As we flip the calendar to 2026, cllct is assessing the current state of the hobby.
We've assembled a panel of the top experts in the industry to recap some of the biggest trends of the past 12 months — both the good and the troubling.
Plus, we've looked into our crystal ball to try to forecast what lies ahead in 2026.
In the seventh installment of our two-week series, we look at the sizzling market for Trading Card Game products — and whether that upward trajectory will continue.
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(Answers have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity. Questions were distributed before Collectors' acquisition of Beckett on Dec. 15.)
Is the surge in TCG here to stay?
Rob Bigler, CEO, TCGplayer:
There has never been a more exciting time to be a trading card game fan, and I don’t see new releases slowing down any time soon, especially with Pokémon’s 30th anniversary coming up in 2026, and new Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond collaborations.
Also look for more Marvel, more Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the horizon — not to mention the excitement around new and emerging games such as One Piece.
Brian Dwyer, president, REA:
It’s perfectly natural in any market to see peaks and valleys. It’s great to see such heightened interest in the TCG market, but collectors who are in it for the long term also shouldn’t get disheartened to see what will likely be some temporary decrease in prices here or there.
There’s a lot of excitement among younger collectors within TCG, and I’ve seen — even with my own collecting — how sometimes certain areas are a gateway to other collectibles down the road. More collectors are entering this space every year, so TCG is in a very healthy and promising place right now.
Elizabeth Gruene, GM of pop culture, PSA:
Yes, I think the market for TCG is much larger than the sports market overall, and we are just starting to feel the effects of that.
David Hunt, president, Hunt Auctions:
I believe it is here to stay within the hobby. However, its level of popularity will dictate its longevity and related pricing over the long term.
Adam Ireland, VP and general manager of global collectibles, eBay:
I can’t predict the future, but we’ve seen 11 straight quarters of accelerating growth in Trading Cards GMV at eBay, with the NFL, NBA, MLB, Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering having stellar years.
Growth isn’t linear in trading cards — it ebbs and flows based on the popularity of new releases, collaborations, new rookie classes and key chase cards. eBay’s continued momentum in the category is a direct result of the trust and innovation we’ve driven for hobbyists in recent years, and underlying demand dynamics.
Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions, Heritage Auctions:
We are in the midst of a generational cycle, which is driving the TCG market is a big way. The kids who grew up with huge TCG brands such as Pokémon in the late 1990s and early 2000s, are now well into adulthood and seeking nostalgia.
When you consider how much international appeal Pokémon continues to have, adding young fans of the animated series and game daily, it’s hard to imagine demand fizzling anytime soon.
Jason Masherah, president, Upper Deck:
So long as companies can keep innovating in the TCG space, the surge of new properties and IPs will continue. Much like sports, one of the most important things TCGs do is build a community around either the collecting or the gameplay experience, or in many cases, both.
There will always be the legacy games that have built a core following, but it’s up to us as manufacturers to create fresh experiences that draw in new fans.
That’s why we created Rush of Ikorr with a three-versus-three play structure. It’s an element TCG players have never seen before, which creates intrigue and a reason for players to try something new. We understand it will take time to build the same dedicated fanbase that other games have earned, but we’re confident that it will happen.
Evan Parker, founder, Mantel:
It's cliché, but the idea Charizard can't tear his ACL is real. The global nature of TCG benefits the category in ways football, basketball and baseball also don't match.
There needs to be more competition for Pokémon in the TCG category, whether it be growth for VeeFriends or MTG or Pudgy Penguins. A category built principally on the backs of one IP will struggle to grow long-term.
Matt Quinn, vice president, CGC Cards:
The boom in TCG is certainly here to stay; most people in this space have not even come close to their prime income years and the amount of youth in the hobby is remarkable.
Like any market, fluctuations are a given, but my thoughts are the trend will certainly be up in five-year increments.
Nat Turner, CEO, Collectors:
I believe TCG is here to stay. It seems the manufacturers, and not just Pokémon, are much smarter now than say the sports card companies were in the late '80s and early '90s, as they are focused on differentiation, new sets, rarity, and most importantly on making it about the game play and keeping it fun, while not catering to the flippers and such.
I am very encouraged by the TCG market, and, of course, 2026 being the 30th anniversary of Pokémon will be exciting.