The Internet has revolutionized the sports card marketplace. It isn't about school children looking for free bubble gum anymore. It is now a multi-billion dollar industry. For many, it's no longer about collecting for sentimental value or nostalgia. It's about earning a profit.
Collectors are now investors, and vice versa.
Sports cards have always presented opportunities for long-term capital appreciation. Ask early investors of Kurt Warner, Randy Moss, Pedro Martinez, Alex Rodriguez and Vladimir Guerrerro, just to name a few. But you better know your sports and do your research just ask those who bought Ryan Leaf instead of Peyton Manning or Ricky Williams instead of Edgerrin James. The prices of many cards actually fluctuate game to game, especially in football's short season. When Peyton Manning blitzes the Jacksonville Jaguars with 4 touchdown passes and over 400 yards passing on Monday Night Football, his card price may increase noticeably.