Invest in Sports Memorabilia

At one point or another, we’ve all had some piece of sports memorabilia - whether it was your favourite footballer’s signed shirt, a rare trading card, or an autographed picture.

However, little did we know just how precious these items could be. Sure, they held a lot of emotional value, but we never thought about them as a source of potential income. Well, how the tables have turned…

Sports collectables are becoming the next big thing in the alternative investment stage. And now, thanks to Splint Invest, you can also leverage the immense potential of sports memorabilia investments. 

Browse our exclusive range of pre-vetted investment funds, and start investing in sports memorabilia for as little as €50!

Why invest in sports memorabilia

The fame of sports collectables, mainly memorabilia, lies in their deep emotional resonance and nostalgic value. Among all collectables, sports memorabilia stands out due to its strong connection to childhood heroes and the powerful memories it evokes. 

But why are sports memorabilia a good investment right now? Let’s take a look at some key reasons:

The Booming Sector

The sports memorabilia market is robust and expanding, propelled by online auctions and e-commerce platforms, which are turning it into a lucrative industry.

In addition, the increasing wealth of baby boomers, the entry of millennials into the market, and growing interest from international buyers have all contributed to skyrocketing prices over the past decade. 

Items such as game-used balls and jerseys are particularly sought after, with baseball trading cards leading the market share. Platforms like eBay and Auction of Champions have been instrumental in this growth, fueling a multibillion-dollar industry.

Let’s look at the numbers: 

In 2023, the global sports memorabilia market was valued at 35.69 billion USD. As projected by experts from the Econ Market Research, this value is expected to grow to a stunning 103.02 billion by 2032, increasing at a CAGR of 12.50% during this period. 

High Potential for Appreciation

The potential lying in sports memorabilia is incredible. Items like rare trading cards, autographs, or game-worn items often become highly sought-after by collectors. 

The most recent example is the American baseball player Babe Ruth’s “called shot” jersey, which he wore during the World Series in 1932. It was sold in August 2024 for over $24 million at an auction in Dallas. 

Another recent example from the US is the Mickey Mantle 1952 baseball card, which was sold for $5.2 million in 2021. The same card was sold for $12.6 million next year, meaning it appreciated by over 100% in just a year. 

Medium to High Liquidity

The investment horizon for sports collectibles typically ranges from 4 to 9 years, with a moderate risk category. Liquidity is medium-high, thanks to numerous auction services available, making these investments relatively accessible and tradable.

While not as liquid as traditional stocks, the ability to move assets is better than many other alternative investments, like art or sports cars, for example. This makes sports collectables an attractive option for those interested in niche markets with reasonable traceability.

Sports memorabilia vs popular alternative investments

Best sports memorabilia to collect

There are several sports memorabilia you can invest in. However, for starters, it’s best to stick to the most popular options. These include:

• Vintage sports cards. Trading cards is probably the easiest way into the world of sports memorabilia investing. Such cards, especially vintage ones from the 20th century, are one of the most popular collectable markets. The key driving factors here are rarity, condition, and player legacy, with rare cards in mint condition offering mighty appreciation potential.

• Game-worn shirts & equipment. Shirts and equipment worn and used by legendary players are among the most coveted in the sports memorabilia market. They offer incredible potential for returns due to their rarity and connection to the athlete’s performance, especially if worn during a significant game or season. 

• Autographed memorabilia. Collectors highly seek autographed items such as shirts, shoes, balls, helmets, trading cards, or photos. The value increases with authenticity and scarcity, especially for autographs from deceased or legendary athletes like Zidane, Cruyff, Michael Jordan, or Ayrton Senna. 

• Championship memorabilia. Such memorabilia is extremely rare, as it is typically awarded only to athletes and team personnel. Championship rings, medals, or trophies, especially from teams with a significant history, are highly prized. However, getting your hands on those is close to impossible. 

How to find the best sports memorabilia to invest in

Investing in sports memorabilia is all about finding the right collectable items. However, searching the sports memorabilia market can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. 

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best practices and tips for investing in sports memorabilia. While these strategies aren’t bulletproof, they’ll help you get started and maximize your chances of yielding potential investment returns.

Do your research

Everything starts with thorough research and education. First, think about which sports and athletes resonate with you. 

The most successful investors often focus on the athletes and teams they’re genuinely interested in. If you’re a die-hard fan of Michael Jordan, for instance, naturally, you’ll enjoy researching and tracking memorabilia connected to him. The same goes for other sports icons like Lionel Messi, Lewis Hamilton, and Tom Brady. 

However, don't ignore rising stars. There's a certain thrill in identifying the next big name early on and investing in their memorabilia before they explode in popularity.

Look for items with historical significance

Historical significance plays a massive role. The best items often have a story attached to them, such as jerseys from championship games, balls signed after record-breaking performances, or even a simple ticket stub from a historic event. 

The more a piece ties into sports history, the more people will want it. 

There’s something magical about holding a piece of history in your hands, and the market rewards that magic with higher prices.

Ensure the item’s authenticity & condition

Make sure that any item you’re considering is authentic and in good condition. This can’t be overstated. You don’t want to invest in what you think is a rare Roger Federer racket only to find out it’s a forgery. 

Although it’s not always possible, try to buy from trusted dealers, and make sure items come with certificates of authenticity from organizations like PSA/DNA or Beckett. 

The condition of the memorabilia also plays a big role - items in mint or near-mint condition hold far more value. It’s like the difference between a well-preserved vintage car and one that’s been left to rust.

Engage with the community

Building connections with other collectors and engaging with the community can open doors to new opportunities. Join online forums or attend sports memorabilia conventions. 

These events aren’t just for hardcore collectors; they’re also great for beginners. You'll meet dealers, chat with fellow enthusiasts, and gain insights into what’s currently driving the market. The relationships you build might even help you access rare items before they hit the broader market.

Engaging with the community and browsing forums can also provide insights into current market trends, helping you identify types of memorabilia on demand. 

How to invest in sports memorabilia

Finding the right sports collectables to buy is one thing. Another is knowing how to invest in them. When it comes to that, you have three primary options - auctions, secondary market, and investment funds:

Sports memorabilia auctions

Auctions, hosted by major houses like Sotheby’s and Heritage, offer access to a wide range of rare, high-quality memorabilia that’s typically authenticated by experts. This transparency and prestige of auctions make them a reliable choice for serious collectors. 

However, competitive bidding can drive prices up, and buyers must usually pay a premium of 10-20% on top of the final bid. Long story short, auctions are best for experienced investors with solid starting capital seeking top-tier, authenticated items.

Secondary sports memorabilia market

Buying from second-hand sellers or online platforms like eBay offers a wide variety of memorabilia at different price points. It’s a flexible option that can lead to the discovery of undervalued gems that can later be sold for multiple times more. 

The key challenge, of course, is the high risk of counterfeits. The quality and condition of sold items also vary heavily, making personal research crucial. 

Overall, buying from the secondary market can be a good option if you like to negotiate and are comfortable with a higher risk in exchange for potential bargains. 

Sports memorabilia investment funds

Sports memorabilia investment funds allow for fractional ownership of high-end items, managed by experts. Investors pool money to buy shares in iconic memorabilia, offering a passive way to participate in the market. 

This is precisely what we offer here at Splint Invest. Using our platform, you can invest in pre-vetted pieces of memorabilia for as little as €50. Just browse our available sports memorabilia funds, buy your shares, and let our experts handle everything for you. 

Long story short, investment funds like Splint Invest are a fantastic option for beginning investors without the means, time, and knowledge to compete with more experienced collectors at auctions or buy from private sellers. 

What are the risk factors to consider?

Although sports memorabilia shows great potential for appreciation, the market is not without challenges that potential investors must consider. These include:

Counterfeit memorabilia: As the demand for sports collectables increases, so does the prevalence of counterfeit items. Fake autographs, jerseys, and cards are common. It’s essential to purchase from reputable dealers and seek authentication from third-party services like PSA or Beckett.

Misrepresented items: Sellers may inaccurately describe the memorabilia, either exaggerating its significance, condition, or authenticity. This can lead to overpaying for items that don’t hold the expected value. Always cross-reference descriptions and rely on trusted sources for verification.

Pricing volatility: The sports memorabilia market can be highly volatile, with prices fluctuating based on player performance, market trends, and external factors. While items can appreciate over time, there’s always a risk that prices could decline.

Market saturation: As sports memorabilia popularity increases, the market may become oversaturated with similar items, leading to lower demand for certain pieces. Keeping an eye on market trends is vital to avoid investing in overproduced or widely available memorabilia.

Storage and preservation issues: Sports memorabilia must be stored and handled carefully to maintain its condition. Damage from improper storage, humidity, or light exposure can drastically reduce an item’s value. Proper preservation measures, such as protective cases and climate-controlled environments, are crucial.

Invest in sports memorabilia with Splint Invest

Splint Invest provides a robust platform for diversifying investment portfolios with various asset categories, including sports collectibles. 

Each investment opportunity undergoes extensive due diligence and is validated by an experienced team, ensuring security and authenticity. The sports memorabilia sourced by Splint Invest comes from trusted partners with a proven track record, and all assets are securely stored and insured in freeports and vaults.

Investing in sports memorabilia has never been easier. Create your account today, browse our available funds, and invest!