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Leaf Trading Cards has made a significant announcement in the trading card industry by officially acquiring the iconic Press Pass brand. Press Pass, known for its innovative approach to memorabilia cards, ceased operations in 2015 after a successful run since 1992. It was particularly renowned for its NASCAR sets and NFL Draft products.

With a focus on blending tradition and innovation, Leaf Trading Cards is set to revitalize the Press Pass brand. The relaunch will begin with the introduction of a football trading card box that showcases promising high school quarterback JuJu Lewis. As a junior in high school and a highly sought-after prospect, Lewis highlights Leaf’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent in the world of sports.

Leading the revival of the beloved brand is Kevin O’Neil, the current CEO of Leaf Trading Cards who previously served as the Director of Sales at Press Pass during its influential years. With his unique perspective and experience, O’Neil plans to release standalone Press Pass-branded products that pay homage to the brand’s storied past while infusing it with a modern touch.

Press Pass is widely credited with pioneering the use of memorabilia cards in the trading card industry. Notably, their 1996 NASCAR release featured race-used tires, breaking new ground in the integration of authentic memorabilia into cards. This innovation continued with the introduction of race-used sheet metal cards and the first-ever game-used jersey basketball cards in a draft product that showcased future NBA stars such as Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.

The acquisition and relaunch of the Press Pass brand by Leaf Trading Cards represents a strategic expansion of their product offerings. By merging nostalgia with contemporary sports memorabilia, Leaf intends to introduce a new generation of collectors to the Press Pass legacy while continuing to push the boundaries of innovation within the trading card market.

Leaf Trading Cards has built a reputation for its unique and high-quality products, and the addition of the Press Pass brand only strengthens their position in the industry. Leaf’s commitment to highlighting emerging talent, coupled with their dedication to preserving the legacy of Press Pass, promises exciting new trading card lines and experiences for collectors and fans alike.

As the trading card market continues to evolve, Leaf Trading Cards stands out as a company at the forefront of innovation. With the acquisition and relaunch of the Press Pass brand, they are not only preserving the past but also reimagining it for the future. The revival of Press Pass is set to captivate a new generation of collectors, while longtime enthusiasts can look forward to a fresh take on a beloved brand.

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Auction houses are no strangers to hosting extraordinary events that cater to the passions of collectors and enthusiasts. In the world of sports memorabilia, one such event is currently taking place at Heritage Auctions, where a remarkable piece of baseball history is captivating the attention of fans. This extraordinary artifact is none other than a baseball glove that bears the signatures of the legendary Babe Ruth, not once, but twice. The glove, which dates back to 1916 and is inscribed for its use in the World Series, is poised to break the million-dollar mark, making it one of the auction’s most highly anticipated lots.

This Spalding baseball glove is no ordinary piece of memorabilia. It serves as a direct link to the iconic Babe Ruth during his time with the Boston Red Sox in the 1916 World Series, a treasured period in the history of the sport. The anticipation surrounding this lot is palpable, with experts predicting that it will fetch a final hammer price well into the seven figures. This projected value is a testament to both the glove’s historical significance and its rarity.

The glove’s journey to the auction block is as fascinating as its former owner. Joe E. Brown, an entertainment icon known for his work in acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting during the 1930s, was also a passionate collector of sports memorabilia. His collection was the envy of enthusiasts, and this glove was one of its crowning jewels. Although Brown’s name may have faded from public memory, his legacy lives on through this remarkable artifact and the other items he had carefully amassed.

What truly sets this glove apart are the dual signatures of Babe Ruth. The first signature, dating back to 1916, is shared with Ruth’s teammates who contributed to the Red Sox’s triumph over the Brooklyn Robins in the World Series. The second signature, accompanied by Ruth’s handwritten note stating “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” was added later, highlighting Ruth’s acknowledgement of the glove’s role in his early career. Beyond Ruth’s autographs, the glove also features the signatures of Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, further solidifying its value as a tangible piece of baseball history.

The initial bidding for this glove has been fervent, surpassing $300,000 within the first day of the auction. Such early interest from collectors worldwide has given Heritage Auctions optimism that the final auction price may reach or even surpass the million-dollar mark. This exciting event follows the sale of another Babe Ruth-related item—a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin—which fetched an impressive $1.5 million in a previous auction, setting a precedent for the high market value of authentic Ruth memorabilia.

The legitimacy of the glove’s signatures has been meticulously authenticated by Beckett and PSA/DNA, organizations well-known for their expertise in sports memorabilia authentication. Steve Grad of Beckett described the examination process as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” adding another layer of assurance to potential bidders regarding the authenticity of Ruth’s signatures and the glove’s historical significance.

Joe E. Brown’s collection, despite being ravaged by fire at one point, continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of sports memorabilia through treasures like this glove. The upcoming auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of baseball history while simultaneously paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and Joe E. Brown’s passion for collecting. As the auction date draws closer, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, signaling a historic sale that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

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The sports card community is buzzing with excitement as a variety of highly anticipated releases are just around the corner. From the luxurious 2022-23 Panini Immaculate Basketball to the expansive 2023-24 Upper Deck O-Pee-Chee Hockey, collectors are eager to get their hands on these premium memorabilia and autograph cards.

As we transition from January to February, we can look forward to an exciting lineup of releases in the coming two weeks. Let’s take a closer look at what collectors can expect:

Releases Closing Out January:

2022-23 Panini Immaculate Basketball (Available from 1/31): After a slight delay from its original December launch, this high-tier set is finally hitting the shelves. While it may lack Wemby cards, it makes up for it with standout rookie cards from the 2022-23 season, featuring players like Paolo Banchero. Each tin of this set contains a single pack with six cards, including three autographs and two memorabilia cards. Collectors can look forward to unique pieces ranging from sneakers to championship memorabilia.

2023 Topps Diamond Icons (Available from 1/31): Designed for those who love the thrill of premium cards, Diamond Icons is sure to impress. Each box delivers ten cards, consisting of seven autographs, two autographed relics, and one relic card. These limited edition cards have a print run of no more than 25. This year, the release introduces the Black PoluchromatINK and White PlychromatINK autograph subsets. These subsets feature unique metallic inks and are all serially numbered to 15 or less.

Additional releases on 1/31: 2022-23 Upper Deck Credentials Hockey and 2023 Panini Prime Racing.

Early February Debuts:

2023-24 Upper Deck O-Pee-Chee Hockey (Releasing on 2/7): For fans who appreciate a vast base set, O-Pee-Chee Hockey is the perfect choice. This release offers a whopping 600 cards, including a 100-card subset dedicated to last season’s all-stars and Marquee rookies. The focus here is on the base set, parallels, and inserts. Each box contains 18 packs, with each pack containing ten cards.

2023 Topps Luminaries Baseball (Releasing on 2/7): Continuing its legacy of excellence, Luminaries Baseball guarantees an encased autograph or autograph relic card in each single-pack box. All cards are numbered to 15 or less. Keep an eye out for the coveted book cards that feature up to 50 players.

2022-23 Panini Flawless Baseball (Releasing on 2/7): Flawless Baseball is back with its signature luxury briefcase packaging. Each pack is meticulously curated with ten cards, including seven autographs, two relics, and one gem card. The set features special finds like Bat Knobs, Bat Nameplates, and Cleat Spikes, along with rare 1-of-1 cut autographs and memorabilia cards. Boxes are expected to be listed for around $2,000 on eBay.

Additional releases on 2/7 include 2023 Panini Rookies & Stars Football, 2023 Panini Chronicles Racing, and 2023-24 Panini Prizm Premier League Soccer.

These upcoming weeks are filled with releases that cater to a wide range of collectors. Whether you’re a fan of premium basketball cards or classic hockey sets, there’s something exciting for everyone. Get ready to add these incredible cards to your collection and elevate your sports card game.

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Over the weekend, Heritage Auctions’ Winter Sports Card Auction made history with its extraordinary sales. The star of the event was a premiere SGC graded 1916 M101-5 blank back Babe Ruth rookie card, which fetched an astonishing price of $630,000. With a rare rating of 5.5 by SGC and only seven other known examples within SGC’s records, this card is truly a gem among collectors. In total, the auction achieved an impressive $11.1 million in sales, featuring several items that sold for over $100,000.

One of the standout pieces was a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, graded PSA 10 in immaculate condition. This card reached the highest sale price for a Gem Mint PSA graded copy since September 2021, solidifying Jordan’s status as a highly sought-after collectible in the sports card market.

The auction also showcased a remarkable collection of vintage, still-sealed boxes. Among them was a 1965 Topps Baseball wax box containing cards from the second, third, and fourth series. This box, originating from the collection of Adolph “Herky” Rupp Jr., descendant of the legendary Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp, fetched an impressive $336,000 after authentication by BBCE. Rupp Jr.’s collection also included a 1953 Topps Willie Mays card, graded PSA 8, which sold for $186,000.

Furthermore, the auction revealed a collection of recently discovered unopened boxes, acquired towards the end of the previous year. These boxes brought record-breaking prices, with a 1970 Topps Baseball 6th series cello box selling for $105,000, a 1968 Topps Football 1st series 36-pack cello box setting a new benchmark at $99,000, and a 1973 Topps Baseball 3rd series 500-count vending box being purchased for $18,600. This collection, connected to a former Topps employee, garnered an initial total of $284,455, with expectations of reaching the seven-figure mark as more items are sold in the following months.

The auction also presented an assortment of nearly two dozen vintage autographed cards from Mike Greenbaum’s collection. One of the highlights was a 1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson card, graded 1.5 with an autograph grade of 8, which led the pack with a sale price of $117,000. A similarly graded signed Roy Campanella card from the same set also attracted significant interest, fetching $69,000.

In the individual card sales category, a T206 Ty Cobb Green portrait, graded PSA 6 and featuring a Piedmont advertising back, sold for an impressive $105,000. A 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle card, graded PSA 9, reached a price of $80,533, while a 1962 Topps Manager’s Dream card, showcasing both Mantle and Mays, sold for $75,000.

Complete sets were also featured in the auction, with the highest-rated set of 1909-1912 Colgan’s chips discs selling for $54,000. The 16th ranked 1969-70 Topps Basketball set garnered $93,000, and an all-PSA 8 1952 Bowman baseball set was acquired for $84,000. These sales further demonstrated the diverse and valuable selections available at the auction.

Overall, the Heritage Auctions’ Winter Sports Card Auction was a resounding success, presenting collectors with an exceptional range of premier sports cards and vintage collectibles. With the record-breaking sales of the Babe Ruth rookie card and the Michael Jordan rookie card, among other significant items, this auction solidified its place in history as a remarkable event in the world of sports card collecting.

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The induction of Adrián Beltré, Todd Helton, and Joe Mauer into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024 marks a significant moment in the history of baseball, celebrating the careers of three athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Each of these players has not only demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency on the field but also embodied the spirit of baseball through their dedication, sportsmanship, and impact on the game.

Adrián Beltré, a native of the Dominican Republic, has been a cornerstone of Major League Baseball for over two decades. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and powerful batting, Beltré retired with a career total of 3,166 hits and 477 home runs. His defensive prowess at third base earned him five Gold Glove Awards, and he was a four-time All-Star. Beltré’s career, which included stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers, was characterized by a remarkable combination of agility, power, and a deep passion for the game. His signature move, dropping to one knee while hitting home runs, became an iconic image in baseball. Off the field, Beltré was known for his playful personality and leadership, making him a favorite among teammates and fans alike.

Todd Helton, a first baseman who spent his entire 17-year career with the Colorado Rockies, was known for his impressive hitting and defensive abilities. Helton’s career batting average of .316, coupled with 369 home runs and 1,406 RBIs, made him one of the most consistent hitters of his era. A five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger, Helton also won three Gold Glove Awards, showcasing his all-around talent. His number 17 was retired by the Rockies in recognition of his contributions to the team and the sport. Helton’s presence at Coors Field was a defining factor in many of the Rockies’ successes, and his dedication to the game has left a lasting legacy in Colorado and beyond.

Joe Mauer, a catcher and first baseman who spent his entire 15-year career with the Minnesota Twins, was renowned for his hitting prowess and defensive skills behind the plate. Mauer ended his career with a .306 batting average, earning him six Silver Slugger Awards and three Gold Gloves. He was a six-time All-Star and the American League MVP in 2009. Mauer’s ability to combine excellent defensive play with a high batting average made him a rarity in the sport and a key player for the Twins. His number 7 was retired by the Twins, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history. Mauer’s approach to the game, characterized by his calm demeanor and consistency, made him a respected figure in baseball circles.

The induction of Beltré, Helton, and Mauer into the Hall of Fame is a testament to their outstanding careers and the impact they have had on the sport. Each player brought a unique set of skills and qualities to the game, earning the admiration and respect of teammates, opponents, and fans. Their careers were marked by memorable moments, significant achievements, and a deep commitment to the game of baseball.

The 2024 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will not only celebrate these individual achievements but also the enduring legacy these players have left in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts. As the baseball community gathers to honor Beltré, Helton, and Mauer, it will be a moment of reflection on the careers of three athletes who have truly exemplified the best of baseball. Their journey to Cooperstown is a fitting recognition of their contributions to the sport, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of baseball players and fans.

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During the 2023-24 NFL playoffs, as the final four quarterbacks make waves on the field, their rare rookie cards are experiencing a surge in value in the world of sports memorabilia. These quarterbacks include the high-end hobby hero Patrick Mahomes II from Kansas City, San Francisco’s second-year sensation Brock Purdy, Baltimore’s versatile Lamar Jackson, and Detroit’s emerging veteran Jared Goff.

In the AFC Championship game, fans witness a thrilling matchup between Mahomes, a two-time Super Bowl champion, and Jackson, the front-runner for the 2023 NFL MVP award. Meanwhile, the NFC Championship showcases Purdy and Goff, both among the top five in passing yards and ranked third and fourth in passing touchdowns, respectively, competing for a spot in the Super Bowl.

Beyond the gridiron, the rookie cards of these four quarterbacks are attracting substantial attention and high bids in online auctions in the month of January. One of the standout items is a 2017 autographed Panini National Treasures Black card of Patrick Mahomes, which recently sold for an impressive $19,300 on 62 bids. Another notable Mahomes item, a 2017 signed Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket card graded BGS 9.5, fetched $16,577 from 51 bids. It’s safe to say that Mahomes’ cards are commanding top dollar in the collectibles market.

Brock Purdy, the second-year sensation from San Francisco, has also seen his rookie cards ignite a frenzy among collectors. His 2022 Playoff Contenders signed Rookie Ticket “Cracked Ice” variation, graded PSA 10 and limited to only 22 cards, recently sold for a hefty $10,268 on 27 bids. This follows a trend of Purdy’s rookie cards continually selling for over $10,000, such as a 2022 National Treasures signed patch card graded PSA 9, which garnered an impressive $15,000 on 53 bids. Purdy’s meteoric rise in the NFL has clearly translated into skyrocketing value for his rookie cards.

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore’s electric quarterback, has not been left behind in this rookie card frenzy. A Gem-Mint 2018 Panini Prizm Black Finite card featuring Jackson recently fetched an astounding $51,100 on 76 bids. Furthermore, a highly sought-after Jackson item, a 2018 National Treasures autographed patch card numbered #27/99 and graded BGS 9.5, sold for $18,000 on 39 bids. The demand for Jackson’s cards showcases his popularity and the excitement surrounding his performances on the field.

Jared Goff, despite a mixed start with the Rams and subsequent improvement since joining the Lions, is also witnessing a growing interest in his cards. A limited edition 2019 Panini Absolute Kaboom! card, a gold variation marked #6/10, went for $3,049 on 50 bids. Additionally, a 2016 Donruss Optic Gold Prizm rookie card, marked #2/10 and graded BGS 10, sold for $2,950 on 32 bids. Goff’s potential and recent performances are captivating collectors and driving up the value of his cards.

As the NFL playoffs continue to captivate audiences, the excitement on the field is mirrored in the sports memorabilia market. The rookie cards of these top quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Lamar Jackson, and Jared Goff, are proving to be valuable and sought-after items. Collectors and fans are willing to pay top dollar to own a piece of history and support their favorite players in this thrilling postseason.

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Caitlin Clark, the dynamic basketball player from the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, is not only lighting up the court with her incredible performances but is also making waves in the world of sports memorabilia. The talented player, who was named the 2023 Naismith Women’s Player of the Year, is now gaining attention for her trading cards, which are reaching unprecedented values.

Known for her exceptional scoring abilities, with an average of 31.7 points per game and a remarkable count of 40-point games, Clark is poised to make a major impact in the upcoming WNBA draft, where she is expected to be the top pick. Her skills have drawn comparisons to NBA superstar Steph Curry, and she played a crucial role in leading the Hawkeyes to the NCAA championship game last year, earning her the colorful nickname “Sister Splash.”

Off the court, Clark’s trading cards have been turning heads in the sports memorabilia market. At the PWCC Marketplace’s January Premier Auction, her 2022 Bowman University Superfractor 1/1 Rookie Auto card, graded PSA 10, made headlines. Initially listed with a bidding price of $21,600, the card’s value soared to an incredible $38,000 on the final day, setting a new record for the highest-selling women’s basketball card.

This impressive bid surpasses the previous record set by a 2004 Ultra Platinum Medallion Diana Taurasi card, which sold for $11,500. It also outperforms the sale of Sabrina Ionescu’s 2020 Panini Prizm WNBA Black Gold rookie card and outshines the two highest private sales of WNBA cards. Clark’s trading card has truly made history in the women’s basketball collectibles market.

With Clark’s continued success on the court and her exclusive trading card and collectibles contract with Fanatics and Topps, her trading cards are expected to become even more valuable in the future. As she leads the No. 5 ranked Hawkeyes, her memorabilia is anticipated to attract even greater attention and value, marking a significant moment for women’s sports collectibles.

The surge in interest and value surrounding Clark’s trading cards reflects a growing trend in women’s sports collectibles. While men’s sports have traditionally dominated the market, female athletes like Caitlin Clark are proving their worth and captivating collectors. This shift highlights the increasing recognition and appreciation for women’s achievements in sports.

Caitlin Clark’s rise in the trading card market is a testament to her extraordinary skills and the demand for her memorabilia. As her popularity continues to soar, collectors and fans alike eagerly await the dazzling performances she will undoubtedly deliver on the court. With each game she plays, Clark is not only making history in basketball but also leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports collectibles.

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Bob Beamon, the renowned long jumper who set an unbeatable record at the 1968 Summer Olympics, is making headlines once again. This time, it’s not for his athletic achievements but for auctioning off the gold medal that commemorates his iconic long jump. Christie’s Auction House is set to showcase this unique piece of Olympic history as part of The Exceptional Sale, beginning February 1.

Fifty-five years since his astounding performance in Mexico City, Beamon has made the difficult decision to part ways with the symbol of his athletic prowess. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the now 77-year-old athlete expressed his sentiments about letting go of the medal that represents a world record leap of 29 feet, 2 1/2 inches. This record still stands as the benchmark for long jumps in the Olympics. “After enjoying and cherishing this medal for over 55 years, I feel it’s time to let it be appreciated by someone else,” Beamon stated. “This decision is a significant and heartening step for me.”

Not only did Beamon’s extraordinary jump set a new standard in the sport, but it also introduced the term “Beamonesque” into popular lexicon. The term signifies an incredible or extraordinary feat, capturing the awe-inspiring nature of Beamon’s record-setting achievement. Looking back on that momentous day, Beamon reminisced about the disbelief and emotional impact that took time to sink in fully.

Christie’s Auction House estimates that the gold medal could fetch between $400,000 and $600,000. Casey Rogers, Head of The Exceptional Sale, emphasizes the significance of this precious item as a tangible reminder of an exceptional Olympic accomplishment that has stood the test of time. “It’s not just a piece of metal; it connects us directly to a momentous occasion in sports history,” Rogers highlighted.

Beyond his indelible mark in the world of sports, Bob Beamon has also pursued his passion for music. Before dedicating himself to track and field, he considered a career in music and decided to explore it further. His musical journey as a percussionist with Stix Bones and The BONE Squad mirrors the same discipline and commitment he exhibited in sports. Beamon even likened his rigorous practice sessions to training for the Olympics.

To celebrate his entry into the music scene, Beamon will be releasing his recording debut on January 12. The release will be accompanied by a live performance at The Cutting Room in New York City, marking yet another milestone in the life of this legendary athlete. Not only did Beamon achieve historic heights in sports, but he also continues to inspire others through his artistic endeavors.

As the gold medal that symbolizes Bob Beamon’s record-setting long jump goes under the hammer at Christie’s, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this historic auction. Will this unique piece of Olympic history find a new home in the hands of a passionate collector? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Bob Beamon’s remarkable achievements will forever be etched in both the realms of sports and music.

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Fanatics Collectibles, in partnership with Fanatics Live, has unveiled a groundbreaking new initiative called ‘The Ten’ that celebrates and rewards collectors for discovering the top 10 sports cards in the market. Inspired by popular lists like the “Billboard Hot 100” and the FBI’s “Most Wanted,” ‘The Ten’ showcases a dynamic selection of 10 cards spanning all sports. Collectors who successfully pull one of these extraordinary cards on the Fanatics Live app will receive a reward of $10,000 in Fanatics Live credit to fuel their collecting passion.

Each month, ‘The Ten’ will feature a rotation of cards carefully chosen for their rarity and popularity. Among the inaugural selection are highly sought-after cards such as the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Bronny James/LeBron James 1/1 dual-auto card and the yet-to-be-discovered 2023 Bowman Chrome Baseball Draft Tom Brady 12/50 inscribed card.

The lineup of ‘The Ten’ includes a mix of legendary athletes like Tom Brady and Steph Curry, as well as rising stars such as MLB’s Corbin Carroll and Anthony Volpe, and NBA’s Luka Doncic and Chet Holmgren. This diverse collection includes cards from renowned brands such as Panini, Upper Deck, Topps, and Bowman.

James Kollar, senior director of marketing at Fanatics Live, emphasized that the goal of ‘The Ten’ is to elevate the collecting experience and give back to collectors and the hobby. The initiative aims to foster community engagement by allowing participants on the Fanatics Live app and the wider collecting community to have a voice in the selection process for the monthly cards.

In addition to its rewards program, ‘The Ten’ serves as a platform to promote new products and ignite interest in existing releases that feature chase cards. By giving dealers and collectors the opportunity to showcase these exceptional cards, this initiative generates excitement and sparks lively discussions within the collecting community.

Fanatics Live has plans to feature pack and box breaks, as well as special shows centered around ‘The Ten’, where major discoveries will be celebrated and upcoming cards will be announced. A dedicated webpage will track the cards and the collectors who found them, adding to the narrative and excitement around each rare find.

‘The Ten’ program doesn’t just celebrate the cards themselves; it also focuses on the captivating stories behind the collectors and their discoveries, bringing a unique storytelling aspect to the world of sports card collecting. Since its launch, Fanatics Live has experienced steady growth, boasting an impressive average watch time of 56 minutes. This demonstrates the platform’s emergence as a community-focused hub for collectors to connect and engage.

James Kollar expressed his excitement about the potential impact of ‘The Ten’ program, both for the Fanatics brand and the collector community at large. With its emphasis on rewarding and highlighting top sports cards, ‘The Ten’ is set to revolutionize the way collectors engage with the hobby, creating an unparalleled experience for fans and collectors alike.

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