Today signals a groundbreaking moment in the world of sports card collecting as Fanatics and Sotheby’s announce a groundbreaking partnership set to redefine the industry. In a bid to elevate the high-end sports card market, the collaboration will set the stage for exclusive auction events where collectors can indulge in the buying and selling of top-tier sports cards valued at $100,000 each or more. These coveted items will be up for grabs through a series of live and online auctions curated by the esteemed auction house, Sotheby’s.
In conjunction with this monumental partnership, Fanatics reveals the launch of Fanatics Collect, a brand-new collectibles marketplace slated to debut later this summer. This innovative platform will take over the reins from the PWCC brand, offering a bustling environment for collectors to engage in the world of sports card collecting. Fanatics Collect is designed to feature a mix of auctions, a Buy Now marketplace, secure vaulting services, as well as collaborations for authentication and grading, intending to provide a seamless and secure experience for collectors.
The first auction to kick off this exciting partnership is scheduled to take place in New York this September. Highlighting this inaugural event will be the highly sought-after PSA 8 1948 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson card. Regarded as the authentic rookie card of the baseball icon, this piece hails from a renowned post-war card set famous for its captivating design and lineup of Hall of Fame players.
Nick Bell, the CEO of Fanatics Collect, underlines the profound impact and extensive reach that this partnership aims to achieve by boosting the visibility of these esteemed collectibles on a global scale. Complementing this sentiment, Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, expresses eagerness in pioneering the trading card market to new heights through imaginative exhibitions and immersive events that engage enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The collaboration between Fanatics and Sotheby’s represents a pioneering initiative in propelling the trading card community into a new era filled with innovation and enhanced accessibility. With plans to introduce features such as peer-to-peer trading, AI-driven concierge services, and digital collectibles, Fanatics Collect is poised to emerge as the premier virtual destination for sports card aficionados seeking rarity and quality in expanding their collections.