The top selling sports cards in June as grading volume hit record highs

July 8, 2026 - 03:53

The sports card market saw a massive spike in June as grading companies reported all-time high submission volumes. Basketball and baseball cards dominated the top-selling lists, with high-end rookie cards and vintage stars driving the most money. The surge has been building since early spring, but June's numbers shattered previous monthly records.

Leading the charge were modern basketball rookies, particularly from the 2023 draft class. Cards of Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson continued to fetch strong prices, though some vintage baseball cards also saw renewed interest. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in high grade reportedly changed hands for a six-figure sum, while a 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie card remained a steady seller.

The record grading volume has created a growing backlog at major services like PSA, Beckett, and SGC. Collectors now face wait times of several months for standard submissions, with some express services also slowing down. Industry observers worry that the bottleneck could cool the market if sellers cannot get their cards graded and listed quickly. However, demand remains strong, with auction houses reporting increased consignments and higher average sale prices.

The trend shows no signs of slowing. As more investors and collectors enter the space, the pressure on grading capacity will likely continue. For now, basketball and baseball reign supreme, but the long-term health of the market may depend on how well the industry handles the crush of submissions.