Whether you’re getting ready for the Burbank Card Show or simply planning which cards to buy or sell after the Super Bowl, we’re headed towards one of the biggest weekends of the year for collectors. What else is of note in the hobby and alternative asset worlds this week? Check out our latest edition of ALT Hits.

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FANATICS IS DOING IT LIVE!

Jerseys. Game tickets. Sports gambling. Cards. Next up for Fanatics? Livestreaming. The company that’s building a one-stop-shop for sports fans is unveiling a new service to compete with Loupe, Whatnot, and anywhere else breakers can be found. Fanatics Live will launch later this year, giving fans another platform to buy cards, or simply watch people open cards bought by other people. Just another step towards Fanatics becoming the online hub for the hobby, whether you’re ready for it or not.

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SPORTS MEMORABILLIONS

The sports memorabilia and trading card market has hit $35 Billons, and is expected to grow to $227 Billion by 2032.

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EIGHT IS A LOT

A “brick” of eight 1952 Topps Baseball wax packs recently sold for close to $900,000 in an auction. Yes, there was 70 year old gum inside.

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CRAZY FOR BRADY

Demand for Tom Brady memorabilia has skyrocketed since the QB announced his (for real, this time) retirement last week. Are you buying or selling TB12?

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BROCK STAR

Brock Purdy was an interesting case for the hobby last month, as the rookie’s first 49ers cards became available during his unexpected hot streak.

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GIMME LIBERTY

The only original WNBA team without a title got a little closer to winning as the New York Liberty added star guard Courtney Vandersloot and former MVPs Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.

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GIMME BREAK

F1: Drive to Survive helped propel Formula 1 racing (and F1 cards!) into a major force around the world. Now the team behind the show is hoping for a similar result for Tennis with their new show Break Point, also available on Netflix.

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OH MAN

Manchester City is facing over 100 instances of breaching financial rules, which could lead to stiff penalties for the Club.

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CARDS BEFORE COUNTRY

A Homeland Security Special Agent lost his Government job because of his sports card addiction. Be wise out there, collectors.

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TAKE IT TO JACOB

Wondering how Jacob The Jeweler’s “Five Time Zone” watch helped shape modern watch culture? Here’s a solid deep dive.

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SOMETHING FISHY

The hottest trading card craze in Japan? Shirtless fishermen! Gotta catch ‘em all.

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THE ART OF THE POKE

Enjoy the art of Pokemon cards? Here’s an in-depth look at some of the imagery in the latest Crown Zenith Expansion.

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KID IN THE ARENA

You know those “Kid Reporter” cards you toss out when you buy Panini packs? Well, not everyone does, as one lucky kid from Iowa is headed to the Super Bowl to report on the Big Game.

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FRAGGABLE TOKENS

The famed kids show Fraggle Rock is receiving the NFT trading card treatment.

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THE HOBBY OF HORROR

The cult 80s movie My Bloody Valentine is receiving a trading card set just in time for its titular holiday.

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