The trading card market in the United States is hitting an unprecedented boom, driven by a combination of nostalgia, investment, and collector activity across both sports and Pokémon cards.
This is especially true in Amarilla, Texas, where there is both a scarcity and demand for these collectibles; however, there are some risks involved, including a rare but notable criminal incident. Learn more about both below.
Related: NFL Trading Cards Face Dramatic Shift as Topps Takes Over from Panini in 2026
Trading Card Robbery
Mike’s Sports Cards in Amarilla, unfortunately, fell victim to a robbery on August 15th. The perpetrator stole $40,000 worth of sports and Pokémon cards.
According to the Amarilla Police Department, the suspect, 38-year-old Daniel Zavala, forcibly entered through the front glass door and left with the haul.
Since the trading card market has such a high demand and quick turnover right now, especially for major releases that sell out almost immediately at big-box retailers, these cards can be quickly offloaded. Evidence suggests that Zavala tried to pawn some of them at a “cash for gold” business.
The Amarillo Police acted fast after the incident, using surveillance footage to identify Zavala and his vehicle. After stopping his vehicle, which included stolen license plates from a separate burglary, detectives executed search warrants on his car and lodgings at the Camelot Hotel.
The police recovered about $30,000 of the stolen items, including most of the cards. The Amarillo police also found more stolen license plates and discovered plans for further crimes.
Explosion of the Trading Card Market
The incident in Amarillo reflects the broader explosion of the trading card market. Data from mid-2024 to mid-2025 represents dramatic growth, with Walmart specifically reporting a 200% increase in trading card sales. Pokémon cards have also grown more than tenfold year over year.
So what’s causing the resurgence? Many who buy these cards, children and adults alike, use them as investments rather than for gameplay.
Broader industry figures follow this trend. In June 2025 alone, more than $305 million was spent on sports and trading cards across auction houses and marketplaces. eBay led the way with $245 million, followed by top auction houses and specialty retailers.
Surprisingly, high-value cards, like the 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection NBA card featuring James and Bryant, grabbed over $1.1 million at auction. T
here is serious potential for investment that collectors see at this moment in time.
Card companies are also jumping onto the renewed interest, with Fanatics expanding globally and acquiring exclusive licenses to link sports leagues with trading card products.
Check Out: LeBron James Sports Cards Face Shifting Market Amid Investment Opportunities
Rise of Online Platforms
The rise of online platforms is the main driving force behind expanding access to rare cards and facilitating sales across the world.
eBay and OfferUp have seen increased activity, while mobile apps that feature digital marketplaces offer advanced tools for price tracking and bidding, making the market more connected than ever before.
Trading Card Market Risks and Rewards
Of course, the trading card market’s rapid expansion also brings risks. The Amarillo robbery is just one instance that shows the potential for criminal activities fueled by the high value and high demand for these collectibles.
The question about how long this market will sustain is also on the back of collectors’ minds, as popularity wanes or increases.
Despite these concerns, trading cards have gone from just a hobby or game to a robust industry pulling in billions in revenue and grabbing the attention of collectors, investors, and major corporations.
Also Read: The Impact of Trading Cards on Sports, Entertainment, and More
As the market evolves, it will be interesting to see how both enthusiasts and businesses adapt to balancing growth, authenticity, and security.
