In this episode we tackle the uncomfortable questions. Are auctions broken for everyday collectors, how deep does shill bidding and market manipulation really go, and what happens when breaks, repacks, and live streams start to look a lot like gambling addiction instead of hobby fun.

This episode also features:

👉 A look at Jeremy’s upcoming book POPs & COMPs

👉 Appendix F, a detailed review of auction house policies on reserves, house bidding, shill bidding, and employee bidding

👉 A frank discussion about grading monopolies, population control concerns, and whether collectors are being treated fairly

Plus:

🔥 Are auctions now a fire sale for most collections

🔥 The rise of breaker culture and hobby addiction, and whether the hobby has a responsibility to respond

🔥 Fanatics, licensing control, and the risk of forgetting the little guy

🔥 Leadership, regulation, and why the hobby could still blow its biggest opportunity

💬 Share your thoughts below and let us know how you see grading, gambling, and greed shaping the hobby.

📺 Subscribe to Sports Cards Live for more long form hobby conversations.

📷 Follow on Instagram: @jlee_sportscardslive.

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