At ISA, we take pride in being leaders in the sports card grading industry, and in 2023, we have witnessed a fascinating trend in card submissions. The standout athlete in terms of card submissions for grading is none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose recent $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers has only bolstered his popularity. Ohtani’s cards have become the most submitted to us for grading, demonstrating his dominance in the sports card market. In fact, he holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani takes the lead, basketball legend Michael Jordan continues to be a significant figure in the world of card submission. His timeless legacy and impact on the sport have secured him a spot among the top athletes in card submissions to ISA for 2023. Joining them is a mix of legendary figures and rising stars, including the likes of Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and the promising Victor Wembanyama.
The top-graded sports cards of 2023 reflect a diverse pool of talent across various sports. Showcasing the popularity of baseball, Ohtani’s cards dominate the grading submissions, but he is not the only standout. In the realm of football, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has experienced a remarkable 119% increase in card submissions compared to the previous year, indicating a growing interest in his potential. Close behind is Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence, with a 98% increase in card submissions. It is worth noting that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also seen a significant uptick in submissions, possibly influenced by his high-profile relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards remain a hot commodity in the world of sports card grading submissions, regardless of the sport. In basketball, the submissions for rookies Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama are particularly noteworthy, as they make their mark in the industry. Football sees rookies Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy leading the way in terms of card submissions. The baseball category showcases rising stars such as Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman, whose rookie cards have garnered significant attention from collectors and fans alike.
At ISA, we are excited to continue providing top-notch grading services for these highly sought-after and valuable sports cards. As the trend of card submissions evolves, we remain committed to delivering accurate and reliable grading, ensuring that collectors and enthusiasts receive the highest quality assessments for their prized possessions. The world of sports and sports cards is ever-changing, and we look forward to being at the forefront of this exciting industry in the years to come.