So you’re new to the hobby, you’ve got a few bucks to spend, and you’re asking the golden question: “What sports cards should I be buying right now?”
You want smart buys. Stuff that holds value. Maybe even goes up. But not the kind of cards that make you take out a second mortgage or sell your Xbox to cover shipping.
This guide is for you. Whether you’re a flipper, collector, investor, or just trying not to get burned buying another Luka Dončić base card at its 2021 peak, we’re gonna walk through smart entry points across basketball, football, and baseball. Real talk. No hype.
Start Here: Buy What You Know — But Not Blindly
If you know basketball? Start there. Love baseball? Lean in. But don’t assume just because you like a player, their cards are a good buy. That’s how you end up paying $22 for a raw Myles Turner card in 2020. (Ask me how I know. Answer: because I did that.)
Your best path early on is finding undervalued cards of players you already follow — and then understanding which cards matter most.
The Core Rule: Rookies, Rarity, Relevance
If you take nothing else from this post, remember this triple R system. This is how you spot cards worth buying over the long haul — or at least not lighting your wallet on fire.
- Rookies: Rookie cards are the hobby gold standard. Not all rookies are equal, but base cards of true rookies (ideally with RC logos) are always the starting point.
- Rarity: Base cards are printed into the stratosphere. Look for numbered cards, short prints (SPs), or colored parallels. Even inserts can hold sneaky value.
- Relevance: Is the player playing well? Getting media hype? Headed to the playoffs? Flippers feast on relevance. Investors ride it through the dips.
NBA Cards: Still Worth Buying — But Timing Is Everything
Basketball remains a top market for flipping, but it’s changed. Overprinting is still a concern, especially with flagship sets like Prizm and Donruss, and prices on even solid players have corrected hard since the 2021 bubble. That said, there’s still opportunity — if you play it smart.
Better buys right now:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) – After a stellar season where he finished as an MVP finalist, his market has seen a significant rise. However, there is still potential for growth, especially with his Prizm rookie cards. Look for numbered Optic or Select parallels, especially in Thunder colors.
- Jalen Williams – He is becoming a popular choice in the hobby. His rookie cards are still considered affordable, and a strong performance in the upcoming 2025-26 season could lead to a surge in their value.
- Low-population Victor Wembanyama inserts – While his base cards have seen a decline, rare inserts and parallels, particularly those with low print runs and high grades, are still sought after. Obscure inserts like Revolution Galactic, Court Kings Levels 3/4, and SSPs still have room for growth, especially when graded.
This echoes what we said in our Wemby market timing post — hype windows come and go fast. You need to buy before the buzz, not during it.
NFL Cards: Hype-Based, But Volatile
Football cards = preseason booms + in-season chaos. You either hit or miss, there’s not much in between. QBs dominate the hobby — which means if you guess wrong, you’re holding cardboard that tanks faster than a rookie on 3rd-and-long.
Safe-ish bets right now:
Jalen Hurts – Eagles hype, strong market, mobile QB. His base Prizm is liquid, but look for Optic Holos or low-numbered Donruss inserts if you want more upside. Hurts continues to be a solid investment due to his consistent performance and the Eagles’ strong market presence.
Brock Purdy – Still underpriced compared to other starters, especially with playoff pedigree. But don’t touch base unless it’s graded. Purdy’s value remains intriguing, particularly given his success in the playoffs. His cards offer potential upside if he continues to perform at a high level.
Veteran Inserts (Brady, Rodgers, Mahomes): These are great for collectors who want slow growth and low risk. You don’t need a rookie card to have fun — or make margin. Established veterans like Patrick Mahomes continue to offer stability and long-term growth potential in the hobby.
New Rookie Watch (2025 Class):
The 2025 NFL rookie class is generating significant buzz, with several players already showing strong early card market activity. It’s crucial to buy before the buzz fully peaks, as hype windows come and go fast.
- Cam Ward: As the #1 overall pick, Ward is a primary chase for collectors. His quarterback status makes him a solid long-term prospect, despite the Tennessee Titans’ current situation.
- Travis Hunter: Hunter is a unique talent capable of making big plays on both offense and defense. His versatility and early card sales (around $94 for ungraded base autos) make him an exciting investment.
- Ashton Jeanty: Considered the top running back in the 2025 class, Jeanty’s cards have seen the highest early value among rookies, with ungraded base autos selling for approximately $150. His potential for immediate impact in Las Vegas makes him a strong buy.
- Shedeur Sanders: Entering a competitive quarterback room with the Cleveland Browns, Sanders is a high-volatility, boom-or-bust investment. If he can adapt his unique style to the NFL, his cards could soar, but there’s no guarantee he’ll see any real playoff team. He’ll make the team no doubt. Not because nepotism, but because he went 13-12 as a starter and almost won the Alamo Bowl.
Mid-Tier and Sleeper Rookies to Consider:
For those looking for more affordable options with potential upside, consider players like Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Carolina Panthers), Jaxson Dart (QB, New York), and Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State, for my Colts!). These players have shown promise and could see their card values increase with strong performances.
Deep sleepers like Elic Ayomanor (WR, Tennessee Titans) and Xavier Restrepo (WR, Miami) offer very low-cost entry points with the potential for significant returns if they develop into key players for their respective teams [1].
MLB Cards: The Patient Man’s Game
Baseball cards are wild — not in price swings, but in timelines. Prospects take years. Hall of Fame voting takes decades. But if you play the long game, you can score big.
Beginner-friendly buys in July 2025:
- Julio Rodriguez – Strong brand, popular team, great bat. His Topps Chrome rookies have dipped from their peak but could be a buy-low right now. Rodriguez continues to be a solid long-term investment due to his consistent performance and market appeal.
- Corbin Carroll – Speed + defense + on-base skills. Collectors love him, especially in markets with scarcity like Sapphire or Stadium Club Chrome. Carroll’s dynamic playstyle makes him a favorite in the hobby, and his cards are holding their value well.
- Shohei Ohtani (non-rookie cards): Rookie stuff is $$$, but inserts, parallels, and All-Star cards from later years can still hold weight if graded well. Ohtani’s global popularity and unique two-way talent make any of his cards a worthwhile investment.
New Rookie and Prospect Watch (2025 Class):
The 2025 MLB rookie class is shaping up to be a strong one, with several exciting players to watch. Investing in prospects is a long-term game, but the potential rewards are significant.
- Dylan Crews / James Wood (Washington Nationals): Both are top prospects and the main chases in the 2025 Topps Series One. Wood has more big-league experience, while Crews has the #1 pick pedigree. It’s a classic hobby debate of performance vs. potential [1].
- Roki Sasaki (Los Angeles Dodgers): The Japanese phenom is expected to make a huge impact, and his first rookie cards will be highly sought after. Expect his cards to be a major chase in Topps Series 2 [1].
- Jackson Jobe (Detroit Tigers): A top pitching prospect with electric stuff, Jobe is becoming a hobby favorite as pitcher cards gain more collectability. He offers a more affordable entry point compared to the top hitting prospects [1].
- Kyren Paris (Los Angeles Angels): An under-the-radar prospect who has exploded onto the scene with a combination of speed and power. His Bowman Chrome autographs have seen a massive surge in value [2].
- Tyler Soderstrom (Oakland Athletics): After a slow start to his career, the former first-round pick is finally showcasing his power potential. His 1st Bowman autographs are seeing a significant market correction [2].
Other Smart Angles for Beginners
- Color-matched parallels: These look good, photograph well, and sell better than you’d expect. People love when jersey + card color align.
- Team collectors: Don’t sleep on selling to team fans. If you can scoop bulk lots or color team sets, there’s money in it.
- Game-used relics: Jerseys, bats, footballs — if it’s used and legit, it’s collectible. Look for clear wording (“game used” > “player worn”).
What About Grading?
Short version: if the card is worth grading, and it has a realistic shot at a 10, do it. But don’t grade base Prizms from 2020 unless you want to throw $15 down a well.
If you’re new, your best move is to buy graded cards (PSA 9/10) until you develop the eye — or grab raw cards that are ungraded with clear flips baked in.
So… What Should You Actually Buy First?
Here’s a sample $100 beginner buy-in basket in July 2025, designed to spread risk, offer flip potential, and provide firsthand market learning without a significant financial outlay:
* **$30 – PSA 9 or raw color rookie of a current playoff NBA player:** Focus on players like Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, or even emerging stars like Jalen Williams. These players have established roles and are likely to see continued demand. Look for Optic or Select parallels for added upside.
* **$30 – Raw Donruss Optic or Select rookie QB with upside:** Consider quarterbacks like Brock Purdy (if you can find a good raw copy, otherwise graded is safer), or high-upside rookies from the 2025 class such as Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders (understanding the higher risk with rookies). The NFL market is volatile, but QBs drive significant value.
* **$25 – Short print MLB insert or parallel of a proven star or high-potential rookie:** Target players like Julio Rodriguez, Corbin Carroll, or non-rookie Shohei Ohtani inserts. For rookies, consider Dylan Crews, James Wood, or Roki Sasaki. These offer scarcity and appeal to long-term collectors.
* **$15 – Relic or numbered card of a star with collector appeal:** This category is for established, highly popular athletes across sports, such as Patrick Mahomes (NFL), Giannis Antetokounmpo (NBA), or even a veteran like Mike Trout (MLB). These cards provide a stable base and appeal to a broad collector base, offering slow but steady growth.
That’s not a guaranteed profit stack — but it spreads risk, has flip potential, and gets you learning the market firsthand without spending car payment money.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to chase every shiny slab or rip hobby boxes like a degenerate to get into the hobby. Smart flips, slow growth, and focused collecting win over time.
Start with players you understand. Buy cards with scarcity and story. Use comps. Use your gut. And don’t get sucked into hype threads on day one. It’s more fun when you’re playing the game — not being played by it.
If you’re buying to flip or just want examples of smart pricing, check our listings. We don’t chase hype—we price for real comps and fast flips. Learn from it. Or scoop one before someone else does.
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