The Trading Cards category is one of eBay’s biggest priorities and part of its Focus Category strategy, but it is facing a new competitive threat. High-end auction house Sotheby’s will begin auctioning trading cards valued at $100,000 and above as part of a collaboration with Fanatics.
As previously announced, Fanatics is preparing to launch a collectibles marketplace later this summer that will connect buyers and sellers of trading cards and memorabilia through fixed-priced listings and auctions.
Through the partnership announced on Wednesday, Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s will showcase a curated selection of top-of-the-market trading cards, available for purchase through a series of dedicated live and online auctions hosted by Sotheby’s. According to today’s press release:
“The venture represents a captivating addition to Sotheby’s sports and modern collectibles department, a category the auction house officially launched in 2022, and has since achieved numerous world records at auction, particularly for game-worn memorabilia.”
The first live auction will be held this September in New York.
Fanatics also announced it is retiring the PWCC brand this month. Prior to Fanatics acquiring the company last year, PWCC had sold on eBay and was a major partner in the trading cards category, but then found itself accused by eBay of shill bidding and suspended from the marketplace.
Last month, eBay sold its Vault to Collectors (PSA) and acquired its Goldin auction house for trading cards and collectibles.
