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Collector Nation

Breaking Down the Topps Conference: New Products, Licensing & Shop Allocation

4/17/202638 min

In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford, Brian Ludden, and Bella Shafer take a closer look at the current state of the trading card industry—from allocation challenges to pricing shifts and the evolving role of card shops. Drawing from firsthand experience at the Topps Conference, the conversation explores how brands like Topps and Fanatics are thinking about growth, distribution, and the future of the hobby. The team also discusses how technology, data, and platforms like eBay are influencing buying behavior and shaping how collectors engage with the market. As the hobby continues to expand beyond just sports, new opportunities—and challenges—are emerging. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode offers valuable insight into where the hobby is headed and what it takes to stay ahead. 🔑 Topics Covered Topps Conference insights and industry direction Allocation challenges and how shops earn inventory Pricing trends and secondary market dynamics The role of technology and data in collecting Growth of the hobby beyond sports cards Marketplace evolution and future opportunities 🤝 Connect with the Hosts Ryan Alford – https://www.ryanalford.com Brian Ludden (Ludex) – https://www.ludex.com Bella Shafer – https://www.instagram.com/isabellashafer

Clips

Chasing The 2026 Grail
Last Chance On-Card Autos
WNBA Draft Windfall
Oklahoma Softball Sells Fast

Transcript preview

First 90 seconds

  1. Ryan Alford· Host0:00

    I know you were at a big Topps conference last week. Maybe your takeaways from the conference.

  2. Leonard Berry· Guest0:04

    It was interesting. All they wanna do is get more allocation. I feel they're maturing in understanding what their vision is and understanding the industry a lot better. I think they're being really smart about it.

  3. Ryan Alford· Host0:13

    Is there any chance in hell that the Yankees get bought by Topps or Fanatics?

  4. Leonard Berry· Guest0:17

    I don't think so.

  5. Ryan Alford· Host0:18

    We seem to be moving towards monopolies anyway.

  6. Bella Shafer· Panelist0:20

    I think it will depend on what Panini does next and how successful what they do next is.

  7. Ryan Alford· Host0:27

    So eBay sports card sales hit $233 million in March.

  8. Bella Shafer· Panelist0:31

    Specifically with Ohtani and Jordan cards, they saw eight figures worth of sales on eBay last month, but the entire market soared to more than $7.5 million per day.

  9. Ryan Alford· Host0:44

    That is more money than millions of Americans combined will ever see or make in their lifetime, and eBay does it in a month on sports cards. Welcome to the Collector Nation Podcast, here on the Collector Nation Network. Whether you're chasing grails or calling bluffs, we take you inside the hobby. Here are your hosts, Ryan Alford and Bryan Lutin. What's up, guys? Hey, it's our On It segment of the week with my good friend Leonard Berry. What's up, Leonard?

  10. Leonard Berry· Guest1:23

    Hey, Ryan. How are you?

  11. Ryan Alford· Host1:25

    I- Glad to be here, as always. Yeah, man. I, um, I,

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