In 2023, the sports card industry continues to be dominated by grading companies PSA and ISA, who have revealed the top athletes and most submitted cards for the year. Leading the pack is MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani, who recently signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s popularity is reflected in the high demand for his cards, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, making him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. Impressively, Ohtani holds four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani steals the spotlight, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions. His 1990 Fleer card continues to be a favorite among collectors. The top 10 athletes in terms of card submissions for 2023 include Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
Among the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023, Shohei Ohtani claims several spots, including the 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285. Other noteworthy cards include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 featuring Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie.
Football card submissions have seen notable increases in popularity, with Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields experiencing an impressive 119% rise compared to 2022. Following closely behind is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a 98% increase in submissions. The Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce, has also seen significant growth in card submissions, which could be influenced by his high-profile relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across various sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the pack for the most submitted rookie cards. On the football front, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy are the top contenders. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman hold the top spots for most submitted rookie cards. As the sports card market remains fiercely competitive, collectors continue to seek out the next big thing in the form of promising rookies.
The popularity and demand for trading cards remain strong in 2023, with Shohei Ohtani emerging as the leader in most graded cards. As collectors hunt for rare finds and the next rising star, grading companies like PSA and ISA continue to play a crucial role in determining the value and authenticity of sports cards. Whether it’s the allure of timeless legends like Michael Jordan or the excitement surrounding promising rookies and current superstars, the world of sports card collecting remains an exhilarating pursuit for enthusiasts worldwide.
