The NBA’s global influence has pushed its trading card market to unprecedented heights. From rookie autographs to limited edition inserts, collectors and investors are scrambling to acquire these precious possessions.
The NBA’s Advantages in the Trading Card Market
The secondary market booms: Global demand for NBA trading cards surges, with rookie cards, rare similarities and special inserts setting record sales numbers for some of the most popular players. On eBay in Australia, the 2003-04 LeBron James signed card received $20,000* in July 2023, while the Kobe Bryant double patch automatically sold for over $28,000*, proving that sports collectors are the real deal. However, Jordan took the cake with a 2005-06 card signed by Michael Jordan, with the same score as the LeBron card, and returned home in August 2024 for over $31,000.
Nova and established icons: Australian NBA players like Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels were waving on the court. Josh Giddey’s card has been traded on eBay over the past 30 days as he continues to have an impressive form on the Chicago Bulls. A self-signed card by Josh Giddey sold nearly $14,000 on eBay Australia in Australia two years ago, showing collectors are supporting the young player.
Meanwhile, superstars like Luka Dončić continue to see growth. The autographed card of the PSA 9Luka Dončić rookie costs nearly $9,000*, while a double-automatic Stephen Curry and Luka Card cost over $13,000* on eBay Australia last year. Dual auto and patch cards continue to prove to be fans of wanting an action, not to mention the incredible pairing they show! Searching Dončić on eBay.com.au hit its peak when trading in February this year, pushing his card into some of the top searched sports cards in the category.
Last month, the 2023-24 national treasure Victor Wembanyama has sold for over $14,000* – in the past 3 years, it has set a new record for one of his trading cards at eBay Australia and demonstrates a hype around the next generation of stars.
Caitlin Clark’s No. 1 pick and WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark sold $11,000 cards on eBay Australia last November. Thanks in large part to Clark, women’s card prices surpassed their NBA peers for the first time, meaning we’re reaching an unexplored and exciting new chapter in the NBA trading card world.
Get a lot of NBA and WNBA collections and cards on eBay now!
The prosperous market for collectors at all levels
Whether you are an experienced collector or a newcomer looking to dive, the trading card market is eBay offers a range of cards from local and global sellers that are easier to access than ever before. Whether chasing the latest rookie, Hall of Fame legend or exclusive inserts, eBay is a market that offers a variety of exciting options.
The future of NBA trading cards
“The growth of NBA trading cards is undoubtedly amazing. With new collectors entering the space every day and demand for high-end cards has reached unprecedented levels, this market definitely doesn’t have as many signs as eBay enjoys as many games as eBay.”
Our main skills? Find rookies, cars and patches for your favorite players – but most importantly, having fun in the hunt.
Start your collection now
From NBA legends to new stars, the sports trade card is bigger than ever. Start exploring today.
*eBay Australia sales data 2022-2025.
