Investments can be an integral part of someone’s financial outlook. Most will associate investments with stocks, or even cryptocurrencies in modern society. Investment opportunities continue to diversify, though. For sports collectors, those investments might be in memorabilia, cards, jerseys, or any number of artifacts from the marketplace. As is the case with any traditional investment, the top sports memorabilia investments are tied to fluctuating values. That value can also be dictated by real-world events, leading to appreciating sports memorabilia. 

Identifying high-value sports memorabilia before value peaks is the key to finding success in this particular world of investing. Zeroing-in on sports memorabilia trends in 2024 is where most collectors start. 

What sports memorabilia is the best investment?

For those researching memorabilia that might appreciate and be worth an investment, most paths will lead to cards. Cards depicting various players, teams, stadiums, or events have been around almost as long as the sports themselves. They held value from the day they were introduced to collectors. From the T206 Honus Wagner baseball card, to the 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Luka Dončić, sports cards continue to command significant price tags. For collectors looking to wade into the waters of sports card investing, scarcity, current relevance, player, and brand are all factors to consider. Many tools, like the PSA auction price browser, will help collectors gauge current values for cards they’re looking for, as well as factors that will impact value. 

Beyond cards, jerseys, helmets, or promotional items can all hold value for the right collector. While signatures might also add to the value, authenticating the signature on any piece of memorabilia before looking to buy or sell is an effective way to certify value. 

What sports cards will be worth money in the future?

According to the Library of Congress, the earliest known baseball card was the Brooklyn Atlantics’ 1865 visiting card, a photo of the team given to fans who attended the team’s games that season. A copy of the card, found at a Maine garage sale, sold for $92,000 at auction in 2013. Cards have held value since they were first produced, and will continue to hold value as the most pervasive form of memorabilia in the marketplace. For collectors looking at possible options, here are some cards with the potential to appreciate:

Gunnar Henderson 2023 Topps Chrome #TT-19 Topps in Technicolor Rookie RAW - The 2023 AL Rookie of the Year is following his freshman effort up with an AL MVP bid in 2024. Henderson’s values have started to rise over the short and long term. This particular card was last purchased for $2.97 on June 16. For reference, on May 24, the average figure was $17. The volatility might lead to investment opportunities before Henderson becomes a solidified household name. 

Jaylen Brown 2016 Donruss #153 Base Rookie RAW - The 2024 NBA Finals MVP is trending up. While the casual observer might’ve considered Jaylen Brown the second fiddle to Jayson Tatum, the former’s showing in the Celtics’ 18th NBA Championship proved the two were 1A and 1B at the very least. This particular card was most recently sold for 13.06 on June 16. That figure is up 134% from 30 days ago. Boston looks primed to contend for more titles with Brown and Tatum. Long term, this might prove to be an underrated NBA investment.

Paul Skenes 2024 Bowman Sapphire Edition #BCP-125 Base RAW - Since he was called up on May 11, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick already looks the part of an ace for the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a rise as meteoric as Skenes’ has been to this point, the window to invest at his current figure could close quickly. His card was last purchased on June 16 for $34.99. With the uncertainty that comes with baseball and pitchers in particular, the opportunity to buy Skenes is still present. 

Bryce Young 2023 Prizm #311 Lazer Rookie RAW - This is a dart throw. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick is likely already at a crossroads in Carolina. Such is life in a results-driven business like the NFL. After a dismal rookie season, this card was last sold on June 16 for $31. That figure shows some low-risk, high-reward potential. Should Young show signs of life under a new head coach and revamped supporting cast, collectors could see appreciation this time next year.

Is collecting sports memorabilia a good investment?
For most sports fans, collecting sports memorabilia feels like second-nature. Between the jerseys, decor, cards, and other gear most already collect, taking on investments isn’t much of a leap to make. Patience is key, however. So is identifying the window of opportunity and the players to take the chance on. Whether it’s a card, a signed ball, or a framed, signed jersey, the chances are diverse and the market is robust. Combine the demand with an understanding of what collectors might be looking for over time, and collecting sports memorabilia just might be the right investment opportunity.