Trading Card Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

Report Description

The global trading card market was valued at USD 10.8 Billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.03% during the forecast period (2023-2030). The market for trading cards has experienced a surge in popularity as an alternative investment and speculative asset class. Investors have acknowledged the potential for significant returns, particularly due to the rise in card values in recent years. As a result, there has been a substantial influx of financial capital into the market, leading to unprecedented price levels. A notable example of this trend is the recent sale of a rare Pokémon card. In January 2021, an ungraded 1999 Pokémon First Edition Base Set Charizard card was sold for an astonishing $350,100 in an online auction. This sale not only highlighted the interest of speculators in trading cards but also demonstrated the increasing acceptance of these collectibles as a viable investment option. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic uncertainties have sparked a renewed interest in alternative investments such as trading cards. With traditional investment markets experiencing volatility, individuals seeking diversification and the potential for high returns have turned their attention to the trading cards market.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Hasbro Inc., Konami Holdings Corporation, BANDAI SPIRITS, Pokemon, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., The Upper Deck Company, Bushiroad, Fantasy Flight Publishing, Inc., Riot Games, and Kyy Games Oy. Several M&As along with partnerships have been undertaken by these players to facilitate customers with hi-tech and innovative products/technologies.

Insights Presented in the Report

“Amongst card type, the sports card segment dominated the market in 2022.”

Based on card type, the market is bifurcated into sports and non-sports. The sport segment dominated the market and is expected to behave in the same fashion in the forecast period. The popularity of sports, such as baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey, has contributed to the demand for trading cards featuring athletes from these sports. Moreover, technological advancements in the field of sports trading cards have played a role in the growth of the market. Moreover, digital trading cards are becoming increasingly popular, and this trend is expected to continue in the forecast period.

“Amongst end user, the teenager segment holds a significant share in 2022.”

Based on end user, the market is bifurcated into teenager and adult. Among them, teenagers hold a significant share of the market in 2022. Trading card games, such as Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering, have gained immense popularity among teenagers which involve collecting and trading and provide a social and competitive aspect for teenagers. Additionally, trading cards provide teenagers with an opportunity to connect with other collectors and engage in social activities, such as card shows and conventions.

“Asia Pacific dominated the market for Trading Card market in 2022.”

The Asia Pacific region has dominated the trading card market in the historic years and is expected to dominate in the forecast period due to the large population of avid collectors, enthusiasts, and fans of various genres, including sports, anime, and pop culture. Moreover, the Asia Pacific region has experienced significant economic growth, leading to an increase in disposable income among individuals. This rise in purchasing power has allowed more people to participate in the trading card market, investing in their favorite cards or sets. The allure of trading cards as a potential investment opportunity has also attracted individuals looking to profit from the appreciation of rare or sought-after cards. Furthermore, the Asia Pacific region has witnessed a surge in popularity for competitive trading card games. Games like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic: The Gathering have developed vibrant player communities, with regular tournaments and events attracting participants from across the region.

Trading Card Market Report Coverage

• The study includes market sizing and forecasting analysis validated by authenticated key industry experts.
• The report presents a quick review of overall industry performance at one glance.
• The report covers an in-depth analysis of prominent industry peers with a primary focus on key business financials, product portfolios, expansion strategies, and recent developments.
• Detailed examination of drivers, restraints, key trends, and opportunities prevailing in the industry.
• The study comprehensively covers the market across different segments.
• Deep dive regional level analysis of the industry.

Customization Options:

The global Trading Card market can further be customized as per the requirement or any other market segment. Besides this, UMI understands that you may have your own business needs, hence feel free to contact us to get a report that completely suits your requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Research Methodology

Research Methodology for the Trading Card Market Analysis (2023-2030)

Analyzing the historical market, estimating the current market, and forecasting the future market of the global trading card market were the three major steps undertaken to create and analyze the adoption of trading cards in major regions globally. Exhaustive secondary research was conducted to collect the historical market numbers and estimate the current market size. Secondly, to validate these insights, numerous findings and assumptions were taken into consideration. Moreover, exhaustive primary interviews were also conducted, with industry experts across the value chain of the global trading card market. Post assumption and validation of market numbers through primary interviews, we employed a top-down/bottom-up approach to forecasting the complete market size. Thereafter, market breakdown and data triangulation methods were adopted to estimate and analyze the market size of segments and sub-segments of the industry pertains to. Detailed methodology is explained below:

Analysis of Historical Market Size

Step 1: In-Depth Study of Secondary Sources:

A detailed secondary study was conducted to obtain the historical market size of the trading card market through company internal sources such as annual reports & financial statements, performance presentations, press releases, etc., and external sources including journals, news & articles, government publications, competitor publications, sector reports, third-party database, and other credible publications.

Step 2: Market Segmentation:

After obtaining the historical market size of the trading card market, we conducted a detailed secondary analysis to gather historical market insights and share for different segments & sub-segments for major regions. Major segments are included in the report such as card type and end user. Further country-level analyses were conducted to evaluate the overall adoption of testing models in that region.

Step 3: Factor Analysis:

After acquiring the historical market size of different segments and sub-segments, we conducted a detailed factor analysis to estimate the current market size of the trading card market. Further, we conducted factor analysis using dependent and independent variables such as card type, and end user of the trading card market. A thorough analysis was conducted of demand and supply-side scenarios considering top partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, business expansion, and product launches in the Trading Card market sector across the globe.

Current Market Size Estimate & Forecast

Current Market Sizing: Based on actionable insights from the above 3 steps, we arrived at the current market size, key players in the global Trading Card market, and market shares of the segments. All the required percentage shares split, and market breakdowns were determined using the above-mentioned secondary approach and were verified through primary interviews.

Estimation & Forecasting: For market estimation and forecast, weights were assigned to different factors including drivers & trends, restraints, and opportunities available for the stakeholders. After analyzing these factors, relevant forecasting techniques i.e., the top-down/bottom-up approach were applied to arrive at the market forecast for 2030 for different segments and sub-segments across the major markets globally. The research methodology adopted to estimate the market size encompasses:

• The industry’s market size, in terms of revenue (USD) and the adoption rate of the Trading Card market across the major markets domestically.
• All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns of market segments and sub-segments.
• Key players in the global trading card market in terms of products offered. Also, the growth strategies adopted by these players to compete in the fast-growing market.

Market Size and Share Validation

Primary Research: In-depth interviews were conducted with the Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) including Top Level Executives (CXO/VPs, Sales Head, Marketing Head, Operational Head, Regional Head, Country Head, etc.) across major regions. Primary research findings were then summarized, and statistical analysis was performed to prove the stated hypothesis. Inputs from primary research were consolidated with secondary findings, hence turning information into actionable insights.

Split of Primary Participants in Different Regions

Market Engineering

The data triangulation technique was employed to complete the overall market estimation and to arrive at precise statistical numbers for each segment and sub-segment of the global Trading Card market, data was split into several segments & sub-segments after studying various parameters and trends in the areas of card type and end user in the global trading card market.

The main objective of the Trading Card Market Study

The current & future market trends of the global Trading Card market were pinpointed in the study. Investors can gain strategic insights to base their discretion for investments on the qualitative and quantitative analysis performed in the study. Current and future market trends determined the overall attractiveness of the market at a regional level, providing a platform for the industrial participant to exploit the untapped market to benefit from a first-mover advantage. Other quantitative goals of the studies include:

• Analyze the current and forecast market size of the trading card market in terms of value (USD). Also, analyze the current and forecast market size of different segments and sub-segments.
• Segments in the study include areas of card type and end user.
• Define and analyze the regulatory framework for the trading card
• Analyze the value chain involved with the presence of various intermediaries, along with analyzing customer and competitor behaviors of the industry.
• Analyze the current and forecast market size of the trading card market for the major region.
• Major countries of regions studied in the report include Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World
• Company profile of the trading card market and the growth strategies adopted by the market players to sustain in the fast-growing market.
• Deep dive regional level analysis of the industry

You can also purchase parts of this report. Do you want to check out a section wise
price list?

Get in touch with team