Sports Cards Live

We close out Ep. 283 with a lively community-driven roundtable: the crew weighs Panini’s legacy through the lens of “gems buried in lots of sand”—from NT vs. Immaculate vs. Flawless to the elegance (and divisiveness) of Noir, the utility of Contenders (on-card autos, Cracked Ice), and why Chronicles is a sneaky fun rip. We get into game-used vs. player-worn history, rising memorabilia costs, and Fanatics/Topps’ patch-authentication innovations. Then a spicy market segment: the Messi Megacracks 71 Bis jump (≈$5K → $28K), FAMHO (fear of having missed out), hype cycles, and whether spikes are organic demand or manufactured heat. Plus: redemptions fatigue, release-schedule wishes, and final shout-outs before Jeremy hits the road for Lethbridge. Recorded live Sept 20, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris McGill and Josh Adams join Jeremy to unpack the post-Adam Martin discussion and press into the biggest questions of the moment: Can Topps/Fanatics instantly stand up high-end basketball brands to replace National Treasures/Flawless/Immaculate, or are we headed for high-end uncertainty in a truly new basketball card era? They get into allocations, LCS margins, breaker dynamics, and whether live platforms tilt the field. The trio “eulogizes” the Panini era—gold /10, black 1/1s, shields/logomen, and the rise of case hits (Kaboom, Downtown, Color Blast)—and asks if we’re ready for “kabooms without logos.” On the legal front, Josh flags potential antitrust and injunction scenarios, why timelines drag, and how outcomes could reshape competition. Plus: a shout-out to Dave & Adam’s for surfacing early MJ 1/1s (and how one just resurfaced on Fanatics Collect). Smart, candid hobby talk with real implications for collectors, shops, and breakers. Recorded live Sept 20, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy welcomes Adam Martin (Dave & Adam’s Card World) for a deep dive on the hobby’s biggest pivot: Topps/Fanatics taking over the NBA license and what it means for Panini, breakers, and LCSs. Adam lays out the near-term timeline around Topps’ Oct 23 launch, why Panini isn’t going away (expect player-licensed basketball), and how pricing and allocations could shift as Fanatics spreads product more widely. They get tactical for shop owners and breakers, dynamic pricing, the loss of Flawless/Treasure margins, and why high-end basketball may thin out initially while Topps builds premium brands. On live commerce, they compare Whatnot vs. Fanatics Live vs. eBay Live, and talk through the risk/reward if Fanatics favors breakers on its own platform. Macro factors hit the table too: Walmart’s booth at the National, GameStop’s hobby push, distributors pivoting (hello, Pokémon), and how World Cup Prism keeps catalyzing soccer. The segment closes on market psychology: the $12.93M Jordan–Kobe Logoman, Kevin O’Leary’s capital, whether modern records trigger more supply, and why the best copies may disappear into “forever collections.” Insight-packed, candid, and grounded—this is your field guide to the post-license-swap era. Recorded live Sept 20, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of Episode 283 of Sports Cards Live, Jeremy Lee is joined by co-host Joe Poirot for a wide-ranging hobby conversation. The guys kick things off with announcements about upcoming shows, bonus episodes, and community shoutouts before diving deep into one of the hottest topics in the hobby right now: vaults and grading. Jeremy and Joe discuss: How vaults like Fanatics Collect, PSA, COMC, and ShipMyCards are reshaping the collector experience The pros and cons of using vaults for security, liquidity, and convenience Jeremy’s first-ever PSA submission through COMC and why the simplicity won him over Whether vaults are really for collectors or just fueling flippers The heated question: Is card grading a scam… or just a sham? A fun thought experiment: what cards would Joe buy if his collection vanished and insurance made him start from scratch The live chat also jumps in with sharp insights, challenges, and hobby banter, making this a classic Sports Cards Live Saturday night discussion. Recorded Sept 20, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We close out with Chris HOJ and Josh Adams and dig into hobby risk and reward. We revisit the Gretzky vs Messi debate, then unpack PSA’s guarantee caps and what happens when a pop two becomes a pop one after an autograph. We talk through why someone might crack a seven-figure Gretzky, the record price for an autographed rookie, and whether you would rather have a 10 holder or a 9 with a 10 auto. Chris shares two telling charts on Fanatics Collect Premier: trading card lots climbing from ~120 early in the year to ~400 this month. We consider post-National consignment waves, private deals moving to public auctions, and simple supply and demand. Josh recaps his 90s auction, explains smart consolidation into a grail, and we each answer whether the current surge makes us sell or hold. We finish on whether a modern card holding the all-time record feels right, and why some vintage pieces may still be more valuable even without a recent public sale. Recorded: September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue with Graig Miller and Leighton Sheldon, then bring on Chris HOJ and Josh Adams before Graig and Leighton sign off. Leighton puts a real-world choice to the panel: 1992 Upper Deck Michael Jordan 15,000 Point Club PSA 10 around a thousand, or 1993 Ultra Power in the Key PSA 9 around thirteen hundred. We walk through a clean decision framework that weighs playing-days status, design appeal, pop counts, grade premiums, and how much future value should matter when you are buying for joy. Josh casts his vote for the 15,000 Point Club, and Chris explains why earlier inserts and lower pops can be decisive. We close with a market gut check using Messi’s surging Megacracks PSA 10 and a Gretzky comparison. Chris lays out recent public private sales, pops, and why skepticism can be healthy when prices sprint. We also touch on league scale, cultural pull, and what “GOAT” means when you try to price it. Highlights A practical head-to-head: MJ 15,000 Point Club PSA 10 vs Power in the Key PSA 9 How to break ties: playing days, aesthetics, pop reports, and budget discipline Chat perspectives on collecting for love vs future value Messi Megacracks PSA 10 run, pop context, and why to sanity-check bull markets Gretzky as a useful comp when defining GOAT and market depth Segment ends with Jeremy, Chris, and Josh Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leighton Sheldon joins Jeremy and Graig Miller and we keep the trio together through the end of this part. We start with Strongsville chatter and a Savannah Bananas detour, then dive into the Messi vs Gretzky question. From there it is vintage talk in a frothy market, including being priced out of grails like 1914 and 1915 Cracker Jack Shoeless Joe Jackson, how to pivot without quitting, and why lowering grade expectations can unlock iconic cards. Leighton previews AuctionWire.ai for live auction discovery, and we swap stories about provenance, kid handwriting on the backs, and why value vintage boxes can hook new collectors. We wrap by agreeing the thrill of the hunt keeps the hobby fun, even when prices are tough. Highlights Strongsville vibes and first takes on Savannah Bananas cards Messi vs Gretzky and how worldwide relevance intersects with hobby demand When a grail runs away: consolidate, pivot, or lower the slab grade target Cracker Jack Shoeless Joe, Jordan inserts, and strategies when pricing surges AuctionWire.ai preview for tracking live auctions and fixed price marketplaces Provenance and story value: writing on cards, original owner paths, loved copies Value vintage boxes and easy entry points for new collectors Part concludes with Jeremy, Graig, and Leighton still on the mics Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue with Joe Poirot from Santa Cruz and Graig Miller of Midlife Cards to unpack the PSA ex-employee interview, NDAs, research room mechanics, potential bias, and why transparency and grader notes still lag. Jeremy recalls a 2009 PSA tour, we react to regrade experiments and consistency concerns, and debate what is truly bubble resistant: low supply icons or well centered, high eye appeal copies. Then it is the set registry’s relevance, whether graders should be certified and better paid, and Joe signs off while teeing up a Messi vs Gretzky GOAT question for later. Highlights NDA takeaways and research room vs grading room implications Tours, grader notes, and whether new tech equals tougher grading Regrade experiments, inconsistency, and the cost of resubs What holds value best: low supply icons vs centered, high eye appeal copies Set registry reality: leaderboard vs true card quality Should graders be certified and paid like professionals Part wraps with Joe’s exit and a Messi vs Gretzky prompt for later Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 282, Part 1 of Sports Cards Live kicks off with Joe Poirot from Santa Cruz as we dig into whether the hobby is frothy or in a full bubble, how injuries to Brock Purdy and Caitlin Clark ripple through prices, and why strong eye appeal in lower grades continues to command premiums. We also explore consolidation strategy, Fanatics and the 10x idea, record-setting sales bringing new attention to the market, and grading transparency with a visit from Graig Miller of Midlife Cards. Highlights Are we in a bubble or just a frothy upswing Brock Purdy and Caitlin Clark injuries and market impact Paying over comps for low grade, high eye appeal vintage Vault proceeds and the backdoor consolidation play What “10x the hobby” really means Record sales, attention, and demand The grading black box: standards, tech, and transparency Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to hellofresh.com/cards10fm now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 5 zeroes in on the record $12.9M Kobe/MJ Exquisite Dual Logoman: is it a true comp or a one-off outlier? We dig into why this sale triggered stronger reactions than Wagner/Mantle results, the marketing/use-case angle (Schemes/Dick’s as precedent), and how headlines (“highest ever”) can be worth more than the incremental bid. We also kick around underbidder theories, “comp” vs “comparable,” and whether there’s any real trickle-down. Then a fun closer: what would a 1/1 ’89 UD Griffey be worth? Highlights Why this modern card drew more vitriol than vintage record-setters “Comp” vs “comparable”: when a data point doesn’t map to anything else Marketing spend logic (Schemes/Dick’s) and the Secure syndicate’s “calling card” Psychological spillover vs long-term pricing reality Manufactured rarity isn’t new: Wagner, ’52 Topps highs, ’33 Goudey Lajoie, Bert Corbeau, Leaf Marciano Quick takes from Karvin Cheung, Chris McGill, and Josh Adams on what really matters for collectors If you’re into record sales, comps, and the vintage–modern divide, this one’s for you. Watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive hobby talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 3 continues the “priced out” conversation with Jeremy and Mike Zier, joined midway by Karvin Cheung (creator of Exquisite, The Cup, National Treasures, and more) and later Chris McGill of Card Ladder. What starts as a collector’s reality check on wax prices evolves into a roundtable on distribution, licensing, breakers, and the overall state of the hobby. From $12.9M grails to $800 wax boxes, this discussion spans both ends of the spectrum, and asks whether regular collectors can still find their lane. Highlights Collector angst: returns shrinking while wax prices soar Breaking then vs. breaking now, does it still offer value? Carvin on licensing, distribution, and why the ecosystem fuels high prices Chris McGill connects rising wax costs to broader inflation and everyday life Is “don’t open it” the only way to push wax prices down? The tension between million-dollar grails and collectors just wanting affordable packs Discipline, budgets, and staying grounded in today’s market If you want straight talk on wax costs, the breaking economy, and the state of the hobby from both collectors and industry insiders, this episode is for you. And don’t forget, watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive conversations with hobby voices at every level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 4 shifts into a roundtable with Karvin Cheung, Chris McGill, and Josh Adams, digging into why wax is so pricey and who’s actually opening it. We compare breakers vs. LCS demand, online buying behavior, and how distribution/licensing ripple through box prices. Chris puts wax costs in macro context (USD purchasing power, gold/bitcoin/S&P comparisons), while Carvin explains the ecosystem effects—and revisits Exquisite’s DNA, the “1-of-1-of-1-of-1” idea, bold on-card autos, and game-used (plus where Topps Dynasty fits now). We also hit goat-chasing, sentiment signals, and whether “don’t open it” is the only lever to push prices down. Highlights Breakers vs LCS: who opens more, and why it matters Distribution, licenses, and the feedback loop that lifts box prices Macro lens: cards vs gold/bitcoin/S&P the dollar’s bite on the hobby Exquisite legacy & design: bold autos > grades, and the true “1-of-1-of-1-of-1” Game-used patches today; Dynasty’s role for high-end, on-card autos Cycles, sentiment, and practical ways collectors can still “stay in their lane” If you’re into the real reasons wax is expensive, how breaking reshaped the hobby, and insider takes on Exquisite/Dynasty and game-used patches, this episode is for you. Watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive hobby conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy and Leighton open Part 2 by tackling the “priced out” question head-on before Mike Zier jumps in with a candid collector’s perspective from the trenches, selling down, shifting to singles, and finding peace without chasing every comp. We get real about wax FOMO vs. expected value, what “being in the hobby” actually means, how to cope when prices outpace budgets, and why it’s okay to love cards without loving the market. Leighton bows out midway; Jeremy and Mike keep it rolling with practical strategies regular collectors can use right now. Highlights “Adapt or get out?” unpacked: what staying looks like when wax is $500–$800 Singles over wax: maximizing joy and minimizing regret The dopamine problem: ripping vs. actually getting the cards you want Feeling underappreciated as a long-timer, and moving forward anyway Tracking every cent vs. ignoring the ticker: two healthy mindsets Using eBay solds as simple comps (and when to skip comps entirely) If you enjoy honest talk about budgets, wax vs. singles, and collecting for joy (not just headlines), this episode is for you. And don’t forget, watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive conversations with collectors, dealers, and industry voices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One week after the record-setting $12.9M Jordan/Kobe Logoman sale, we ask: did it truly lift the hobby, or just the high-end yacht club? Jeremy and Joe Poirot break down the reactions, from skepticism to excitement, before Leighton Sheldon joins to share perspective from the vintage side. Together we tackle whether the sale is a real comp or an outlier, what it means for vintage vs modern, how scarcity is understood today, and whether collectors should be trimming, holding, or reallocating in a frothy market. Highlights One week later: comp vs outlier and how much weight the sale should carry PR, syndicates, and perception: does attention create “fractionalization 2.0”? Manufactured vs organic scarcity: why both now drive demand Vintage pride vs modern crown: what actually shifts for collectors Leighton’s playbook: liquidity, risk management, and taking chips off the table Card allocation vs net worth: how deep is too deep? Next record-breaker candidates: ’52 Topps Mantle, T206 Wagner, a Ruth rookie If you enjoy deep hobby conversations that go beyond headlines and comps, this episode is for you. And don’t forget, watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night on YouTube for live, interactive discussions with collectors, dealers, and industry leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part five of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23, 2025, history is made as the 2007 Exquisite Jordan–Kobe Dual Logoman Autograph 1/1 sells for $12.932 million, setting a new record for the most expensive publicly sold sports card of all time. Jeremy, Brent Weyer, and Chris McGill share live reactions with over 300 viewers as the auction closes, reflecting on what this moment means for the hobby. The panel dives deep into the implications: are PSA 10 vintage grails trustworthy, or are they overgraded time bombs? Does the true value of modern masterpieces come from auto quality, patch authenticity, and game use rather than technical grades? And how should collectors view concepts like “artificial rarity” versus organic scarcity? They also explore the ripple effects: how Kobe’s legacy — heightened by his tragic passing — shaped demand, whether heritage auction fees influence seller behavior, and what this watershed moment could mean for the next wave of cards to hit the market. Highlights include: Live coverage of the record-breaking $12.9M Jordan–Kobe Logoman sale Grading skepticism and the power of PSA’s brand vs. the card itself Why patch and autograph quality may matter more than grades Kobe’s passing and its impact on his long-term hobby standing Pop reports vs. lived scarcity in today’s market What record-setting sales might bring out of collections next This final segment captures the energy, controversy, and history of a night when the hobby’s all-time record was shattered live on Sports Cards Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part four of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Jordan–Kobe Dual Logoman Exquisite Autograph surges past the $10 million mark live on air, ultimately climbing toward its record-breaking $12M+ finish. Jeremy, Brent Weyer, and Chris McGill track the drama in real time, unpacking what the sale means for grading, rarity, and the psychology of high-stakes bidding. The discussion ranges from the legitimacy of “manufactured rarity” to whether grade even matters for a one-of-one grail. The panel also wrestles with a central hobby question: if Michael Jordan is clearly No. 1, who is No. 2? Names like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tom Brady are all debated as the community weighs legacy, market caps, and cultural impact. Highlights include: The Jordan–Kobe Logoman breaking into 8-figure territory live on Sports Cards Live Manufactured rarity vs. organic rarity in the hobby Does grade matter at all for one-of-ones? Ego, status, and trophy bidding in high-end auctions The debate over who ranks No. 2 after Michael Jordan — Mantle, Ruth, LeBron, Kobe, Brady, or someone else? Shaq’s surprising hobby index strength and whether undervalued stars ever catch up This was one of the most electric hobby nights in recent memory — and Sports Cards Live was right there with the audience as history unfolded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part three of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23, 2025, Jeremy welcomes Chris McGill (@chris_hoj) alongside Brent Weyer (@deepvalueinvestor) as the Heritage Auctions bidding drama heats up. The iconic Jordan–Kobe Dual Logoman Exquisite Autograph climbs past $9 million, sparking debate on whether it deserves to rank among the greatest cards in basketball history. The conversation expands into the role of grading, questioning whether graded scarcity creates real value or if condition scarcity and eye appeal are what truly matter. The panel also tackles the flaws in Michael Jordan’s card catalog, why he doesn’t have a “perfect” rookie-era grail like modern stars do, and how that shapes the chase for the ultimate Jordan card. Highlights include: The Jordan–Kobe Dual Logoman breaking into record territory Grading scarcity vs. condition scarcity — what collectors should really value The role of eye appeal and why not all 10s are created equal Why Michael Jordan doesn’t have a single “perfect” rookie grail The debate: PMG Green, Logomans, or something else as Jordan’s apex card This is a can’t-miss segment for anyone fascinated by high-end sports cards, the psychology of grading, and the never-ending pursuit of defining hobby “greatness.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23, 2025, we explore the evolving collector–investor debate with Brent Weyer (@deepvalueinvestor). Brent discusses how his approach has expanded from chasing only apex cards to also embracing what he jokingly calls “bum collecting” — acquiring elite cards of overlooked stars. The conversation digs into whether sports cards are best viewed as investments or expenses, sparking thoughtful discussion around balance sheets, assets, and hobby perspective. We also examine the rise of high-net-worth individuals entering the hobby, often through breaking as their initial gateway before shifting into serious collecting and targeted investments. Brent shares how he’s working with these new buyers, what types of cards they’re seeking, and why education and guidance are critical in helping them navigate the market. Highlights include: Collecting for passion vs. investing for return Viewing cards as assets vs. expenses Nostalgia, aesthetics, and personal collecting rules Breaking as a gateway for wealthy newcomers How high-net-worth collectors are being onboarded into the hobby Whether you see yourself as a collector, an investor, or somewhere in between, this segment brings valuable perspective on how the hobby continues to evolve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23rd, Jeremy Lee kicks off Episode 280 with solo commentary on one of the most historic nights in the hobby. As Heritage Auctions closed, we witnessed a record-breaking sale, dissected some of the most talked-about slabs in the marketplace, and shared a collector story that every eBay bidder can relate to. Highlights include: Reaction to the $12.9M+ Exquisite Dual Logoman of Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant A critical breakdown of the Wilt Chamberlain 1961 Fleer PSA 10 rookie card — is it truly gem mint or just grade worship? Insights on the George Mikan PSA 9, 1986 Fleer Jordan SGC Pristine, and 1911 C55 Georges Vezina PSA 7.5 Jeremy’s $122 eBay snipe fail on a Jaromir Jagr 1/1, and what it says about bidding strategy Why eye appeal vs. the number on the slab matters more than ever Audience interaction, live reactions, and community banter as the bids rolled in Whether you’re chasing grails, questioning grading standards, or just love watching hobby history unfold in real time, this episode delivers perspective on one of the biggest auction nights ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final part of our post-National panel with Josh Adams and Chris McGill, the conversation shifts from comps to one of the hobby’s longest-running debates — rookie cards versus inserts and parallels. We explore why certain 90s insert sets deserve more respect, the psychology behind collectors’ preferences, and whether the rookie card’s dominance is partly a manufactured narrative. From power dynamics in auctions to the underrated beauty of “one-and-done” insert runs, this wrap-up delivers strong opinions, surprising perspectives, and plenty of hobby banter. Highlights include: Breaking down who really has the power to set a comp: buyer, underbidder, or seller Underrated 90s insert and parallel sets — from Passing the Torch to One of a Kind How Michael Jordan’s rare Stadium Club parallels compare to PMGs and Star Rubies The psychology behind collectors’ love for shiny, eye-catching cards Why some in the hobby dismiss inserts and others see them as core collectibles Are rookie cards a hobby tradition or a manufactured gimmick? How modern inserts differ from their 90s counterparts in rarity and appeal The argument for collecting championship-year or iconic-moment cards instead of rookies Final reflections from the National, including the growing phenomenon of late-night trade nights Lighthearted moments, from hoodie-for-candy “comps” to memorable post-show interactions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices