1192 - Dueling Questions with Joe Orlando, Part 3

Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

The final part of this insightful and engaging conversation, we reflect on the evolution of card manufacturing since the 1980s and discuss the potential impacts of ongoing changes within the sector. A primary topic of discussion is the entry of Fanatics into the industry, and the potential for it to positively impact the sector if handled correctly, despite recent consolidation at the manufacturer level. However, we stress the importance of attracting more collectors, rather than just boosting card production, to ensure long-term growth and sustainability of the hobby. Meanwhile, we caution new companies against focusing solely on financial returns, and instead highlight the significance of embracing the love and passion for card trading. The conversation also includes a look at the rising participation of younger fans, as well as the challenging transitions companies face when going public, which is a potential path for Fanatics. The speakers nostalgically reflect on their personal connections with card collecting, before offering their perspective on the industry's power structures, arguing that a duopoly could prove to be more formidable than monopoly or single dominant entity. Lastly, they propose an untapped growth area within the hobby: the music, celebrity, and entertainment sector, which they believe could attract a broader demographic and instill a deep sense of nostalgia, similar to sports. They suggest that companies like Fanatics could leverage their marketing prowess to create structured collectables centered around musicians and actors, potentially fuelling a ten-fold growth in this niche. The conversation is a deep dive into the complexities, challenges, and opportunities within card and collectibles market, underscoring the need to balance profit motives with the core joy and love of collecting.

00:00 The Evolution of Card Manufacturing
00:20 The Impact of Fanatics on the Industry
00:48 The Importance of Growing the Collector Base
01:10 The Role of Fanatics in Expanding the Hobby
01:55 The Potential of Young Collectors
02:00 The Dangers of Overemphasizing Financial Returns
03:42 The Challenges of Going Public
05:41 The Origins of a Card Collector
07:21 The Dynamics of Monopolies and Duopolies
10:07 The Future of Collecting: Music and Celebrity Cards