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Inside Fanatics Fest: The Booming $20 Billion Sports Card Industry

ABC News reports from New York City on the transformation of sports cards from a childhood pastime to a multi-billion dollar market.

Jul 18, 2026, 2:55 AM ABC Top Stories

ABC Newsorganization Inside Fanatics Festperson Fanatics Festperson Perry Russomperson NYCorganization York Citygeography WATCHorganization Billion Sports Card Industryperson Boomingtopic United Statesgeography

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ABC News correspondent Perry Russom reported from Fanatics Fest in New York City on July 18, 2026, highlighting the dramatic growth of the sports card industry. Once dismissed as a childish hobby, sports cards have evolved into a nearly $20 billion industry, reflecting a significant shift in collector interest and market value.

Fanatics Fest showcased this booming market, emphasizing how sports cards have gained mainstream appeal and substantial economic impact in the United States.

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ABC News: Inside Fanatics Fest and the skyrocketing sports card industry

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