Today marks the beginning of a groundbreaking partnership between Fanatics and Sotheby’s, poised to shake up the high-end sports card market unlike ever before. This unique collaboration is set to redefine the sports card industry, offering collectors the chance to indulge in highly coveted cards valued at $100,000 or more, all through a series of exclusive auction events hosted by the renowned Sotheby’s.
In addition to this exciting announcement, Fanatics is debuting Fanatics Collect, a cutting-edge collectibles marketplace slated for a grand launch later this summer. This new platform will take over the PWCC brand and is designed to create a thriving space for collectors, complete with a range of features including auctions, a Buy Now marketplace, secure vaulting services, and collaborations for authentication and grading.
The inaugural auction to kick off this collaboration is scheduled to take place in September in New York and will showcase a remarkable PSA 8 1948 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson card. As the only authentic rookie card of this baseball icon from an iconic post-war card collection famous for its striking design and roster of Hall of Famers, this card is sure to attract avid collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.
Nick Bell, the CEO of Fanatics Collect, is excited about the cultural impact and global outreach that this partnership is expected to provide, highlighting the increased visibility that it will bring to these esteemed items. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, shares in this excitement, expressing enthusiasm about propelling the trading card market to new heights with innovative exhibitions and engaging events.
The alliance between Fanatics and Sotheby’s signifies a groundbreaking moment in the evolution of the trading card community, promising a future filled with innovation and enhanced accessibility for collectors. With ambitious plans in the pipeline, such as the introduction of peer-to-peer trading, AI concierge services, and digital collectibles, Fanatics Collect is poised to emerge as the ultimate online destination for sports card aficionados in search of rarity and quality for their collections.
