In 2023, the card-grading giants PSA and ISA continue to dominate the sports card industry, with PSA recently revealing the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year. Topping the list is none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, who made headlines with his record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s cards, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, have become a highly sought-after treasure, making him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. In fact, Ohtani holds four spots within the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani rules the card-submission realm, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions. Collectors continue to swoon over his 1990 Fleer card, making it a favorite amongst card enthusiasts. Joining Ohtani and Jordan in the top 10 athletes for card submissions in 2023 are rising stars like Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, and Joe Burrow. The list also features familiar names like Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II, showcasing their enduring popularity within the sports card community.
Speaking of the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023, Shohei Ohtani’s dominance is once again evident. His 2018 Bowman #49 and 2018 Topps Update US285 cards are among the most sought-after cards in the market. However, Ohtani isn’t the only one capturing collectors’ attention. The 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz card and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie card also make their presence felt in the coveted top 10 list.
Turning our attention to football, it’s clear that the emergence of new stars and fresh talent has had a significant impact on card submissions. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has witnessed a remarkable 119% increase in card submissions compared to the previous year, solidifying his status as a rising star in the NFL. Not too far behind is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has seen a noteworthy 98% increase in card submissions. Another player attracting attention is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose submissions have spiked, possibly due to his public relationship with fellow superstar Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across various sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama stand out as the top rookie card submissions, showcasing their potential to become future stars in the league. In the world of football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy take the lead as the most submitted rookie cards, hinting at their potential impact on the gridiron. In baseball, it’s Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman who steal the spotlight with their highly sought-after rookie cards.
The card-collecting community continues to thrive, with collectors eagerly seeking out the top athletes and rookie cards of 2023. Shohei Ohtani’s meteoric rise, along with the emergence of new stars like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence, showcases the ever-evolving nature of the sports card industry. Whether it’s the allure of vintage cards or the excitement surrounding rookie sensations, the appeal of collecting these graded trading cards remains as strong as ever. So, be sure not to miss out on the action and start building your own collection today!