In the past, sports card collecting was dominated by male athletes, and female athletes were rarely featured on cards. However, with the increasing popularity of women's sports, the demand has grown exponentially. Women's sports cards are now being produced by major card companies such as Topps and Panini, and are becoming more widely available in card shops and online marketplaces. As a result, many collectors are starting to take notice, recognizing their value both as a collectible item and as an investment. In fact, this investment potential was demonstrated as recently as February when a Sabrina Ionescu rookie card sold for nearly $11,000 and became the most expensive WNBA card sold at auction.
The rise of women's sports cards is not just a trend, but a reflection of the growing interest and support for women's sports. Women's sports have been gaining more media coverage and sponsorship deals, and female athletes have been making headlines with their impressive performances and achievements. As a result, many fans and collectors are now eager to show their support for female athletes by collecting their trading cards. Women's sports cards are also becoming more accessible to fans of all ages, with affordable options available for beginners and high-end cards for serious collectors. While there is still a long way to go in terms of representation and recognition for women in sports, the rise of women's sports cards is a positive step towards greater equality and visibility for female athletes.
10 Female Athletes to Add to Your Collection
Women's sports have come a long way over the years, and these 10 female athletes have played and will continue to play a significant role in shaping the landscape. From dominating their respective sports to breaking barriers and becoming role models for young athletes everywhere, they have left an indelible mark on sports history. Their cards have become highly coveted collectibles, and as the demand for women's sports continues to grow, so will the value of their cards. In no order, here are 10 female athletes you should add to your collection:
1. Serena Williams (Tennis)
Serena Williams is one of the most dominant tennis players in history, having won a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Serena is widely beloved and appreciated in the sports community. If you can get your hands on one of her cards, you are very lucky as her cards are highly sought after, and have sold for as much as $120,000.
2. Sabrina Ionescu (Basketball)
Sabrina Ionescu is a star in the WNBA for the New York Liberty. She was a dominant force in college at Oregon and is known for her impressive scoring ability and all-around play. She is a rising star in the WNBA and is a great ambassador for women's basketball.
3. Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
Simone Biles is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and 19-time World Champion who is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She has also become a household name for her impressive accomplishments and inspiring story.
4. Alex Morgan (Soccer)
Alex Morgan is a two-time World Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist. She is one of the most well-known athletes in the world and is considered one of the most marketable female athletes. She has appeared on the cover of two separate editions of the video game Fifa and has been named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2019 and 2022.
5. Naomi Osaka (Tennis)
Naomi Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam champion at the young age of 25. Beyond her impressive performances on the court, she has also become a leading voice for social justice and mental health awareness.
6. Breanna Stewart (Basketball)
Breanna Stewart is a four-time NCAA champion, a two-time WNBA champion, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist who has established herself as one of the best players in women's basketball. She has dominated at every level of basketball and will likely continue to do so for many years to come.
7. Mia Hamm (Soccer)
Mia Hamm is one of the most iconic players in the history of women's soccer, having won two Olympic gold medals and two World Cup titles. She is one of the most famous names in woman's sports and scored an incredible 158 goals for the USWNT.
8. Candace Parker (Basketball)
Candace Parker is widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. She is a two-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA champion, who was a leader on the court and is an inspiration to young female athletes everywhere. She still plays in the WNBA and is a great ambassador for the game as she is also a part of TNT's NBA coverage. Also fun fact, she was the first woman in NCAA tournament history to dunk in a game.
9. Amanda Nunes (UFC)
Amanda Nunes is a two-division UFC champion and the first female fighter to hold titles in multiple divisions. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time and her auto from the inaugural Prizm UFC set has sold for thousands.
10. Annika Sorenstam (Golf)
Annika Sorenstam is a legendary golfer who won a total of 90 international tournaments during her career. She is a 10-time major champion, was named the LPGA Player of the Year eight times, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003. She is widely known as the greatest women's golfer of all time and as the interest in women's sports continues to grow, so will the value of her cards.
It was extremely difficult to distill this list down to only 10 as there are so many women in sports who have made an incredible impact. From Billie Jean King to Mia Hamm to Simone Biles, these women have become icons and inspirations for generations of athletes. As more women continue to make their mark in sports, the list of female icons will only continue to grow.
The Future of Women's Sports Cards
The interest in women's sports is growing steadily. In fact, a report by Samba TV showed that women’s sports TV viewership had shown explosive year-over-year growth. In fact, Forbes declared it the fastest-growing TV audience at a time. From 2021 to 2022, the value of women's sports broadcast rights grew by 30% in the US – and a whopping 140% in the UK and 110% in France. As more and more female athletes make a name for themselves in their respective sports, demand for their cards will only increase. This is an exciting time to be involved in the collecting of women's sports cards and the potential for future value is immense.
Collecting and Investing in Women's Sports Cards
Collecting sports cards in general can be a fun and rewarding hobby, as well as a potential investment opportunity. Like any investment, it's important to do your research and understand the market before making any purchases. Look for reputable sellers and authentic cards, and consider factors such as player performance, rarity, and condition when determining the value of a card. An interesting consideration for collecting women's sports cards is that these are only the beginning stages. Investing in these cards now could be a great decision for the future.
Where to Find Women's Sports Cards
Women's sports cards can be found at many sports card shops and online marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon. You can also find women's sports cards at major retailers such as Target and Walmart, as well as at card conventions and events. When purchasing women's sports cards, be sure to look for reputable sellers and authentic cards.
Tips for Starting Your Collection
If you're new to collecting women's sports cards, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Start with a specific sport or player that you're interested in.
2. Research the market and determine your budget.
3. Look for reputable sellers and authentic cards.
4. Consider investing in high-end cards for potential long-term value.
5. Connect with other collectors and attend sports card events and conventions.
The rise of women's sports cards is a positive sign of the growing interest and support for women's sports, and a step towards greater equality and visibility for female athletes. By collecting and investing in women's sports cards, we can help to support female athletes and raise awareness for women's sports. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, there are countless female athletes whose trading cards are worth adding to your collection.
About 528 Collectibles
528 Collectibles is a one-stop-shop for all things collectibles, memorabilia, and trading cards. Our mission is to provide collectors with the best possible experience by offering a wide variety of products, exceptional customer service, and a welcoming community of collectors. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, trade, or participate in live box breaks, we have you covered. We also offer pre-grading services for trading cards and consignment options for all collectibles. With a passion for all things collectible and a commitment to customer satisfaction, 528 Collectibles is the ultimate destination for collectors.