Maximizing Your Sports Card Investments in 2025: What Cards to Chase

As the sports card hobby continues to boom, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for collectors and investors alike. The landscape is full of emerging superstars, new hobby trends, and opportunities to build valuable portfolios. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a beginner looking to get into the hobby, knowing which cards to chase can help maximize your sports card investments. From hot rookies to global soccer stars and non-sport collectibles, here’s a guide to making the most of your 2025 sports card investments.

1. Baseball: 2025 MLB Rookie Cards

Rookie cards are the cornerstone of baseball card investing, and 2025 is expected to introduce a new wave of talent that collectors are eager to get their hands on. These players are projected to be highly sought-after in the hobby, with potential long-term value.

• Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles)
  As the top prospect for the Orioles and the son of former MLB star Matt Holliday, Jackson Holliday’s rookie cards are expected to be some of the most valuable in 2025. Chase his cards in sets like Topps Series 1, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Finest. Holliday’s talent, combined with Baltimore’s rising young core, makes him a high-potential investment target.

• Ethan Salas (San Diego Padres)
  The Padres’ young catching prospect Ethan Salas has generated plenty of buzz, and his Bowman Chrome rookie cards will be a hot commodity. Catchers aren’t always the go-to for collectors, but Salas’ bat and defense have future star potential, making his 2025 cards ones to watch for long-term value growth.

• Druw Jones (Arizona Diamondbacks)
  Another legacy player, Druw Jones, son of Andruw Jones, has the tools to be a major player in the MLB. His rookie cards in Topps Update and Bowman Draft could soar in value if he lives up to the hype, making him a smart investment target for those seeking growth potential.

Investment Tip:

When investing in baseball rookies, prioritize autographs, low-numbered parallels, and gem-mint graded cards. These tend to hold long-term value and appreciate more than base cards. Sets like Bowman Chrome and Topps Dynasty offer premium opportunities for serious investors.

2. Basketball: 2024-25 NBA Rookie Class

The basketball card market continues to thrive, with rookie cards often driving the highest demand. The 2024-25 NBA rookie class will bring fresh excitement, with several players expected to become top-tier investments.

• Ron Holland (Projected No. 1 Pick)
  As the likely top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Ron Holland is a can’t-miss talent. His rookie cards, debuting in products like Panini Prizm, Optic, and National Treasures, will be among the most valuable in the hobby. If he lives up to the hype, Holland’s cards could become cornerstones of a high-value basketball card portfolio.

• Isaiah Collier (Top 5 Pick)
  A dynamic point guard, Collier is expected to have an immediate impact. His rookie cards will be especially attractive if he lands on a big-market team or one poised for a deep playoff run. Autographs and rare inserts from premium sets like Flawless and Immaculate should be your main targets.

• Matas Buzelis (International Star)
  International players have been some of the biggest hits in the basketball card market recently (e.g., Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama). Matas Buzelis is another prospect who could follow this trend, making his rookie cards an intriguing investment, especially for collectors who look for global appeal.

Investment Tip:

Basketball card investors should focus on graded rookie autographs, especially those from Prizm and National Treasures. These cards historically see the highest appreciation, especially for breakout stars. Watch for short-print (SP) and color-matched parallels for the best long-term value.

3. Football: 2025 NFL Rookie Class and Breakout Stars

With the NFL continuing to dominate the American sports landscape, football cards offer substantial investment opportunities, particularly when it comes to quarterbacks and skill players.

• Caleb Williams (USC)
  Caleb Williams is the consensus top pick for the 2025 NFL Draft, and his cards are expected to be some of the most sought-after in the entire market. If he’s drafted by a quarterback-needy team, his rookie cards from Panini Contenders, Prizm, and Select will hold significant value. With comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, Williams could be a long-term star, making him a cornerstone for football card investors.

• Drake Maye (North Carolina)
  Maye is another top quarterback prospect with a strong arm and excellent mobility. His rookie cards could see explosive growth, especially if he enters the NFL in a strong position. Look for his autographs and low-numbered cards in sets like Optic Football and Immaculate Collection.

• Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)
  While not a rookie in 2025, Bijan Robinson’s potential as one of the NFL’s best running backs makes his cards from 2023 (like Prizm and Mosaic) excellent investment opportunities. If he continues to develop as a top-tier talent, his rookie cards could increase in value, especially those with rare inserts and autographs.

Investment Tip:

Focus on quarterbacks when investing in football cards, as they tend to hold the most value long-term. Low-numbered rookie autos from Contenders and National Treasures are key targets. Running backs and wide receivers can be valuable too, but quarterbacks remain the safest bet for substantial returns.

4. Soccer: Global Stars and 2026 World Cup Anticipation

The global appeal of soccer is growing in the sports card hobby, and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, 2025 will be an excellent time to invest in soccer cards.

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
  Bellingham’s rapid rise at Real Madrid has made him one of the most sought-after soccer players for collectors. His cards, particularly from Topps Chrome UCL and Panini Immaculate, will likely rise in value as his stardom continues to grow.

• Gavi (Barcelona)
  Already a standout for Barcelona and Spain, Gavi’s cards will be a key target in 2025, especially as the hype around the 2026 World Cup builds. Look for his rookie cards and autographs in sets like Panini Obsidian Soccer and Mosaic.

• Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)
  An emerging striker in the Bundesliga, Benjamin Šeško is another player to watch as his star power grows in 2025. His rookie cards in Topps Merlin Chrome and Panini Mosaic are great investments, especially as interest in European soccer stars continues to rise.

Investment Tip:

With soccer cards, invest in rookie cards, on-card autographs, and low-numbered parallels. Players performing well in Champions League or international tournaments often see huge spikes in card value.

5. Non-Sport Cards: Pop Culture and Entertainment

Non-sport cards are becoming an increasingly popular niche for collectors and investors, particularly with franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Pokemon.

• Marvel and Star Wars Cards
  As these franchises continue to release major movies and shows, expect cards from Topps Star Wars and Upper Deck Marvel to grow in popularity. Chase rare inserts, sketch cards, and autographs of iconic characters, especially from new shows and films.

• Pokemon TCG: New Generations and Secret Rares
  Pokemon continues to be one of the most popular trading card games globally. 2025 will bring new expansions featuring powerful and rare cards. Focus on alternate art cards and secret rares, as they hold the most long-term value.

Investment Tip:

When it comes to non-sport cards, target limited-edition cards, rare inserts, and autographs. Cards tied to upcoming movie releases or nostalgic franchises like Pokemon and Star Wars can offer excellent returns if chosen wisely.

Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Sports Card Investments in 2025

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for sports card collectors and investors. By focusing on rookie cards, autographs, and rare inserts from top athletes and pop culture franchises, you can build a portfolio with strong potential for appreciation. Stay informed on market trends, emerging players, and product releases to ensure you're chasing the right cards and maximizing your investments for the future.