Looking Ahead: What Collectors Can Expect in 2026
As 2025 winds down, many collectors are already thinking about what the new year will bring to the hobby. Whether you're into sports cards, Pokémon, or trading card games, 2026 promises big shifts in product releases, player markets, and how cards are collected and valued.
At Major Sports Cards, we're watching the horizon closely—and here's what we're expecting (and excited for) in 2026.
1. Fanatics Takes the Reins: A New Era in Sports Cards
2026 will mark Fanatics' full takeover of major sports card licensing. With exclusive rights to MLB, NFL, and NBA trading cards, Fanatics is expected to roll out its own branded products—retiring legacy lines like Panini Prizm and Donruss from those leagues.
What this means for collectors:
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New product lines, designs, and inserts across all major sports
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Potential for more digital integrations and “instant” collectibles
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Increased focus on athlete partnerships and exclusive autograph deals
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Shift in resale markets as early Fanatics-era cards gain historical weight
This is one of the biggest changes to the hobby in decades, and collectors should be ready to adapt.
2. Continued Growth in Women’s Sports Cards
After the breakout year for stars like Caitlin Clark, 2026 will likely continue the rise of women’s sports collectibles. More sets, better visibility, and increased demand for graded rookies are expected.
Who to watch in 2026:
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Rising WNBA stars and next-gen college talent
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Expanded card releases in women’s soccer, MMA, and Olympic sports
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Short print and parallel versions of top female athlete cards
Collectors should be looking at early releases and autos now—before prices catch up to demand.
3. The Pokémon Market: Celebrating 30 Years
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and The Pokémon Company is expected to release anniversary sets, special products, and commemorative promos.
Key expectations include:
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Collector-focused releases with retro artwork
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Premium sealed products and box sets
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Grading demand for commemorative cards and reprints
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Likely inclusion of popular legacy Pokémon and nostalgic mechanics
If the 25th anniversary was any indication, 2026 could see major price movement in sealed product and promo cards.
4. Increased Focus on Grading and Authentication
With more people entering the hobby, grading continues to be a critical part of collecting. In 2026, expect:
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New PSA and CGC submission options and price tiers
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More collectors focusing on grading mid-tier cards for resale
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Greater awareness of population reports and low-pop investments
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Tech-driven authentication tools gaining ground (QR codes, NFC tags, digital certs)
Collectors who track grading trends and population reports will be better positioned to spot value before markets shift.
5. Digital & Augmented Reality (AR) Collectibles
Fanatics, Topps, and other brands are exploring AR-enhanced cards and digital-twin collectibles, combining physical ownership with digital access. While still early, 2026 may be the year these features hit the mainstream.
Watch for:
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Cards with scannable codes linking to video highlights or stats
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Digital certificates of authenticity tied to physical slabs
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Hybrid card/digital releases for limited-time events or rookie debuts
This won’t replace physical collecting—but could redefine what ownership looks like for the next generation.
6. What Collectors Should Do Now to Prepare
To make the most of 2026, here are a few smart moves to make this December:
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Organize your collection – Take stock of what you own and what needs grading or updating
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Watch early product announcements – Preorders and first-run prints often hold value
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Follow rookie classes – Keep an eye on draft prospects across all sports
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Set a 2026 collecting goal – Whether it's building a graded set or targeting sealed products, a plan keeps collecting focused
Visit your local shop – Major Sports Cards will continue to carry new releases, offer PSA grading services, and help you navigate what's coming next
