Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 7.71 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 11.31 Billion |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 7.96 % |
Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
Largest Market | North America |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Trading Card Game Market Analysis
The Trading Card Game Market size is estimated at USD 7.71 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 11.31 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.96% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- The trading card market, especially for sports cards, is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and the rise of digital currencies.
- Online marketplaces and digital trading cards are revolutionizing the buying and selling dynamics for collectors. Noteworthy trends, such as the convenience of online transactions and the acceptance of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, are propelling the market's growth.
- Trading cards are increasingly recognized as alternative investments. Landmark sales, like a LeBron James rookie card fetching USD 5.2 million, highlight the lucrative potential of these cards. Such opportunities have drawn a fresh wave of investors, diversifying from traditional financial avenues.
- In fiscal 2023, Japanese entertainment giant Bushiroad's trading card game division reported net sales nearing YEN 23 billion (USD 0.15 billion), marking a continuation of the previous year's growth. Bushiroad's portfolio boasts both in-house and external intellectual properties, with major in-house titles like 'Cardfight!! Vanguard' and 'BanG Dream!', and external ones such as Cygames' 'Shadowverse'.
- Advancements in card production and grading services have heightened the allure of trading cards. Graded cards command premium prices, and collectors especially covet limited editions and rare finds.
- Yet, the market faces challenges. Speculative trading risks creating price bubbles, casting doubt on long-term viability. Moreover, as demand surges, so do concerns over counterfeit cards and authenticity verification, potentially stunting market growth.
- The COVID-19 pandemic reignited interest in trading cards, with many turning to nostalgic hobbies and alternative investments. This surge led to skyrocketing sales and auction prices, setting notable records. Although the market has cooled post-pandemic peak, its future looks promising, buoyed by changing consumer behaviors and investment strategies. With strategic acquisitions and targeted marketing, the industry stands ready to attract both collectors and investors, hinting at a potential resurgence.
Trading Card Game Market Trends
Urbanizaton to Hold Significant Market Growth
- Urbanization worldwide is set to fuel global market growth. The millennial generation's insatiable appetite for unique products, coupled with the surging popularity of distinctive trading card games, is poised to drive global market demand.
- As of 2024, approximately 55% of the global population resides in urban locales, a figure projected to rise to 68% by 2050 (source: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs). Forecasts indicate that urbanization, marked by a shift from rural to urban living, alongside global population growth, could usher an additional 2.5 billion individuals into urban settings by 2050.
- Given that trading card games bolster critical thinking, their market is set for significant expansion in the coming years. Beyond serving as educational tools, trading card games also provide entertainment. Moreover, the rising emphasis on social-emotional learning—aimed at boosting emotional intelligence and enhancing student outcomes—will further fuel the market's growth.
- New game releases will be pivotal in shaping the market's trajectory. For example, in May 2023, the debut of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Live superseded its online predecessor. Such strategic moves are set to energize the global market's growth.
- Additionally, increased funding for collectible card games presents fresh avenues for the trading card game market worldwide. Collectible card games, often seen as art investments, have a broad appeal. Many of these popular games are affordably priced, attracting both younger and older enthusiasts.
North America is Expected to Hold a Major Share of the Market
- In North America, the demand for trading cards has demonstrated notable resilience and growth, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Nostalgia, particularly among middle-aged collectors revisiting childhood interests, significantly drives this demand. Such emotional ties amplify the allure of collecting cards, especially those showcasing iconic athletes or unforgettable moments.
- Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this market, drawn to trading cards not just for nostalgia but also as collectible items. This generational shift has sparked a revival in card collecting, especially among teenagers actively engaged in trading card games (TCGs) like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh.
- In the U.S., per capita revenue for trading cards stands at an estimated USD 0.37, underscoring the widespread interest spanning multiple age groups. Many collectors' emotional ties to childhood trading cards fuel a sustained demand for both vintage and contemporary pieces.
- High-value cards are increasingly viewed as lucrative investment assets. The market has witnessed significant transactions, with rare cards commanding millions at auctions, further stoking regional investment interest. With a growing base of sports enthusiasts and a surge in online gaming activities, especially in the U.S., the regional market is poised for expansion.
Trading Card Game Industry Overview
The Trading Card Game Market is highly competitive and fragmented, primarily driven by the presence of major players. These key players employ strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and product innovations to maintain a competitive edge and broaden their global footprint. Key player include Hasbro, Inc., Konami Holdings Corporation, The Pokémon Company International, and others.
The trading card market is poised for robust growth driven by technological advancements, investment interest, and evolving consumer demographics. However, stakeholders must navigate challenges related to market volatility and authenticity concerns as they capitalize on this expanding landscape.
Trading Card Game Market Leaders
-
Hasbro, Inc.
-
Konami Holdings Corporation
-
The Pokémon Company International
-
Bushiroad Inc.
-
Bandai Co., Ltd.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Trading Card Game Market News
- November 2024: Pokemon announced that Pokémon TCG Pocket, a streamlined version of the classic trading card game, is now available for iOS and Android devices. Pokémon TCG Pocket retains the essence of the original card game while introducing features to suit quick, casual gameplay. Players can open virtual booster packs, build their decks, and dive into battles with ease, recreating the thrill of collecting and strategizing in the digital realm.
- April 2024: eBay Inc., and Collectors, parent company of PSA, the leading third party authentication and grading provider in the collectibles industry, announced they signed definitive agreements to enter into a series of transactions that include a commercial agreement, the sale of Goldin from Collectors to eBay, and the sale of the eBay vault from eBay to PSA. The differentiated and complementary strengths of the respective companies will support more streamlined buying, selling, grading, and storage experiences for all who participate in the trading card hobby in the United States.
Trading Card Game Industry Segmentation
A collectible card game (CCG), also called a trading card game (TCG) among other names, is a type of card game that mixes strategic deck building elements with features of trading cards.
The trading card game market is segmented by card type (character card, autograph card, image card), by applications (sports game, non-sports games), by geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
By Card Type | Character Card |
Autograph Card | |
Image Card | |
By Applications | Sports Game |
Non-Sports Games | |
By Geography*** | North America |
Europe | |
Asia | |
Latin America | |
Middle East and Africa | |
Australia and New Zealand |
Trading Card Game Market Research FAQs
How big is the Trading Card Game Market?
The Trading Card Game Market size is expected to reach USD 7.71 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 7.96% to reach USD 11.31 billion by 2030.
What is the current Trading Card Game Market size?
In 2025, the Trading Card Game Market size is expected to reach USD 7.71 billion.
Who are the key players in Trading Card Game Market?
Hasbro, Inc., Konami Holdings Corporation, The Pokémon Company International, Bushiroad Inc. and Bandai Co., Ltd. are the major companies operating in the Trading Card Game Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Trading Card Game Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Trading Card Game Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Trading Card Game Market.
What years does this Trading Card Game Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Trading Card Game Market size was estimated at USD 7.10 billion. The report covers the Trading Card Game Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Trading Card Game Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Trading Card Game Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Trading Card Game market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Trading Card Game analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.