When we started buying sports cards at Knup Sports Cards, we didn’t have a lot of direction on what the best sports card brands were. We bought everything. Any brand, any type.
We’d rip the packs open, cross our fingers, and hope to hit something big. It was fun, but let’s just say we learned a lot over the years about what works and what doesn’t in this hobby.
If you’re buying cards to invest in or to resell later on WhatNot or Ebay, you need to focus on specific brands. Not all cards are created equal. Today, I’m sharing the top sports card brands we trust and go after for baseball, football, and basketball.
Baseball Cards to Buy and Invest In
Baseball cards are the backbone of the sports card hobby. Each year, collectors chase the next big “thing”, hoping to find the next superstar. From Paul Skenes to Dylan Crews, Bowman cards are the go-to choice for prospecting.
Bowman
Bowman is the king of baseball cards for investors. Specifically, “1st Bowman” cards are what collectors and investors want. These are the first cards produced for a player, and they carry a lot of weight in the market.
Each year, Bowman sets the stage for prospecting. It’s all about identifying future stars before they’ve made it big. Players like Ronald Acuña Jr. had their 1st Bowman cards long before they became household names. Collectors chase these cards in hopes of hitting the jackpot down the road.
If you can get your hands on a 1st Bowman that’s numbered or autographed, you’re sitting on something valuable. Prospects are a huge part of baseball card investing, and Bowman has the market cornered on that. It’s the ultimate gamble for collectors: Can you find the next big thing?
PS — that said, many times the best strategy if you are a reseller is selling these types of cards right away. 9 times out of 10, the value of this prospect is only going to go down unless your name is Shohei Ohtani. More on selling strategies in another article to come.
Back on track… Bowman is a staple for anyone looking to collect or invest in baseball cards.
Topps
Topps is one of the most iconic names in the baseball card world. It’s been around forever, and the Topps rookie card (RC) is highly coveted by many collectors.
Within Topps, specific lines like Topps Chrome and Sapphire stand out as premium products. Cards that are colored, numbered, or autographed from these sets tend to hold significant value.
That said, I personally don’t usually buy or rip Topps. The reason? You end up with piles of base commons that don’t have much value. Still, many collectors do, and Topps is generally a better option than Panini or Prizm when it comes to baseball because Topps is licensed.
Football Cards to Buy and Invest In
Football cards are growing fast in popularity. The chase for rookie cards of potential superstars is what drives the market. More specifically, each year people want to grab the top QB’s that come out of the draft. QB’s hold more value over other positions for the most part.
Prizm NFL
Prizm is the top brand for football cards, especially rookie cards. If you’re looking to invest, Prizm rookie cards should be your first choice. They’re highly sought after and hold their value better than most other brands. The silver Prizms, in particular, are some of the most collectible cards out there.
Personally, I like to collect a Prizm rookie card of any player who has superstar potential. It’s a simple strategy that keeps my collection focused on the players who might make it big.
Optic NFL
Optic is another great option for football cards. It’s similar in design to Prizm but has its own following. Optic cards tend to be a little more affordable than Prizm, which makes them a good entry point for newer collectors or investors.
I also make it a point to collect a Rated Rookie (Optic’s rookie card) of any player with star potential. Having both a Prizm rookie and an Optic Rated Rookie is a solid way to build a collection with investment upside.
Sidenote: Mosaic and Select are two brands I’d consider if the player was right. They seem to be just below Prizm & Optic.
I avoid brands like Absolute and Donruss unless I’m specifically hunting Kaboom or Downtown inserts. Those inserts are fun, valuable and liquid, but the base cards in those sets don’t hold up well in the resale or investment markets.
Basketball Cards to Buy and Invest In
Basketball cards are some of the most exciting in the hobby. The global popularity of basketball means there’s always a market for top cards. We really saw a spike in hoops cards during the covid time when Zion was all the hype.
Prizm NBA
Prizm is the gold standard for basketball cards. Rookie cards of stars like Luka Doncic and Victor Wembenyama from the Prizm line are among the most popular and valuable in the hobby. If you’re serious about investing in basketball cards, Prizm should be your top choice.
Like with football, I try to collect a Prizm rookie card of any player who has superstar potential. It’s a habit that’s helped me build a collection of cards that hold long-term value.
Optic NBA
Optic is a close second for basketball cards. It offers a clean design and good value, but it doesn’t quite reach the status of Prizm. That said, you can still find plenty of Optic cards worth investing in, especially if you’re priced out of Prizm cards.
Sidenote: Like football, Mosaic and Select are runners up in basketball.
Adding a Rated Rookie (Optic’s version of the rookie card) to your collection is a smart move. It’s a solid complement to a Prizm rookie and gives you coverage on the player’s most sought-after cards.
Bowman University Cards for College Sports Fans
College sports cards are an exciting niche and gaining interest in the hobby. Bowman University is a newer product that focuses on college football and basketball players.
Bowman University
Bowman University cards have solid card stock and a sharp design. For collectors who love their college teams, it’s a great product to grab. They also have the “1st Bowman” concept and amazing color palettes to them.
The long-term value is a bit of a question mark since pro cards often overshadow these once the players reach the NFL or NBA. But if you’re into collecting or you’re following specific college stars, Bowman U is worth a look.
Why These Top Sports Card Brands Stand Out
There are a few key reasons why these brands are worth buying and collecting:
- Resale Value: Sports Cards from these brands tend to hold their value better than others. If you’re flipping cards, these are the brands people want.
- Long-Term Investment: For investors, these brands have a track record of producing cards that appreciate over time. Think of it like buying stock in a proven company.
- Quality and Reputation: Collectors and investors trust these brands. They’re known for high-quality cards and consistent value.
Licensed vs. Unlicensed Cards
One of the most important things to understand in the sports card brands world is the difference between licensed and unlicensed products. This is something I never thought about until I learned…
Licensed Cards
Licensed cards feature team logos and official branding. These are the cards collectors and investors want. For baseball, brands like Topps and Bowman are licensed and produce cards with team logos, which adds to their value.
Unlicensed Cards
Unlicensed cards don’t include team logos. They often look less professional and don’t hold much value in the market. Examples of unlicensed cards include Wild Card, Leaf, and Panini baseball products. Even though Panini dominates in football and basketball, their unlicensed baseball cards just don’t measure up.
In basketball, unlicensed products like Topps Chrome are also less desirable. Licensed products will always be the better investment because collectors want that official look and feel.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting or looking to focus your efforts, stick with Bowman for baseball and Prizm or Optic for football and basketball. These brands offer the best mix of value, quality, and investment potential. At Knup Sports, this is what we target, and it’s worked well for us.
Remember, not all cards are equal. Stick to what’s proven, and you’ll see better results in the long run. Would love to hear your thoughts over on our X channel or reply to our next Knup Letter email newsletter.
