Jeremy and Leighton open Part 2 by tackling the “priced out” question head-on before Mike Zier jumps in with a candid collector’s perspective from the trenches, selling down, shifting to singles, and finding peace without chasing every comp. We get real about wax FOMO vs. expected value, what “being in the hobby” actually means, how to cope when prices outpace budgets, and why it’s okay to love cards without loving the market. Leighton bows out midway; Jeremy and Mike keep it rolling with practical strategies regular collectors can use right now.

Highlights

“Adapt or get out?” unpacked: what staying looks like when wax is $500–$800

Singles over wax: maximizing joy and minimizing regret

The dopamine problem: ripping vs. actually getting the cards you want

Feeling underappreciated as a long-timer, and moving forward anyway

Tracking every cent vs. ignoring the ticker: two healthy mindsets

Using eBay solds as simple comps (and when to skip comps entirely)

If you enjoy honest talk about budgets, wax vs. singles, and collecting for joy (not just headlines), this episode is for you. And don’t forget, watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive conversations with collectors, dealers, and industry voices.

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One week after the record-setting $12.9M Jordan/Kobe Logoman sale, we ask: did it truly lift the hobby, or just the high-end yacht club? Jeremy and Joe Poirot break down the reactions, from skepticism to excitement, before Leighton Sheldon joins to share perspective from the vintage side. Together we tackle whether the sale is a real comp or an outlier, what it means for vintage vs modern, how scarcity is understood today, and whether collectors should be trimming, holding, or reallocating in a frothy market.

Highlights

One week later: comp vs outlier and how much weight the sale should carry

PR, syndicates, and perception: does attention create “fractionalization 2.0”?

Manufactured vs organic scarcity: why both now drive demand

Vintage pride vs modern crown: what actually shifts for collectors

Leighton’s playbook: liquidity, risk management, and taking chips off the table

Card allocation vs net worth: how deep is too deep?

Next record-breaker candidates: ’52 Topps Mantle, T206 Wagner, a Ruth rookie

If you enjoy deep hobby conversations that go beyond headlines and comps, this episode is for you. And don’t forget, watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night on YouTube for live, interactive discussions with collectors, dealers, and industry leaders.

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In part five of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23, 2025, history is made as the 2007 Exquisite Jordan–Kobe Dual Logoman Autograph 1/1 sells for $12.932 million, setting a new record for the most expensive publicly sold sports card of all time. Jeremy, Brent Weyer, and Chris McGill share live reactions with over 300 viewers as the auction closes, reflecting on what this moment means for the hobby.

The panel dives deep into the implications: are PSA 10 vintage grails trustworthy, or are they overgraded time bombs? Does the true value of modern masterpieces come from auto quality, patch authenticity, and game use rather than technical grades? And how should collectors view concepts like “artificial rarity” versus organic scarcity?

They also explore the ripple effects: how Kobe’s legacy — heightened by his tragic passing — shaped demand, whether heritage auction fees influence seller behavior, and what this watershed moment could mean for the next wave of cards to hit the market.

Highlights include:

Live coverage of the record-breaking $12.9M Jordan–Kobe Logoman sale

Grading skepticism and the power of PSA’s brand vs. the card itself

Why patch and autograph quality may matter more than grades

Kobe’s passing and its impact on his long-term hobby standing

Pop reports vs. lived scarcity in today’s market

What record-setting sales might bring out of collections next

This final segment captures the energy, controversy, and history of a night when the hobby’s all-time record was shattered live on Sports Cards Live.

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In part four of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Jordan–Kobe Dual Logoman Exquisite Autograph surges past the $10 million mark live on air, ultimately climbing toward its record-breaking $12M+ finish. Jeremy, Brent Weyer, and Chris McGill track the drama in real time, unpacking what the sale means for grading, rarity, and the psychology of high-stakes bidding.

The discussion ranges from the legitimacy of “manufactured rarity” to whether grade even matters for a one-of-one grail. The panel also wrestles with a central hobby question: if Michael Jordan is clearly No. 1, who is No. 2? Names like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tom Brady are all debated as the community weighs legacy, market caps, and cultural impact.

Highlights include:

The Jordan–Kobe Logoman breaking into 8-figure territory live on Sports Cards Live

Manufactured rarity vs. organic rarity in the hobby

Does grade matter at all for one-of-ones?

Ego, status, and trophy bidding in high-end auctions

The debate over who ranks No. 2 after Michael Jordan — Mantle, Ruth, LeBron, Kobe, Brady, or someone else?

Shaq’s surprising hobby index strength and whether undervalued stars ever catch up

This was one of the most electric hobby nights in recent memory — and Sports Cards Live was right there with the audience as history unfolded.

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In part three of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23, 2025, Jeremy welcomes Chris McGill (@chris_hoj) alongside Brent Weyer (@deepvalueinvestor) as the Heritage Auctions bidding drama heats up. The iconic Jordan–Kobe Dual Logoman Exquisite Autograph climbs past $9 million, sparking debate on whether it deserves to rank among the greatest cards in basketball history.

The conversation expands into the role of grading, questioning whether graded scarcity creates real value or if condition scarcity and eye appeal are what truly matter. The panel also tackles the flaws in Michael Jordan’s card catalog, why he doesn’t have a “perfect” rookie-era grail like modern stars do, and how that shapes the chase for the ultimate Jordan card.

Highlights include:

The Jordan–Kobe Dual Logoman breaking into record territory

Grading scarcity vs. condition scarcity — what collectors should really value

The role of eye appeal and why not all 10s are created equal

Why Michael Jordan doesn’t have a single “perfect” rookie grail

The debate: PMG Green, Logomans, or something else as Jordan’s apex card

This is a can’t-miss segment for anyone fascinated by high-end sports cards, the psychology of grading, and the never-ending pursuit of defining hobby “greatness.”

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In part two of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23, 2025, we explore the evolving collector–investor debate with Brent Weyer (@deepvalueinvestor). Brent discusses how his approach has expanded from chasing only apex cards to also embracing what he jokingly calls “bum collecting” — acquiring elite cards of overlooked stars. The conversation digs into whether sports cards are best viewed as investments or expenses, sparking thoughtful discussion around balance sheets, assets, and hobby perspective.

We also examine the rise of high-net-worth individuals entering the hobby, often through breaking as their initial gateway before shifting into serious collecting and targeted investments. Brent shares how he’s working with these new buyers, what types of cards they’re seeking, and why education and guidance are critical in helping them navigate the market.

Highlights include:

Collecting for passion vs. investing for return

Viewing cards as assets vs. expenses

Nostalgia, aesthetics, and personal collecting rules

Breaking as a gateway for wealthy newcomers

How high-net-worth collectors are being onboarded into the hobby

Whether you see yourself as a collector, an investor, or somewhere in between, this segment brings valuable perspective on how the hobby continues to evolve.

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In Part 1 of the Sports Cards Live stream from Saturday, August 23rd, Jeremy Lee kicks off Episode 280 with solo commentary on one of the most historic nights in the hobby. As Heritage Auctions closed, we witnessed a record-breaking sale, dissected some of the most talked-about slabs in the marketplace, and shared a collector story that every eBay bidder can relate to.

Highlights include:

Reaction to the $12.9M+ Exquisite Dual Logoman of Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant

A critical breakdown of the Wilt Chamberlain 1961 Fleer PSA 10 rookie card — is it truly gem mint or just grade worship?

Insights on the George Mikan PSA 9, 1986 Fleer Jordan SGC Pristine, and 1911 C55 Georges Vezina PSA 7.5

Jeremy’s $122 eBay snipe fail on a Jaromir Jagr 1/1, and what it says about bidding strategy

Why eye appeal vs. the number on the slab matters more than ever

Audience interaction, live reactions, and community banter as the bids rolled in

Whether you’re chasing grails, questioning grading standards, or just love watching hobby history unfold in real time, this episode delivers perspective on one of the biggest auction nights ever.

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In the final part of our post-National panel with Josh Adams and Chris McGill, the conversation shifts from comps to one of the hobby’s longest-running debates — rookie cards versus inserts and parallels. We explore why certain 90s insert sets deserve more respect, the psychology behind collectors’ preferences, and whether the rookie card’s dominance is partly a manufactured narrative. From power dynamics in auctions to the underrated beauty of “one-and-done” insert runs, this wrap-up delivers strong opinions, surprising perspectives, and plenty of hobby banter.

Highlights include:

Breaking down who really has the power to set a comp: buyer, underbidder, or seller

Underrated 90s insert and parallel sets — from Passing the Torch to One of a Kind

How Michael Jordan’s rare Stadium Club parallels compare to PMGs and Star Rubies

The psychology behind collectors’ love for shiny, eye-catching cards

Why some in the hobby dismiss inserts and others see them as core collectibles

Are rookie cards a hobby tradition or a manufactured gimmick?

How modern inserts differ from their 90s counterparts in rarity and appeal

The argument for collecting championship-year or iconic-moment cards instead of rookies

Final reflections from the National, including the growing phenomenon of late-night trade nights

Lighthearted moments, from hoodie-for-candy “comps” to memorable post-show interactions

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In Part 4 of our post-National discussion, Josh Adams, Chris McGill, and I dive into one of the hobby’s most debated topics: comps. Are they the foundation of the market, just one input in a bigger decision-making process, or both? We explore how comps are created, their limits, and why some of the most memorable purchases happen without checking them at all. Plus, a look at the role of repackers, flippers, collectors, and underbidders in shaping prices — and why certain sellers hold more power than ever.

Highlights include:

Why comps aren’t always the final word — and when to ignore them entirely

The “input vs. output” theory of comps and what it means for market movement

How the underbidder can have more influence than the winning bidder

The impact of repackers, flippers, and institutional buyers on modern card prices

Kabooms, Downtowns, and other repack staples that have surged in value

Challenges of comping rare or long-untraded cards (and creative ways to do it)

Why sellers with great items can command a premium regardless of comps

90s Auctions’ successful National and Josh Adams’ standout pickup

Comparing Strongsville to The National as a future show destination

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In Part 3 of Episode 278, Jeremy welcomes Chris McGill (Card Ladder) and Josh Adams (Midwest Vintage Cards / 90s Auctions) to share their experiences, pickups, and perspectives from the 2025 National. The conversation ranges from unexpected finds and rare PC completions, to the role of content creators in the hobby, and an in-depth discussion about the repack market’s impact on card values and liquidity.

Highlights include:

Chris on the Card Ladder booth’s creative atmosphere and content creator presence at the National

Discussion on the value of hobby content and the balance between cards and creators

Chris’s standout pickups, including rare Jokic “Totally Certified” 1/1s to complete a full run

Josh Adams on his National experience, meeting collectors, and sharing vintage expertise

Insights into the appeal of vintage cards showing natural age and character

Market observations on vintage scarcity — true rarity vs. population reports

The “vortex” effect of flipper activity on card prices and comps

In-depth debate on the repack market: artificial vs. organic demand, sustainability, and PSA’s entry into repack certification

How repacks and frequent ownership changes affect long-term value and collector behavior

Comparing the modern flipper model to the journey of cards finding their “final resting place” with end collectors

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