The sports memorabilia market has long been fueled by legendary athletes whose careers defined eras and transcended sports. Names like Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Tom Brady, Lionel Messi, Serena Williams, and other greats dominate auction records today, with their game-worn jerseys, autographs, and trading cards sometimes fetching millions.

But before they became icons of sports and collectibles alike, they were rising stars — some entering the spotlight with immediate hype; others taking years to cement their legacies.

LeBron James, for example, was anointed the “Chosen One” before ever playing an NBA game. While his narrative could have easily taken an unfortunate turn, he lived up to the hype, establishing himself as the top scorer and one of the greatest all-time players in NBA history.

Compare this with Tom Brady’s journey. Brady was selected with the 199th selection of the 2000 NFL Draft after running a 5.24 40-yard dash and recording a meager 24½-inch vertical in the Combine. The Patriot’s own website referred to him as “frail” following the pick, yet still he went on to become … well, Tom Brady, the GOAT.

Despite taking unique paths toward greatness, these and other legendary players tend to have one thing in common: they built careers that were wildly successful and which shaped the future of their respective sports.

Now, a new generation of athletes is emerging, ready to establish their own legacies within sports. And as the sports memorabilia and collectibles market continues to boom, these athletes provide collectors with an opportunity to prospect — to invest in potential future legends before their memorabilia reaches the stratospheric values of today’s icons.

Let’s take a look at some of the rising stars who are poised to follow in the footsteps of the greats. In doing so, we’ll analyze what makes (or potential makes) their memorabilia valuable today and how their careers could shape the next era of sports collecting.

Bet Big On Victor Wembanyama Sports Memorabilia

Victor Wembanyama is already redefining what’s possible in basketball, and his impact on the sports memorabilia market is just beginning. As a 7’4” phenom with guard-like skills, Wembanyama entered the NBA as one of the most hyped prospects since LeBron James, with collectors immediately recognizing his potential.

His rookie cards, autographed jerseys, and game-worn sneakers have surged in value, with early Panini Prizm and Topps Now cards already commanding premium prices.

What makes his memorabilia particularly intriguing is his once-in-a-generation talent. If he lives up to expectations and becomes a dominant force in the league for several years, his collectibles could skyrocket in value, much like those of past legends.

Caitlin Clark Memorabilia & The Rise Of WNBA Collectibles

Caitlin Clark is not just a rising star in basketball; she’s a transformational figure whose impact is already being felt in the sports memorabilia market. One of the most electrifying scorers in college basketball history, Clark has shattered records and drawn national attention with her deep three-pointers, playmaking ability, and competitive fire.

With comparisons to legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, Clark has already elevated the profile of women’s basketball. Her Indiana Fever team consistently sold out arenas and helped achieve record viewership for the WNBA, with financial experts estimating Clark was responsible for 26.5% of WNBA economic activity during the 2024 season.

Not only could this vast rise in WNBA fandom lead to rising team profits and higher-paid players league-wide, but Caitlyn Clark jerseys, cards, and game-used memorabilia are already generating high demand and value. In fact, her autographed 2024 Panini Select Signatures Gold Vinyl card recently sold at auction for $234,850, making it the second-highest price ever paid for a women’s sports card.

And as she continues to break barriers and expand the WNBA’s popularity, Clark’s collectibles could follow a trajectory similar to trailblazers like Serena Williams in tennis. Her memorabilia, in fact, could become some of the most valuable ever seen in women’s sports.

Paul Skenes Rookie Cards: Baseball’s Next Big Investment

Paul Skenes is poised to become one of baseball’s next great aces, and collectors are already taking notice. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes’s rare combination of elite velocity, command earned him a 1.96 ERA during his 2024 rookie season, after which he was named National League Rookie of the Year and placed third in Cy Young voting. Scouts have compared him to generational pitchers like Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole.

His autographed rookie and prospect cards are already in high demand, with collectors banking on his potential to dominate at the major league level. His 1-of-1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card, which was pulled by an 11-year-old fan on Christmas morning, is expected to earn bids of $1 million-plus at auction.

What makes Skenes’ memorabilia especially intriguing is the scarcity of true superstar pitchers in the modern game. Should he emerge as a Cy Young winner and postseason hero, his collectibles could become some of the most valuable among pitchers.

With the spotlight firmly on him as he ascends through the Pittsburgh Pirates system, now may be the best time for collectors to invest in his memorabilia before his star fully takes off.

Lamine Yamal Soccer Memorabilia

Lamine Yamal has rapidly emerged as one of soccer’s most exciting young talent. At just 17 years old, he has become a key player for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, showcasing exceptional dribbling skills and on-field intelligence.

His early achievements include becoming the youngest player to score in a major international tournament during UEFA Euro 2024, where he played a pivotal role in Spain's championship victory. 

Collectors have taken notice of Yamal's prodigious talent, leading to a surge in demand for his memorabilia. Items such as autographed jerseys and collectable player cards are becoming highly sought after. His autographed 2023-24 Topps Now UEFA Champions League cards, for example, have been popular among collectors. 

Yamal's multicultural background, with roots in Equatorial Guinea and Morocco, adds to his global appeal, enhancing the desirability of his collectibles. As he continues to develop and achieve new milestones, the value of his memorabilia is expected to rise, making him a promising figure in the future of sports collecting.

As mentioned in my previous blog–From Autographs to Auction Records–legends like Jordan, Brady, and Messi continue to dominate the memorabilia market, the next generation is already making waves. Whether it’s Wembanyama’s game-worn sneakers, Clark’s record-setting cards, or Skenes’ rare rookie autographs, today’s rising stars offer a rare opportunity for collectors and investors alike. As their careers evolve, their memorabilia could become some of the most valuable assets in sports history.

Looking to invest in sports memorabilia? Explore our exclusive collection at Pristine Auction today and own a piece of baseball history.