As the Summer of 2024 comes to a close, it can be remembered as the Summer of Resurgence. Hobbyists received Topps Chrome basketball and football for the first time in many years. And just like summer, it came with some storms.
The hot air from the south declared that this was nothing but a watered-down version of the original Topps Chrome, while the cool air from the north asked, "Does it really matter?" What ensued was a storm of debate on unlicensed versus licensed products.
Unlicensed sports cards are a unique segment of the sports card hobby. Unlike licensed cards, which carry official team logos and trademarks, unlicensed cards usually focus on individual athletes without the branding of the teams or leagues. This can lead to both advantages and disadvantages for collectors and investors.
Now that the hype cycle has subsided and debates have moved on to the next topic let's dig into this again with a more logical approach.
Advantages of Unlicensed Products
1. It’s Affordable
Some hobbyists feel that licensed products are too expensive. Unlicensed sports cards are often much cheaper. This is a significant advantage for budget-conscious collectors or those just entering the hobby. You can find cards of famous athletes like Shohei Ohtani, LeBron James, or Patrick Mahomes at a fraction of the cost, making these cards more accessible to a broader range of collectors.
2. More Creativity
Without league restrictions, unlicensed card companies have more creative freedom. This often results in innovative designs, unique artwork, and special card features that might not appear on licensed products. Some collectors appreciate this variety, as it offers something different from the traditional look of licensed cards.
3. Focuses On Athletes
Unlicensed cards tend to emphasize the athletes themselves. This can be a positive for collectors who care more about individual players than team affiliation. A case can be made against today’s athletes bouncing from team to team. Because of this, some collectors question the importance of the team uniform. Unlicensed sports cards offer an alternative for fans who simply want to collect cards from their favorite athletes.
4. Better Hits
Because of their affordability, the autograph cards of athletes are the big draw for these types of products. Collectors love them. Low serial-numbered cards are a plus as well. It boils down to this: some hobbyists feel their chances of pulling a “HIT” are better with unlicensed products.
Disadvantages of Unlicensed Products
1. Lack of Team Logos
The absence of team logos is a significant drawback for many collectors. Team logos and official uniforms are a big part of the aesthetic appeal of sports cards. When these elements are missing, the cards can feel incomplete, especially for fans who are loyal to their favorite teams. This can impact the desirability of the cards, particularly for seasoned collectors.
2. Lower Resale Value
Unlicensed cards generally don’t hold the same value as licensed cards. Even cards featuring superstar athletes often see lower resale prices compared to their licensed counterparts. This can be a significant downside for collectors who view sports cards as investments. The lack of official logos and league approval tends to limit their appeal in the secondary market.
3. Limited Collector Interest
While some enthusiasts appreciate unlicensed cards, the majority of collectors still prefer licensed products. Most collectors prioritize logos and team branding, which means that unlicensed cards are often overlooked in favor of licensed sets. As a result, the demand for these cards can be much lower, which further affects their long-term value.
4. Quality Concerns
Some unlicensed card companies may have different quality print standards than licensed manufacturers. This can result in cards with less attention to detail, subpar printing, or inconsistencies. While this isn’t always the case, collectors should be aware of it when buying unlicensed products.
Why Does It Matter?
Does it really matter? I say absolutely! The reason entails how the rookie card has evolved over the decades. It’s a fascinating story, and you can read about it in my book, “True Rookie Cards: A Systematic Approach That Filters Through the Fluff So You’ll Know Which Rookie Cards to Buy,” available now on Amazon.
I’ll give you the short version: In 2006, the Players Association stepped in and gave the industry some standards on the use of the rookie card. They wanted athletes' rookie cards to debut only in the season in which they held a roster spot on a pro-level team. They now expected the cards to be licensed by both the League and the Player’s Association.
With unlicensed products, you only have one licensee or zero licensee in some cases, which is not conducive to a proper rookie card designation. Therefore, unlicensed rookie cards fall a little short. However, there is a trend that really doesn’t care. This is concerning and is an article for another day.
Unlicensed sports cards provide both opportunities and challenges for collectors. On the positive side, they offer affordable options, creative designs, and a focus on individual athletes. However, significant drawbacks include the lack of official logos, lower resale value, and limited demand.
Whether unlicensed cards are a good addition to your personal collection ultimately depends on your collecting goals—if you’re in it for the love of the player and the art, they might be a fun addition. But if you’re looking for long-term investment potential, licensed cards are generally the safer bet.
Until next month,
Victor Roman Sr
Remember, not all rookie cards are created equal.