Every season brings a new wave of talented athletes with the potential to become the next big thing. For collectors, rookie cards represent an exciting opportunity—they offer a chance to grab early investments in players who could become future stars. If these rookies perform well, their cards can skyrocket in value, much like the iconic rookie cards of legends such as LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, or Lionel Messi.
In this post, we highlight some of the most promising rookie cards to watch across sports. Whether you’re a collector or an investor, these names should be on your radar.
1. Basketball: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Victor Wembanyama, often dubbed a once-in-a-generation talent, has drawn comparisons to players like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. With his height (7’4″) and versatility, Wembanyama is poised to dominate both ends of the court. His arrival in the NBA has created a massive buzz, making his 2023-24 rookie cards some of the most sought-after in recent years.
💡 Why Watch: Wembanyama has both hype and talent, and if he delivers on expectations, his rookie cards could become highly valuable.
2. Football: Caleb Williams (USC Trojans)
Although still playing in college, Caleb Williams is already making waves as a potential top NFL Draft pick in 2024. As the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, he has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his playmaking ability. While his official NFL rookie cards won’t hit the market until 2024, pre-rookie cards and prospect cards are already in high demand.
💡 Why Watch: If Williams becomes a top NFL quarterback, his rookie cards will be among the most valuable in football.
3. Baseball: Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles)
Jackson Holliday, the son of former MLB star Matt Holliday, was the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. He’s shown impressive development in the minor leagues, with excellent hitting and fielding skills. As the Orioles’ farm system is filled with talent, Holliday is expected to make a big impact when he reaches the major leagues.
💡 Why Watch: Baseball collectors know that rookie cards of top prospects can explode in value once they make their debut, and Holliday is one to watch closely.
4. Soccer: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
At just 21 years old, Jude Bellingham has already cemented himself as one of the top young midfielders in the world. After a breakout season at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham moved to Real Madrid, where he has continued to shine. His performance on the world stage—both in club football and with England—makes his rookie cards highly desirable.
💡 Why Watch: Bellingham is a rising star in global football, and his cards have international appeal, making them a great investment.
5. Hockey: Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)
Connor Bedard is being hailed as the most exciting prospect since Connor McDavid. Known for his scoring ability and playmaking, Bedard was selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. As the centerpiece of a rebuilding team, Bedard has the potential to become a superstar. His Young Guns rookie card will be a must-have for hockey collectors.
💡 Why Watch: If Bedard lives up to the hype, his cards could become some of the most valuable in the hobby.
6. Formula 1: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
The world of Formula 1 trading cards is growing rapidly, and Oscar Piastri is a name to watch. After dominating the F2 and F3 championships, Piastri earned a seat with McLaren in 2023. He has already shown flashes of brilliance in his debut season, and with Formula 1’s global popularity surging, Piastri’s rookie cards are gaining traction among collectors.
💡 Why Watch: Formula 1 cards have become a hot market, and Piastri’s growth could push his cards higher in value.
7. Women’s Sports: Caitlin Clark (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Caitlin Clark is making history in women’s basketball with her record-breaking performances and competitive fire. After leading Iowa to the NCAA championship game and racking up scoring titles, she’s become one of the most exciting athletes to watch. As women’s sports gain more attention in the card market, Clark’s rookie cards will hold long-term potential.
💡 Why Watch: Clark’s dominance and growing popularity are expanding the appeal of women’s sports cards, creating new opportunities for collectors.
8. Multi-Sport Collecting: Crossover Athletes and NIL Deals
With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules now in effect, college athletes are appearing in sports card products before turning pro. Athletes like Arch Manning (football) and Bronny James (basketball) are already generating buzz with early prospect cards. These crossover stars could become highly valuable if they live up to expectations in their professional careers.
💡 Why Watch: NIL cards introduce new ways to invest in young athletes—some of whom could become the next big stars.
Tips for Collecting Rookie Cards
- Start Early: Prices often rise quickly after a strong performance or milestone. Get in before the hype reaches its peak.
- Focus on Graded Cards: High-grade rookie cards hold their value better over time. Look for PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 cards when possible.
- Watch for Limited Prints: Parallels, numbered cards, and short prints are rarer and more valuable than base cards.
- Follow Player News: Stay informed about the performance and health of the players you’re collecting—injuries or trades can affect value.
- Diversify Your Collection: Spread your investments across multiple players or sports to reduce risk.
Conclusion: The Thrill of Collecting Rookie Cards
Collecting rookie cards is one of the most exciting parts of the hobby. It combines the thrill of following new talent with the potential for significant financial gains. Whether you’re a fan of basketball, baseball, football, hockey, or even Formula 1, there are plenty of rookies with promising futures to watch closely.
The key to building a successful rookie card collection is research, timing, and patience. While not every rookie will become a superstar, identifying potential stars early can lead to huge rewards. So keep an eye on these athletes, enjoy the journey, and maybe you’ll find a future Hall of Famer hidden in your collection! Happy collecting! 🏆📈