The Southpaw Sports Cards Show at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds on Saturday will be a delight for Central Valley looking to purchase football, baseball, and basketball cards, (Shutterstock)
- Will Robeson turned his passion into a thriving business, hosting shows and trade nights across the Central Valley.
- The sports card market is booming, with North America's share valued at $5.90 billion in 2023 and projected growth.
- High-value cards include those of NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, with serial numbered and autographed cards holding long-term value.
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Sports cards, collectibles, and Funko pops. All that and more can be expected at the Southpaw Sports Cards Show at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds on Saturday.
This is the brainchild of Will Robeson, who started Southpaw in 2018 after turning a passion into a living. Following 10 years in the casino industry, he left his job last March to sell sports cards full time.
Robeson operates at a private office off of Shaw. He takes appointments and has a consignment case selling single cards at Mossetteās Sports Cards. He’s on the lookout for retail space.
He participates in shows all over the West Coast and hosts a monthly trade night at Me ‘n’ Edās Coney Island in River Park. Saturday’s gathering will be Southpaw’s third show.
Southpaw’s Involvement in Local Sports Cards Community
“Our first show was in January 2024 and featured MLB Network and Apple TV reporter Heidi Watney, ex-NFL players Paul Williams and Cam Worrell, Fresno State baseball players Murf Gray and Tommy Hopfe, as well as the Bring the Juice Podcast,” said Robeson.
“People can expect a family friendly environment with vendors from all over the Central Valley selling sports cards, sports memorabilia, Pokemon cards, other trading card games, and vintage toys.”
Booming Sports Card Market
The sports card market is booming with the emergence of selling platforms like WhatNot, TikTok, and Fanatics Live giving people access to cards.
According to Kings Research: “The North America Sports Trading Cards Market share stood around 60.89% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 5.90 billion.”
Kings Research also said that the value of the market “is projected to reach USD 20.48 billion by 2030.”
A great example came when GV Wire spotlighted Andrew Zonneveld, and his father, Andy, from Fresno, who found a one-of-a-kind basketball card featuring NBA stars/Olympic gold medalists Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant sealed in an acrylic protective case. Offers for the card reached in excess of $500,000.
High-Value Cards and Growing Popularity
There are plenty of high value items floating around out there.
“The best cards to be on the lookout for are Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson. Weāre in the thick of football season and their cards couldnāt be hotter. Basketball is heating up as well ā Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards rookies are selling for crazy numbers,” said Robeson.
“The cards that hold the most value long term are serial numbered or have autographs on them.”
Sports cards are growing in popularity in the Central Valley.
“On any given weekend, you can usually find a show within a three-hour drive. We hope to put on more great events for collectors in the Central Valley in 2025,” said Robeson.
For more information about Southpaw Sports Cards click here.