The National 2026: What to Expect at the Hobby’s Biggest Event in Sports Cards & Collectibles
5/1/202635 min
In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford sits down with Shane Winn from The National Sports Collectors Convention to explore the growth and impact of the hobby’s largest annual event. The discussion covers how The National has evolved into a full-scale production, bringing together collectors, dealers, and brands from across the globe. Ryan and Shane also dive into emerging trends, including the rise of Pokémon and TCG, and how younger collectors are shaping the future of the hobby. This episode offers an inside look at what makes The National a must-attend event for collectors of all levels. 🔑 Topics Covered Growth of The National and its global reach Dealer expansion and new show floor experiences Rise of TCG and crossover into sports cards Community-driven elements like trade nights Tips for first-time attendees 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford 👉 https://www.thecollectornation.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Shane Winn 👉 https://nsccshow.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/nsccshow Brian Ludden 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ludden 👉 https://www.instagram.com/brianludden Ludex 👉 https://www.ludex.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsShane Wynn· Guest0:00
When you manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters. But when it's for a hospital system, they matter even more. Grainger gets it, and knows there's no time for managing multiple suppliers and no room for shipping delays. That's why Grainger offers millions of products and fast, dependable delivery so you can keep your facility stocked, safe, and running smoothly. Call 1-800-GRAINGER, click grainger.com, or just stop by. Grainger: for the ones who get it done.
Speaker 10:28
[drum beat] The Honda Spring Event. Bring on the fun with a Honda hybrid. Now's the time to check out the Honda CR-V hybrid, Accord Hybrid, or Civic Hybrid from the 2025 Kelley Blue Book Best Performance Brand. For a limited time, well-qualified buyers can get a 4.49% APR on a 2026 Civic Hybrid or a 2026 Accord Hybrid, or a 2.99% APR on a 2026 CR-V hybrid.
Bryan Ludden· Co-host0:51
[upbeat music] See dealer for financing details. Based on 2025 Consumer Choice Awards from Kelley Blue Book. Visit kbb.com for more information.
Ryan Alford· Host1:00
I think there might be a chance to get a few more autos this year at the National.
Shane Wynn· Guest1:04
Last year was record-breaking. We're gonna do that again. More dealers, more choice, more selection.
Ryan Alford· Host1:09
I mean, it's insane.
Shane Wynn· Guest1:11
You can buy tickets for all of the athletes that have been announced. You can bring memorabilia of your own. It could be a card, could be a jersey. So they'll sign their autograph onto that particular item for you. Tickets are on sale for that now, and those sell out pretty quickly, too.
Ryan Alford· Host1:27
FOMO's real. The only one that I can't miss is the National,