Are Basketball Cards a Good Investment?

Basketball cards have long been a staple of sports memorabilia, loved by collectors and investors alike. But in 2025, are they still a worthwhile investment or have they fouled out? With an ever-changing market and a rich history, basketball cards continue to fascinate collectors. 
3 minute read

Basketball cards have long been a staple of sports memorabilia, loved by collectors and investors alike. But in 2025, are they still a worthwhile investment or have they fouled out? With an ever-changing market and a rich history, basketball cards continue to fascinate collectors. 

Whether you're a long-time collector who started ripping in the 90s or a newbie who just learned to pronounce Wembanyama, this guide will explore what makes basketball cards so captivating and, potentially, profitable.

Understanding How Basketball Cards Get Their Value

Not all cards are created equal. Their value comes from a variety of factors, including player performance, card rarity, and condition. For example, a rookie card from a high-performing player like Victor Wembanyama can command premium prices, especially if it’s a numbered card i.e. only 5 or 10 of this card exist in the set.

The quality of the card also plays a significant role. Cards graded as "Gem Mint" by grading services like PSA or BGS hold more value than ungraded, “raw”, or poorly preserved ones. High-value cards often feature rare parallels, autographs, or memorabilia patches, while common or overproduced cards may struggle to gain value.

This last point was a particular problem during the early 90s and is now known as the Junk Wax Era due to the huge print runs of popular cards as manufacturers tried to satisfy demand by printing too much.

What’s the Appeal of Investing in Basketball Cards?

Sure, collecting cards might be about making a buck—or a lot of bucks—but for many, it’s about the thrill. It’s about the smell of freshly opened packs (don’t lie, you know you’ve sniffed them), the rush of discovering a rare pull, and the pure joy of reliving your favourite basketball moments.

For investors, they offer something stocks and crypto can’t: tangibility. You can hold them, show them off, and whisper sweet nothings to them. Plus, when the hype aligns—like a player smashing records or dropping 50 in the playoffs—watching the value of their cards soar is its own kind of magic.

The Pros & Cons of Investing in Basketball Cards

Pros:

  1. High Growth Potential: Basketball cards, particularly rare or iconic ones, have shown impressive appreciation over time.

  2. Cultural Significance: Cards tied to legendary players like Kobe and LeBron or historic seasons tend to retain value.

  3. Tangibility: Unlike digital investments, cards are physical assets you can see and hold.

  4. Global Market: With the NBA’s global presence, demand for basketball cards continues to rise worldwide.

Cons:

  1. Market Volatility: Prices can fluctuate depending on player performance or market trends.

  2. Storage and Grading Costs: Maintaining and grading cards can add to the overall cost of your collection.

Sales Trends for Basketball Cards in 2025

The basketball card market has evolved significantly in recent years. The rise of online marketplaces and platforms like Whatnot has made trading and flipping cards easier than ever. In 2025, sales trends show that modern cards with rare parallels or autographs are performing well. Vintage cards of legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant also remain in high demand, solidifying their status as blue-chip cards.

In the current market, international interest has surged, driven by the NBA’s global reach and rising stars from outside the United States. This trend points to sustained demand for basketball cards well into the future.

A Slam Dunk Investment: How One Collector Struck Gold

In January, an incredible discovery in Arizona shocked the hobby world. A stash of rare Michael Jordan cards, including high-end examples of the Fleer Michael Jordan Scoring Kings and the notoriously hard to grade 'Cut Above' Jordan, was found tucked away in old shoe boxes after being untouched for two decades. This collection was appraised with some cards sent off to grading and others to auction.

We've seen several collections like this come through the store over the years and its always exciting to be able to hold some of these classic 90s cards in your hands - if the condition is good, they rarely leave the store without being snapped up by our basketball card expert Dale!

This story serves as a reminder that even long-forgotten collections can hold immense value, provided the cards are preserved and feature iconic players.

Start Investing in Basketball Cards with Cherry Collectables

Ready to dive into the world of basketball card investing? Cherry Collectables offers a huge range of NBA cards, from rookie sensations to legendary icons. Whether you’re looking for the latest releases or timeless classics, Cherry has you covered. Start your collection today and take your first step towards a fun investment journey.

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