In the world of sports card grading, ISA continues to set the standard as the industry leader in 2023. This year, an intriguing trend has emerged in card submissions, with one athlete standing head and shoulders above the rest. That athlete is none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Fresh off signing a mind-boggling $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani’s popularity has skyrocketed, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of submissions of his cards to ISA for grading. In fact, Ohtani holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023, cementing his status as a true global icon.
While Ohtani steals the spotlight, basketball legend Michael Jordan, known for his unmatched talent and iconic status, remains a significant figure in the world of card submissions. His cards continue to garner immense attention and interest from collectors and fans alike.
Joining Ohtani and Jordan on the list of top athletes in card submissions to ISA for 2023 are names that span generations and sports. Julio Rodriguez, a rising star in the world of baseball, showcases his immense popularity by securing a spot on the list. Joining him are football sensations Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow, whose performances on the field have translated into a surge in card submissions.
Of course, no list of sports card submissions would be complete without the inclusion of football icon Tom Brady and late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, whose legacies continue to captivate fans worldwide. The ever-present LeBron James and baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. also make appearances, cementing their places as enduring favorites amongst collectors and enthusiasts.
Among the newer names making waves in the industry, Victor Wembanyama stands out. The 7-foot-3 French basketball prodigy has caught the attention of scouts and fans alike with his exceptional skills, and now his cards are seeing a surge in grading submissions.
The most graded sports cards of 2023 offer a diverse range of talents from different sports. Several cards from Ohtani, showcasing his prowess both on the mound and at the plate, dominate the list. The combination of his pitching and hitting abilities has proven to be a winning formula, captivating fans across the globe.
In the realm of football, two quarterbacks have experienced significant increases in card submissions. Chicago Bears’ Justin Fields has witnessed a remarkable 119% surge, reflecting the excitement and anticipation surrounding his potential. Meanwhile, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, a first overall pick in the NFL draft, has also seen a notable 98% increase in card submissions, further solidifying his status as a future star.
The influence of off-field factors is also apparent, with Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce experiencing a surge in card submissions, possibly due to his high-profile relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to be a hot commodity in the world of sports card grading, as collectors look to get in on the ground floor of a player’s career. In basketball, the top rookies leading the submissions are Paolo Banchero and the aforementioned Victor Wembanyama, both touted as future stars in the league.
In football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy dominate the rookie card submissions, showcasing the excitement surrounding their potential in the NFL. Baseball enthusiasts eagerly submit rookie cards of rising stars Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman, as they look to secure a piece of history and potential future stardom.
At ISA, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch grading services for the most valuable and sought-after sports cards in the industry. With athletes like Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, and Victor Wembanyama leading the pack in card submissions, we continue to witness the ever-evolving landscape of sports card collecting and grading in 2023.