This list is not financial advice. Card markets move quickly, and grading profitability depends on condition, grading fees, player demand, and recent sales.

Grading sports cards has become one of the most popular strategies used by collectors and investors to increase the value of their cards.

When a card receives a high grade from professional grading companies such as PSA, SGC, BGS, or CGA, its market value can increase significantly compared to its raw version.

Because of this, many collectors actively search for cards that may be worth grading before their market value rises further.

However, identifying these opportunities requires careful analysis of several factors including player demand, card rarity, grading condition, and recent market trends.

In this guide we highlight 10 sports cards collectors may want to watch for grading right now, along with examples of specific cards and why they may attract interest in the hobby.

Collectors who want to learn more about grading strategy should also read:

• How to Identify Cards Worth Grading  
• How to Make Money Grading Sports Cards

Note: This guide is for educational purposes only. Card markets change frequently, and grading outcomes depend heavily on card condition.

---

1. Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama remains one of the most exciting young players in basketball, and his rookie cards continue to attract global attention from collectors.

As the first overall pick in the NBA Draft and a highly anticipated international prospect, Wembanyama already has a large collector base.

Cards to Watch

• 2023-24 Panini Prizm Victor Wembanyama Rookie
• 2023-24 Panini Select Victor Wembanyama Rookie
• 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama

Why Collectors Like Them

Wembanyama’s size, skillset, and global profile make him one of the most unique players in modern basketball. His rookie cards have strong long-term potential if his career continues on its current trajectory.

What to Check Before Grading

• centering on Prizm chrome cards
• surface scratches on chromium finishes
• print lines on reflective cards

---

2. C.J. Stroud

Quarterbacks dominate the modern NFL card market, and C.J. Stroud has quickly become one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league.

His rookie cards have already seen strong demand among collectors.

Cards to Watch

• 2023 Panini Prizm C.J. Stroud Rookie
• 2023 Donruss Optic C.J. Stroud Rookie
• 2023 Panini Select C.J. Stroud Rookie

Why Collectors Like Them

Franchise quarterbacks tend to drive long-term demand in the football card market. If Stroud continues to perform at a high level, his rookie cards may remain popular with collectors.

What to Check Before Grading

• centering on Optic and Prizm chrome cards
• edge chipping
• surface marks

---

3. Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani has become one of the most recognizable players in global baseball thanks to his rare ability to dominate both as a pitcher and hitter.

His rookie cards remain among the most popular modern baseball cards.

Cards to Watch

• 2018 Topps Update Shohei Ohtani Rookie
• 2018 Bowman Chrome Shohei Ohtani Rookie
• 2018 Topps Chrome Shohei Ohtani

Why Collectors Like Them

Ohtani’s international popularity and historic two-way playing style give his cards strong long-term appeal.

What to Check Before Grading

• centering on flagship Topps cards
• chrome surface scratches
• corner whitening

---

4. Nick Daicos

For Australian collectors, few players have generated as much excitement as Collingwood star Nick Daicos.

His early AFL cards have quickly become popular among collectors.

Cards to Watch

• 2021 Select NAB AFL Draft Picks Nick Daicos #DP4
• 2022 Select AFL Optimum Draft Pick Signature
• 2023 Select AFL Footy Stars Nick Daicos inserts

Why Collectors Like Them

Nick Daicos comes from one of the most famous families in AFL history and has already established himself as a superstar player.

His early cards may continue to attract strong demand among AFL collectors.

What to Check Before Grading

• centering on Select cards
• edge wear on foil inserts
• autograph placement on signed cards

---

5. Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard entered the NHL with enormous expectations and quickly became one of the most talked-about players in hockey.

His rookie cards have already gained strong attention from collectors.

Cards to Watch

• 2023-24 Upper Deck Young Guns Connor Bedard
• 2023-24 Upper Deck Star Rookies Connor Bedard
• 2023-24 Upper Deck Series 1 Connor Bedard

Why Collectors Like Them

The Young Guns series has historically been one of the most iconic rookie card lines in hockey collecting.

What to Check Before Grading

• corners and edges
• centering
• surface gloss scratches

---

6. Paul Skenes

Paul Skenes has quickly become one of the most exciting young pitchers in baseball.

His cards gained massive attention after a debut patch autograph sold for over $1 million at auction.

Cards to Watch

• 2024 Topps Chrome Update Paul Skenes Rookie
• 2025 Topps Series 1 Paul Skenes Rookie
• 2024 Bowman Paul Skenes

Why Collectors Like Them

Skenes represents the next generation of MLB stars, and collectors often chase the earliest rookie issues of emerging talent.

What to Check Before Grading

• chrome scratches
• centering
• surface print lines

---

7. Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark has brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball and quickly became one of the most recognizable athletes in the sport.

Her rookie cards have already produced record sales.

Cards to Watch

• 2024 Panini Prizm Caitlin Clark Rookie
• 2024 Panini WNBA Rookie Royalty Caitlin Clark

Why Collectors Like Them

Clark’s influence on the sport and mainstream popularity may help sustain demand for her early cards.

What to Check Before Grading

• centering
• print defects
• edge wear

---

8. Michael Jordan

Vintage Michael Jordan cards remain among the most iconic cards in the hobby.

Collectors still search for raw copies that may grade highly.

Cards to Watch

• 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57
• 1987 Fleer Michael Jordan #59

Why Collectors Like Them

Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, and his cards remain foundational pieces in many collections.

What to Check Before Grading

• edge chipping
• centering
• authenticity

---

9. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant cards continue to attract strong collector demand, particularly his rookie cards from the 1996 season.

Cards to Watch

• 1996 Topps Kobe Bryant Rookie #138
• 1996 Ultra Kobe Bryant Rookie
• 1996 Skybox Kobe Bryant Rookie

Why Collectors Like Them

Kobe’s legacy and global fanbase continue to support strong interest in his rookie cards.

What to Check Before Grading

• corner sharpness
• surface gloss
• edge wear

---

10. LeBron James

LeBron James rookie cards remain among the most valuable modern basketball cards.

High-grade examples continue to perform well in the marketplace.

Cards to Watch

• 2003 Topps Chrome LeBron James Rookie #111
• 2003 Upper Deck Rookie Exclusives LeBron James
• 2003 SP Game Used LeBron James

Why Collectors Like Them

LeBron’s long career and historical achievements keep demand strong for his rookie cards.

What to Check Before Grading

• chrome surface scratches
• centering
• corner wear

---

How to Evaluate Cards Before Submitting for Grading

Before sending cards to grading companies, collectors typically inspect:

• centering
• edges and corners
• surface scratches
• print defects

Collectors often use specialised tools such as inspection lights and magnification lenses.

👉 See our guide to Best Tools for Card Grading

---

Learn More About Grading Strategy

If you’re interested in learning more about card grading, explore these guides:

👉 How to Identify Cards Worth Grading
👉 How to Make Money Grading Sports Cards
👉 Best Sports Card Apps for Collectors

---

Final Thoughts

Identifying sports cards worth grading is a skill that improves with experience.

By combining market research with careful card inspection, collectors can identify opportunities that may increase the value of their cards through professional grading.

Collectors who stay informed about player trends and grading strategies are often better positioned to succeed in the modern sports card hobby.