Inside the Sports Card Market with Jason Koonce | Collecting, Grading & Card Shows

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews Jason Koonce, founder and CEO of One Team International Agency. Jason shares his journey from childhood collector to industry leader, discussing the evolution of the sports card hobby, the impact of technology, grading, and live shopping platforms like Whatnot. The conversation explores market trends, the rise of repacks, and the importance of balancing business with family. Jason offers advice for newcomers and emphasizes the value of enjoying the hobby, highlighting how passion and innovation continue to shape the collectibles industry. TAKEAWAYS Evolution of the sports card and collectibles hobby over the past 30 years. Impact of the internet on pricing transparency and consumer access in the card market. Role of grading companies in enhancing card value and market liquidity. Changes in collector demographics, including the influx of newcomers since 2017. Discussion of "repacks" and their appeal compared to traditional card packs. The rise of live shopping platforms and their influence on buying and selling collectibles. Importance of treating card collecting as a fun activity rather than a financial investment. Challenges posed by misinformation and negativity in the hobby, especially for new collectors. Balancing business success with family life and personal time management. The significance of adapting to market trends and leveraging technology in the collectibles industry.