Are you considering selling your rare National Basketball Association (NBA) cards? In writing this article, we want you to get the best deals and point you to where to sell basketball cards.
You may have outgrown the hobby, need extra cash, or perhaps want more room for additions to your basketball card collections. Whatever your reason, you don’t have to jump through the hoops. Knowing how and where to sell your prized cards is a step in the right direction.
Read this list to find the best card dealer to make a bundle from your collection. Before that, go over our tips on how to estimate your cards’ best value and how to make a successful sale. Get ready to shoot toward those goals.
Best Places To Sell Basketball Cards – Selling Apps/Websites
Where to sell basketball cards? Look no further. We’ve done the research and found 18 of the best places to sell your basketball cards.
1. Just Collect
Based out of Somerset, NJ, Just Collect is a trusted name boasting over 70 years of experience. They specialize in vintage basketball cards but buy sports memorabilia from all sports. Just Collect offers free gradings and appraisals and an easy online submission process.
2. Dave & Adams
Dave & Adams has been buying and selling sports cards since 1991. They offer the highest possible prices for your collection, and they’re known for their quick turnaround time. They specialize in buying older cards but are open to purchasing collections from all eras.
You can submit photos of your cards and get a quote in just a few days.
3. Check Out My Collectibles
Check Out My Collectibles (COMC) is an online marketplace where you can sell your sports cards. They offer a hassle-free process where you can send cards for them to sell on your behalf. They’ll handle the listing, pricing, and shipping.
All you have to do is send in your cards. They charge a fee, but you can set prices and receive payment when your cards sell.
4. Dean’s Cards
With over 2 million cards, Dean’s Cards is one of the most popular places to buy, sell, or trade your basketball cards. This seller has been in business for more than 20 years and has a reputation for fair pricing and excellent customer service.
You can easily submit your card collection for an appraisal on their website, and they’ll get back to you quickly with a quote.
5. Sports Card Forum
If you’re looking to connect with other collectors and fans of the sport, the Sports Card Forum is a great place to start. This online community has over 70,000 members and is dedicated to buying, selling, and trading sports cards. Becoming a member lets you post your cards for sale, participate in auctions, and connect with people passionate about the hobby.
6. Kruk Cards
Kruk Cards’ physical store is in Rochester, New York, but you can also buy and sell cards online. Kruk Cards has a reputation for fair pricing and has been in business for over 30 years.
They’re interested in buying collections of all sizes, and they’re known for offering competitive prices. You can easily submit your cards for an appraisal on their website or visit their store in person if you’re in the area.
7. Beckett
One of the most popular online marketplaces for sports cards is Beckett. The site has been around since 1984 and is dedicated to helping collectors and fans buy, sell, and trade their favorite cards. Beckett offers various services, including appraisals, grading, and authentication.
You can easily list your cards for sale on their site, or you can sell them directly to the company.
Best Places To Sell Basketball Cards – Selling Apps/Websites
8. eBay
As one of the largest and most well-known online marketplaces, eBay is a great place to sell basketball cards. Their platform offers sellers a wide range of tools to help them reach potential buyers, including multiple selling formats such as auctions and buy-it-now listings. However, one downside is that eBay charges fees for listing and selling your items.
9. OfferUp
OfferUp is growing in popularity and is an excellent option for selling your basketball cards locally. It allows sellers to list items for free and ship them if they’re open to selling to out-of-town buyers. However, since OfferUp is a more localized app, it might not be the best option if you’re looking to sell rare or precious cards.
Check out the best apps like OfferUp for more options.
10. Craigslist
Craigslist is another popular local option, which has been around for years and is still a great place to sell basketball cards. Listing and selling your items on Craigslist is free, but it’s essential to be cautious when meeting potential buyers. Be sure to meet in public and take any necessary safety precautions.
Explore the best alternatives for Craigslist for more choices.
11. Mercari
Mecari is known for offering a variety of items for sale, and basketball cards are no exception. Despite the 10% seller fee, many people still choose Mercari as their selling platform. There’s good news, too—Mercari’s new local selling option removes this fee altogether, allowing you to keep all the profits from your sales.
12. Bonanza
Bonanza has become a popular online marketplace and offers a unique selling model. With Bonanza, you can import your listings from other marketplaces like eBay and Amazon and sell your items on their platform. Bonanza also offers a personalized selling experience, and fees are only charged when selling an item.
Best Places To Sell Basketball Cards – Social Media
13. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to sell your basketball cards to a broader audience. It’s a platform where you can easily upload images of your cards, set the price, and connect with potential buyers in your area.
14. Instagram
Instagram can be an excellent option if you want to sell your basketball cards to a more targeted and curated audience. You can use hashtags to help potential buyers discover your account, showcase your collection, and connect with other collectors and buyers.
Ensure you provide detailed descriptions and high-quality images of your cards to attract potential buyers.
15. Pinterest
When you think about selling basketball cards, Pinterest may not be the first place that comes to mind, but it can be an excellent platform to reach more targeted and engaged buyers. To sell on Pinterest, create a board for your basketball card collection and fill it with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and price tags.
Best Places To Sell Basketball Cards – Places Near You
16. Local Card Shops
Local card shops might be the way to go if you want a more traditional approach. Many card shops specialize in buying and selling basketball cards, and they often have a good understanding of the current market trends and values.
Check online directories or ask around your area for a card shop specializing in your niche. Selling to a local shop can offer hassle-free transactions and quick cash without worrying about shipping, making it one of the best places to sell basketball cards.
17. Pawnshops
Pawnshops also provide an excellent option for selling your basketball cards. While they may not specialize in collectibles or cards, they are still willing to purchase high-value items if they can make a profit.
Keep in mind that pawnshops will offer a lower price than what you expect to receive in the market, but they provide a quick and convenient way to turn your cards into cash. To find a local pawnshop near you, check online directories or ask around your area.
Best Places To Sell Basketball Cards – Your Blog/Site
18. Sell on your Blog
Your platform lets you control the transaction process, showcase your expertise, and build a following among enthusiasts. Plus, you can tailor the layout and design to make it more appealing to potential buyers, leading to higher chances of a sale.
So don’t be afraid to take the leap and create your own space online to sell those coveted basketball cards–endless possibilities.
Making Money From Selling Basketball Cards
Collecting cards is a hobby that has been around for decades, with hobbyists collecting anything from MLB vintage cards to rare Pokemon cards. But there’s something special about basketball cards. It could be the excitement of the game, a fascination with your favorite court MVP, or the thrill of owning a piece of history.
Whatever the reason, the market for basketball cards has exploded in recent years. With the rise of online marketplaces and the increasing popularity of basketball as a sport, there has never been a better time to be a collector.
What drives the value of basketball cards? The answer is not always clear-cut. Sure, the rarity and condition of the card play a significant role, but the individual player’s career, team popularity, and overall impact on the sport are all considered. As a result, the current market can shift quickly, with prices soaring and falling.
So, if you have a stash of cards, it might be worth investigating their value – who knows, you might be sitting on a small fortune.
Types of Valuable Basketball Cards
If you’re a basketball card collector, you know that not all cards are equal. Certain types catch the eye of collectors and fetch a much higher price. Before heading to a card store, learn about the different kinds of cards and their value.
- Rookie Cards: One type is the rookie card, which features a player in their first year in the league and can be worth thousands of dollars.
- Autographed Cards: An autographed card is also highly coveted, with a superstar player’s signature on the card can add significant value.
- Memorabilia Cards: These cards contain a piece of the player’s uniform or equipment, adding a personal touch to the card and making it more desirable for sports collectors.
- Insert Cards: Inserts are basketball cards with a unique design or special action shot. Inserts’ card values can be high because of their limited availability.
- Limited Edition Cards: Limited edition cards, produced in small quantities or with unique designs, can also be valuable.
- Graded Cards: Finally, graded or authenticated cards, evaluated by professional grading services like Beckett and the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), can fetch top dollar due to their rarity and mint condition. Keep your eyes open for these special types, and strike it rich as a basketball card collector.
Most Valuable Basketball Cards
For basketball fans and collectors, owning rare cards is a dream. From iconic players to promising rookies, the value of these cards can go through the roof. So, let’s explore the game’s top three most valuable basketball cards.
- 1986 Fleer Basketball Michael Jordan RC #57
The card is legendary and considered the most valuable basketball card. It’s been known to fetch prices ranging from $336 to a staggering $250,000, and the highest recorded sale price to date is $237,000. That’s right, you read that correctly.
So, what makes this particular card so unique? It’s from the Fleer brand, a popular and respected name in the sports card industry. The card features Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time and a beloved cultural icon.
- 2009 National Treasures Stephen Curry Autographed Logoman RC #206
Stephen Curry is among the most prominent players in the modern NBA era. His impressive skill and record-breaking performances attract fans from all over the world.
The 2009 National Treasures Stephen Curry Autographed Logoman RC #206 is a rare card that features the player’s signature and a game-worn jersey patch. In 2019, a PSA 10-graded version of the card was sold for a groundbreaking $5.9 million, setting a new record for basketball card sales. It’s a valuable investment and a unique collector’s item.
- 2013-14 Panini National Treasures Giannis Antetokounmpo Autographed Horizontal Rookie Patch #130
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, has been making waves in the NBA since his debut in 2013. His unique playing style and athleticism have earned him numerous accolades and a loyal fan base.
The 2013-14 Panini National Treasures Giannis Antetokounmpo Autographed Horizontal Rookie Patch #130 is a rare card that features his autograph and a game-worn jersey patch.
In 2021, the card broke the previous rookie card sale record by selling for a whopping $1.8 million. It’s a testament to the player’s immense popularity and long-term investment potential.
Helpful Tips on Making the Most Money From Selling Your Basketball Cards
So, you finally decided to make some cash by selling your basketball cards! Great move!
- The first thing you need to do is research your cards’ current market value. Trust me, you don’t want to sell your rare Kobe Bryant card for only a few dollars when you could get a lot more.
- Once you know the value, it’s time to grade your cards. Cards in good condition will fetch a better price, and grading them helps buyers understand what they are getting.
- Remember to check sold listings on marketplaces like eBay to understand what people pay for similar cards. And speaking of marketplaces, don’t limit yourself to just one.
- Try listing your cards on multiple platforms to maximize your exposure. Remember that each marketplace will have its fees and requirements.
- Be sure to value your time. Selling cards can be time-consuming, so factor that into your pricing strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Where To Sell Basketball Cards
Can You Make Money Selling Basketball Cards?
Yes, you can make money selling basketball cards. The amount of money you make depends on the rarity and condition of your cards, market demand, and other factors.
How Can I Sell Basketball Cards?
You can sell basketball cards online by listing them on marketplaces like eBay or Mercari. You can also join an online community of collectors and trade your cards for others.
What Basketball Card Is Worth Money?
A basketball card’s value depends on its rarity, condition, and demand.
Some of the most valuable basketball cards include the 1997 Michael Jordan Precious Metal Gems Green PMG Card, the 2009 Stephen Curry National Treasures Autographed Logoman RC #206, and the 2013-14 Giannis Antetokounmpo National Treasures Autographed Horizontal Rookie Patch #130.
Conclusion – Where To Sell Basketball Cards
Have you found the most favorable place to sell your basketball cards on this list?
Explore the numerous ways to sell your collectible basketball cards online and in your vicinity. Weigh each place’s advantages and downsides according to your circumstances.
While cashing in on your prized collection can be lucrative, make sure that you get all the information needed to get a good shot at the most money. As dribblers do on the court, “Don’t just score; win the goal!”
Related Reads:
- Where To Sell Baseball Cards: 20 Best Places To Sell Baseball Cards
- 13 Money-Making Places That Sell Gold Near Me
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.