Is Topps Taking Over the Hobby? FIFA, WNBA, and What’s Next

In this episode of _Collector Nation,_ Ryan Alford, Brian Ludden, and Bella Shafer break down what’s actually happening in the trading card and collectibles market right now.
Brian shares insights from the Toronto show, where the hobby is expanding far beyond hockey into football, basketball, and non-sports cards—highlighting just how global and diverse the market has become.
The crew dives into major industry shifts, including Fanatics continuing to take market share, GameStop exploring bold moves, and PSA grading numbers hitting massive volume levels.
They also get real about the business side of the hobby—from store-level realities like inventory risk and product margins to why most sealed product isn’t as profitable as people think.
If you want to understand where the hobby is heading—and how to actually navigate it—this episode gives you the unfiltered truth.
*Shop now at **onitathlete.com* (onitathlete.com/)* and use code COLLECTORNATION at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!*
*🔑 Topics Covered*
* Toronto card show recap and global hobby growth
* Why the hobby is bigger than just sports cards
* Fanatics expansion and industry consolidation
* GameStop’s potential move into collectibles
* PSA grading volume surge and what it means
* Store-level realities: margins, inventory, and risk
* Why most sealed product loses money
* What’s actually hot in the market right now

*🤝 Connect*
* Ryan Alford
👉ryanisright.com (ryanalford.com) 👉instagram.com/ryanalford

* Brian Ludden
👉ludex.com 👉instagram.com/ludexapp

* Bella Shafer
👉 instagram.com (instagram.com/ryanalford)isabellashafer
👉www.thecollectorstation.com

* Collector Station 👉sportscollectorsdigest.com/a-drive-thru-window-a-railway-line-and-a-pack-bar-make-collector-station-a-unique-experience-for-hobbyists