Caitlin Clark Effect: How She’s Driving Women’s Sports Memorabilia Sales

The⁣ Rising⁣ Tide⁢ of Women’s Sports⁤ Collectibles: Beyond Caitlin Clark,‌ a New⁤ Era⁤ for Trading Cards

For ⁤decades,⁢ the⁤ trading card hobby was largely defined ⁤by men’s sports – baseball, basketball,⁤ football, and hockey. As a veteran of the collectibles industry, having spent years appraising, brokering, and witnessing trends firsthand, ‌I ⁤can confidently say that’s changing, ⁢and changing fast. The catalyst? Caitlin Clark,undeniably.But the story is far more nuanced ⁤than just one superstar. We’re witnessing‌ a fundamental shift⁢ in the ‍market, ‌a surge in interest in​ women’s sports collectibles that’s impacting everything from grading submissions to auction house sales. This isn’t a fleeting fad; it’s‍ a burgeoning market with the potential to reshape the hobby as⁣ we certainly know it.

The Clark Effect: A seismic‌ Shift in Demand

Let’s be​ clear: Caitlin Clark’s‍ arrival in the WNBA has been a game-changer. Her impact isn’t just on viewership and ticket sales; it’s reverberating through the collectibles‍ world. The recent sale of a Clark rookie card for a staggering $660,000 on WhatNot ‍is a headline-grabbing example, but it’s the ⁣broader trend that’s truly remarkable.

PSA, the leading card grading service, is experiencing unprecedented submission numbers for WNBA players. In 2025 alone, they’ve already graded over 11,200 Paige Bueckers cards and ⁤9,300 Angel ⁣Reese cards – more than triple the volume from last year.Similar growth is seen with JuJu Watkins (submissions more than doubled) ​and Cameron Brink (a tenfold increase).‌ This isn’t just about volume; it’s about a new demographic entering the hobby.

the Ripple Effect: Investing in the next ‌Generation of Stars

What’s particularly exciting is⁢ the “pull-forward effect” Clark ⁣is having on other WNBA ​players. As ⁣PSA’s Steve Hoge aptly put ⁤it, collectors are looking for the ⁢”Charles Barkleys, the⁢ Scottie Pippens, the Hakeem Olajuwons” alongside the ⁤”Michael​ Jordan.”‌ ‍ This translates to increased interest – and escalating prices – for cards of rising⁤ stars like Bueckers, Reese, and Watkins.

We’re seeing evidence of this across multiple platforms. eBay reports a “remarkable” increase ⁣in WNBA card sales, ‌even compared to 2024. Searches and sales aren’t ⁢limited to rookies; established players like​ Candace Parker and Sue Bird are also seeing renewed interest in their early cards.Card Ladder data confirms this, with Bueckers⁤ cards consistently selling for over $10,000, Reese cards‍ exceeding $30,000, and even a rare Watkins superfractor fetching over $40,000 after her ACL injury – a testament to‌ her long-term potential.

Beyond Basketball:⁢ A ‌Glimmer of Hope for Other Women’s ⁤Sports

While⁢ basketball⁤ is currently leading‌ the charge, the question⁣ remains: can this momentum extend ⁢to other women’s sports?⁤ The initial signs are encouraging. Interest in women’s soccer cards is on the rise,‍ mirroring the growing popularity of the NWSL. ‍

Though, as Chris Ivy of Heritage Auctions points out, the collector base remains largely male-dominated, and the market for women’s collectibles has historically been “niche.” The key, he believes, is increased‌ product ​availability at retail. ​

I ‌agree. The success of⁣ women’s sports collectibles is⁢ inextricably linked to the growth of viewership. Look‌ at the impact of netflix’s “Formula 1:‍ Drive to Survive” and “Full Swing” on racing and golf.These shows brought new fans to the sports, and the collecting⁤ hobby followed. ⁣The WNBA is currently leading the charge in bridging that gap between fandom⁣ and collecting, and⁤ that’s a powerful position to be in.

what This Means for Collectors: A New Frontier

For seasoned collectors, this presents a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor ‌of a⁤ rapidly expanding market. For newcomers, it’s an accessible ‍entry‍ point into ⁢the ‌hobby, with the potential ⁣for significant returns.

Here’s what I’m advising clients right now:

* Focus on Rookies: Rookie cards of players like Clark, Bueckers, Reese, and Watkins are‍ the most ⁤sought-after and ​likely to appreciate in value.
* Chase Low-Numbered Variants: Limited-edition cards, particularly those with autographs ​or unique features