Today, a groundbreaking partnership between Fanatics and Sotheby’s has been unveiled, promising to shake up the high-end sports card market. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the industry, introducing exclusive auction events where collectors can trade highly sought-after sports cards, each valued at $100,000 or more. The partnership will see Sotheby’s organizing a series of live and online auctions, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to buy and sell prestigious sports cards.
In addition to this exciting venture, Fanatics is preparing to launch Fanatics Collect, a cutting-edge collectibles marketplace that is set to debut later this summer. This innovative platform will replace the PWCC brand and is designed to offer collectors a dynamic environment for acquiring rare items. Fanatics Collect will feature a range of services, including auctions, a Buy Now marketplace, secure vaulting for items, and partnerships for authentication and grading purposes.
The inaugural auction under the Fanatics and Sotheby’s partnership is scheduled to take place in September, with New York serving as the host city. The event will showcase a standout item: a PSA 8 1948 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson card. This particular card holds special significance as the sole true rookie card of the baseball icon, coming from one of the most iconic post-war card sets known for its striking design and roster of Hall of Famers.
Nick Bell, the CEO of Fanatics Collect, highlighted the partnership’s aim to not only elevate these coveted items but also to expand their visibility on a global scale. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the trading card market to new heights through innovative exhibitions and engaging events, setting the stage for industry advancement and reach.
The collaboration between Fanatics and Sotheby’s signals a new era for the trading card community, characterized by innovation and enhanced accessibility for collectors. With ambitious plans in the pipeline, such as the introduction of peer-to-peer trading, AI concierge services, and digital collectibles, Fanatics Collect is poised to establish itself as the ultimate online destination for sports card enthusiasts seeking rarity and top-notch quality in their collections.
