Introduction
The sports card market in 2025 is experiencing one of its most exciting runs in recent memory. From record-breaking performances on the field to the emotional impact of legendary athletes passing away, collectors are driving prices to new heights across multiple sports.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a nostalgic collector, or someone just starting in the hobby, this year has brought dramatic market shifts that you can’t afford to miss. In this week’s breakdown, we’ll look at the Top 5 sports cards that are heating up right now by Sports Card Investor and Market Movers, complete with price jumps, player stories, and what’s fueling the demand.
From baseball’s brightest rookie to a surprising football comeback story, these cards prove that in the world of sports card investing, timing is everything.
The Sports Card Market Is Hotter Than Ever
After weeks of coverage from the National, the sports card market is back in focus, and it’s absolutely on fire. According to the SEI 500 index by Market Movers, the 500 most prominent sports cards are up:
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2% in the last 7 days
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7% in the last 30 days
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15% since January 1st
These are the biggest gains since the pandemic-era boom, with high-end cards setting record prices daily. If you’re holding a strong portfolio of sports cards, now’s a great time to reassess their value.
Top 5 Cards of the Week
#5 Trey Lance Comeback Sparks Football Card Surge
The former 49ers quarterback, now backing up Justin Herbert with the Chargers, impressed in the preseason with a 114.6 passer rating.
Recent jumps:
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Optic Downtown PSA 10: $219 ➡ $380 (+73%)
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Prism Variation Silver PSA 10: $8 ➡ $36 (+351%)
Collectors are betting on a possible mid-season opportunity.
#4 Hulk Hogan’s Legacy Boosts Wrestling Card Market
Following his passing at 71, the wrestling icon’s cards have surged as fans honor his memory.
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1985 Topps WWF Yellow PSA 9: $967 ➡ $1,050
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1985 Topps WWF Blue PSA 8: $85 ➡ $132
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2022 Prizm Silver PSA 9: $20 ➡ $33
Hogan remains one of wrestling’s most collectible figures.
#3 JJ Wetherholt Rising in Baseball Prospecting
The 22-year-old shortstop is tearing up Triple-A with a .299 average, 13 HR, and 16 steals, likely headed for a 2025 MLB call-up.
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2025 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto (Raw): $127 ➡ $189 (+49%)
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Refractor /499 (Raw): $223 ➡ $314 (+41%)
Collectors are buying ahead of his potential debut.
#2 Ryne Sandberg Rookie Cards Sees Tribute Bump
The Hall of Fame Cubs legend passed away at 65, prompting a rush on his 1983 rookie cards.
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Topps PSA 10: $1,250 ➡ $1,800 (+44%)
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Fleer PSA 10: $325 ➡ $450 (+38%)
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Donruss PSA 9: $57 ➡ $110 (+93%)
Sandberg’s career and legacy remain etched in hobby history.
#1 Nick Kurtz Breakout Season Sends Cards Soaring
The A’s rookie first baseman is having a monster year: .305 AVG, 23 HR, 62 RBI, including a historic 4-HR game.
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2024 Bowman Draft Chrome Auto (Raw): $40 ➡ $346 (+102%)
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Sapphire Edition Non-Auto (Raw): $13 ➡ $87.50 (+573%)
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2025 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto (Raw): $45 ➡ $184 (+309%)
Curts has quickly become one of the most exciting young players and hottest names in the sports card market.
FAQs About the Current Sports Card Market
Q1: Why are sports card prices rising in 2025?
A: Increased collector interest, scarcity of high-grade cards, and standout player performances have fueled demand.
Q2: Which sports are seeing the most growth?
A: Baseball and basketball remain strong, but football and wrestling cards are also seeing spikes due to player news and legacy tributes.
Q3: Do player deaths always increase card values?
A: Often in the short term, as collectors buy to honor their memory. However, prices may stabilize afterward.
Q4: What’s the biggest single-month jump from this list?
A: Nick Curts’ Bowman Draft Sapphire jumped over 570% in 30 days.
Q5: How do I track card value trends?
A: Platforms like Market Movers provide real-time pricing data and historical charts.
Q6: Is Trey Lance worth investing in right now?
A: He’s a speculative buy; his value could spike if he gets playing time, but carries risk.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 sports card market is seeing broad-based growth, fueled by a mix of historic legends, breakout rookies, and comeback stories. While some cards dip in value seasonally, the overall trend is sharply upward.
If you’re holding key rookies, low-population high grades, or rare parallels, this may be the right time to evaluate and possibly sell into strength.