October 31, 2025

Is Whatnot’s $12B Valuation Real or Hype? Ryan and Brian Break It Down

22 minutes

SUMMARY

In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden discuss the latest trends in the hobby, including rising football card values, new basketball releases, and the impact of live streaming platform Whatnot’s $225 million funding round. They recap recent sports events like the World Series, share a live card rip session, and debate industry sustainability. The hosts also highlight their podcast’s award nomination and encourage listener participation by sharing favorite card pulls. The episode wraps up with updates on upcoming card shop visits and ways to connect with the show.

Plus — exciting news! Brian’s company, Ludex, is nominated for Innovation of the Year at The Hobby Awards. Show your support by voting here 👇
🗳️ Vote for Ludex: https://thehobbyawards.onmantel.com/nominees/ludex

TAKEAWAYS

Recent market trends in trading cards and collectibles

Player card values and notable increases in specific cards

Overview of recent sports events, including the World Series

Discussion on the performance of players like Ohtani and Ja'Marr Chase

Updates on trending football and basketball card releases

The impact of live streaming platforms like Whatnot on the collectibles market

Comparison of Whatnot's live streaming capabilities to eBay's efforts

Insights on industry speculation and sustainability of card prices

The significance of innovation and technology in the collectibles hobby

Community engagement through sharing personal card stories and experiences

...more