From Local Hobby Shops to Global Flagships: How Fanatics and the WNBA Are Reshaping the Future of Trading Cards

The trading card industry is undergoing a generational transformation, driven by a powerful fusion of business ambition and cultural evolution. At the forefront are two game-changing stories: Fanatics’ global expansion and the explosive rise of WNBA trading cards.

Fanatics Goes Global: A Hobby Empire in the Making

What began as a U.S.-centric sports merchandising juggernaut is now evolving into a worldwide collectible brand. Fanatics, after acquiring Topps in 2022, has set its sights on the global stage—launching its first flagship store on London’s iconic Regent Street in May 2025.

This isn’t just retail; it’s entertainment commerce. The London Fanatics Collectibles store features:

• State-of-the-art 4K media walls for livestream breaks and athlete interviews
• Exclusive releases from Topps, Pokémon, and even Disney Lorcana
• Interactive kiosks and QR-integrated “Scan & Grade” stations

With licensing deals for the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Formula 1, and the NBA, Fanatics aims to double its collectibles revenue from $1.6 billion in 2024 to an estimated $3 billion by 2026. Hobby shops may be wondering: is this the new normal?

Why It Matters for Collectors

This expansion is more than just Fanatics growing its bottom line. It's about redefining what collecting looks like in the 21st century:

• Global accessibility of rare cards
• Increased visibility of non-U.S. sports like soccer and F1
• Enhanced retail experiences that draw in younger audiences

For card shops and online retailers alike, adapting to this new dynamic means rethinking customer engagement—be it through livestream breaks, content partnerships, or exclusive product drops.

The WNBA Boom: Caitlin Clark and the Rise of a New Era

While Fanatics builds the infrastructure, women athletes are building the passion. The WNBA trading card market has seen a stunning 62% year-over-year increase in interest. At the center? Caitlin Clark.

Clark’s cards alone have accounted for over 105,000 PSA-graded submissions—a milestone previously reserved for superstars like Zion Williamson or Shohei Ohtani. But she’s not alone. Names like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Aaliyah Boston are commanding increasing collector loyalty.

It’s a sign that representation in sports isn’t just good for equity—it’s good for business. With growing attendance, TV ratings, and sponsorships, the WNBA is crossing over into a mainstream collecting category that rivals its male counterparts.

Bringing It Together: The Future Is Inclusive, Global, and Digital

So what happens when the world’s largest sports merchandise company goes global, just as women's sports cards reach historic highs? You get a perfect storm of:

• Broader reach—more markets, more collectors
• New voices—female athletes leading demand
• Tech-powered access—grading, breaking, and selling from your phone

For collectors, this is a moment to lean in. For dealers and businesses like Tangiers Collectibles and Cards, it’s time to ask: how do we ride the wave?

Final Thoughts

Whether you're hunting rare parallels of Caitlin Clark or tracking Topps UEFA Chrome drops from across the pond, one thing is clear: the hobby is evolving faster than ever. Those who embrace the global, inclusive, tech-savvy future of trading cards will thrive. Those who don’t? They may find themselves stuck in yesterday’s game.

Ready to explore what’s next? Stay with Tangiers Collectibles and Cards for insights, stories, and access to the most exciting cards in the world.