In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, host Ryan Alford sits down with Jason Koonce, founder and CEO of One Team International Agency (OTIA), to talk about the past, present, and future of sports cards and collectibles. Jason shares his journey from childhood card collector to industry leader, offering insights on how the hobby has evolved over the past 30 years.
They dive into the impact of card grading and how companies like PSA and Beckett revolutionized sports card investing by boosting value and liquidity. Jason also explains how card shows and card shops have changed, why repacks are gaining popularity, and how live shopping platforms like Whatnot are creating new opportunities for buying, selling, and connecting in the hobby.
Alongside industry insights, Jason highlights the importance of balancing the business side of card collecting with family life, while reminding collectors that the true joy lies in the passion for the hobby—not just treating cards as investments.
🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The evolution of the sports card hobby over the last three decades How grading companies transformed card values and market trust Why card shows and auctions remain vital for collectors The rise of repacks vs. traditional trading card packs How live shopping and Whatnot are shaping the future of sports cards The role of influencers, YouTube, and social content in the collectibles boom Key advice for newcomers entering sports cards and memorabilia investing Why enjoying the process matters as much as chasing profits
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 The Rise of Grading and Early Days 00:17 Podcast Introduction & Guest Background 01:01 Jason’s Collecting Origins & Early Hustle 02:40 Evolution of Card Shops and Card Shows 03:26 Community Engagement & Collectibles Segment 04:18 The Internet and Pricing Transparency 05:13 The Beckett Era and Pricing Evolution 06:11 Knowledge Advantage in the 90s 07:03 The Grading Boom and Profit Margins 09:35 Cracking and Regrading Cards 10:24 Is Grading Still Profitable Today? 12:03 The Modern Card Show Experience 12:16 COVID-19 and Cards as an Asset Class 14:32 The Vault and High-End Card Displays 16:03 Influencers, YouTube, and Content Creation 18:32 Repacks vs. Traditional Packs 20:19 Cards as Entertainment vs. Investment 22:09 Live Shopping and Whatnot’s Rise 24:16 Professionalism in Live Selling 25:35 TV Selling Days & FOMO Marketing 27:13 Auction Dynamics and Market Knowledge 32:15 Long-Term Perspective & Goal Setting 34:59 The Journey and Motivation in Collecting 35:46 Where to Find Jason & OTA 36:19 Show Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
📌 About Jason Koonce Jason Koonce is the founder and CEO of One Team International Agency (OTIA), a leader in sports memorabilia, high-end sports cards, and celebrity partnerships. With decades of experience, Jason has built a reputation for helping clients navigate the collectibles market and capitalize on sports card investment opportunities.
🎙️ About the Show The Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast delivers in-depth conversations with collectors, investors, and industry insiders who are shaping the future of trading cards, sports memorabilia, and collectible culture.
