WNBA: Caitlin Clark tops list for women’s basketball trading cards

Despite the end of the WNBA season for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, her impact on women’s basketball remains significant.

According to data from PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), Clark’s cards were graded 18 times more than the next women’s basketball players in 2024, showing her popularity among fans. The top spots are also held by NCAA players and WNBA rookies, indicating a growing interest in women’s sports.

PSA’S TOP 5 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYERS IN 2024*

Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever): 42k

Paige Bueckers (UConn Huskies): 3.7k

JuJu Watkins (USC Trojans): 2.3k

Angel Reese (Chicago Sky): 2.2k

Cameron Brink (Los Angeles Sparks): 1.1k

*Based on volumes of cards PSA graded from January 2024 to August 2024

To learn more about the significance of these numbers, we spoke with PSA President Ryan Hoge.

How does Caitlin Clark compare to other women athletes in terms of card values across all disciplines?

Clark’s rise in the hobby in the past year has been remarkable, with the growth of women’s sports contributing to increased interest in collecting women athletes. Clark holds the record for the highest and second-highest sale prices for a women’s basketball card, indicating her impact on the market.

In established women’s sports categories, like Serena Williams, card values have seen growth, but women’s basketball is just beginning to see this moment of expansion in the hobby.

As women’s basketball grows in popularity, the values of cards are expected to rise, especially with stars like Clark and Reese making a mark.

Why are college players more popular than most WNBA players?

Collectors recognize the importance of getting in early on emerging stars in any sport. The rise of talent in the WNBA and women’s college basketball, led by Clark, has garnered significant attention and viewership, boosting the profiles of these players.

With NIL allowing college players to have licensed cards, fans can engage with players early in their careers, potentially creating a new category of rookie cards.

Did Caitlin Clark’s popularity contribute to the increase in value of other players’ cards?

Clark’s visibility in the hobby and the sport has been a major catalyst for the growth seen in women’s basketball player cards. The overall interest and submissions of cards have increased, indicating a rising interest in the category.

What is the future of the card industry and how will women athletes impact it?

The growth of women’s sports presents a significant opportunity for the card industry, with collectors showing interest in players like Clark, Reese, and Bueckers. Women athletes are expected to play a key role in the market’s expansion, with values continuing to rise as the category gains momentum.