
2020 Donruss Base PSA 10 → From $32 to $47 in 30 days
-
2020 Mosaic Silver PSA 10 → From $53 to $115 in 30 days
-
2020 Optic Downtown PSA 10 → From $2,200 to $3,000 a few weeks ago
-
2020 Prism Silver PSA 10 → From $760 to $1,180 in 30 days
Why the spike?
Los Angeles Chargers Justin Herbert has led the Chargers to a 3-0 start, racking up 860 yards and 6 touchdowns already. Always a collector favorite, his rookie cards are now surging again, with some nearly doubling in value in just one month.
FAQs About the Sports Card Market
1. Why are sports card prices rising in 2025?
Strong NFL performances, the MLB playoff chase, and overall collector demand have fueled the surge.
2. Which sport is driving the most growth right now?
Football cards are leading the way, especially with stars like Justin Herbert and Baker Mayfield.
3. Are rookie cards still the best investments?
Yes, rookies like Bryce Eldridge, Trey Yavage, and Emeka Egbuka are seeing some of the sharpest price jumps.
4. Should I buy cards now or wait for a dip?
The fall season often brings softer prices, so late 2025 could present buying opportunities before the next surge.
5. Are digital collectibles like NFL All Day worth it?
Yes, for the right players. Egbuka’s rookie debut moment, for example, doubled in price in just weeks.
6. Where can I track sports card prices live?
Tools like Market Movers offer charts and real-time data for smarter collecting.
Conclusion: A Hot Market with Room to Grow
The sports card market remains one of the most dynamic collectibles industries in 2025. From baseball call-ups to NFL breakouts, investors and collectors alike are enjoying huge gains.
With Justin Herbert and Baker Mayfield leading the charge and rising stars like Bryce Eldridge, Trey Yesavage, and Emeka Egbuka making waves, the coming months will be critical. Keep an eye out for market dips this fall; they could be the perfect buying window before the next surge.
—-----------------------------------------------------
Keep the momentum going. Explore more reads below: