Dealers, collectors expect big sales, another record crowd as National Sports Collectors Convention returns to Chicago
The sports collectibles industry descends on suburban Chicago Wednesday for the 45th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, the hobby’s five-day holiday that is a mix of the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Cup and more, all under one roof.
Collectors, legendary athletes, celebrities and the like will attend The National starting on Wednesday July 30 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. More than 100,000 are expected to regale in cards, autographs, pack breaks, game-used and game-worn memorabilia, and so much more.
It’s long been said that if there’s a special piece of sports memorabilia that you want, you will find it at The National … or it doesn’t exist.
“We expect this year’s National to be even bigger than last year. Cleveland [in 2024] was a remarkable success for all involved and we feel the industry has continued to grow over the last 12 months,” said Michael Provenzale of Heritage Auctions. “We expect the show to set a new attendance record this year and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
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Both the 2023 and 2024 NSCC events—in Chicago and Cleveland, respectively—drew more than 100,000 collectors with record-setting sales, signatures and so much more.
“Chicago is an amazing sports city and some of our industry’s biggest collectors call it home,” Provenzale said. “It’s one reason Heritage has an office in the Windy City. The city is steeped in sports history and that translates directly into a robust culture for the hobby.
“We’ve had some amazing events in Chicago over the years and The National is always special when it’s in Chicago. We’re bringing some incredible items to display from the biggest names in Chicago sports history and can’t wait for the crowd to see it all.”
Heritage Auctions dominated headlines again last year, displaying Babe Ruth’s 1932 “Called Shot” jersey, which sold a few weeks later for a record $24 million. It displayed the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that sold for a card record $12.6 million at The National in Atlantic City in 2022.
“The National is always the high point of the year for us. We’re always excited for the opportunity to display the incredible pieces of history in our Summer Platinum Auction for all of The Hobby to see,” Provenzale said. “Each year we look forward to turning our booth in the center of the Donald E, Stephens Center into a museum. But we’re eager each year to interact face-to-face with our consignors and clients, our friends in the industry and to see how much The Hobby has grown.”
Tony Gordon attended his first National in 1983 in Chicago—and yes, he still has the program from that event. He has been setting up at The National since 2008.
“I am very excited that The National is returning to Chicago. While I enjoy traveling for The National, it is nice to have it in my backyard,” Gordon said. “My sales are best in Chicago, so I am hopeful that I will have another great show. My only concern is the air conditioning, as it was not working in 2023 and everybody suffered.
“I am a weekend warrior and set up at shows every weekend. During my prep for the weekly shows, I have been spending additional time pricing cards for The National. I should have a really nice inventory ready for the show.”
Gordon specializes in vintage cards and has a stash of T206 tobacco cards and 1930s Goudeys for sale at The National, along with some classic Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays and Ernie Banks cards, among others.
“With the addition of the second floor and more dealers [for the 2025 National], I expect this to be the biggest and best National. Regardless, the National is always awesome and always my best show of the year, every year.”
In addition to sales, Gordon knows he will buy a load of retro cards, such as last year when he purchased a stack of vintage Exhibit boxing cards “that I absolutely love,” he said.
Provenzale is attending his 20th National. His personal drive at The National is to find something unique to the show or the city that he has not previously seen. In 2023, for instance, he found a White Sox Spiderman bobblehead from the team’s Marvel Night.
“I went to that game but got there too late for the bobblehead so that was an exciting find,” he said. “This year I’m looking to go home with some original art. The number of artists who display at the show has really grown and there’s always some remarkable artwork available.”
DEALERS REUNION
Atlanta-based hobbyist Mike Stoner will be selling his wares at his 35th National.
“Chicago has always been a great market for sellers and shoppers. I expect nothing less this year,” Stoner said.
“My focus as a longtime dealer and longtime member of The National board of directors is sales. I will be working at [event] registration, helping vendors get their credentials and answering questions that arise. Then I will be working at the booth lottery, helping dealers have a smooth process for selecting booths for next year. In addition, I will be minding my booth during the show.
“I’ve got a pretty busy National, especially for an 81-year-old guy.”
Dick DeCourcy also is celebrating a milestone National—his 40th National.
“I am excited, as always,” said Uncle Dick, as he is known in The Hobby. “Chicago will be good. No other show besides The National brings the excitement, the reunion of longtime friends, the sharing, and so much more,” DeCourcy said.
Josh Katz has attended every National since 2012 and is ready to camp out in the TRISTAR Autograph Pavilion, looking to score signatures from 10,000-yard NFL rushers and members of MLB’s 3,000-hit club.
“I really like this location and venue,” said Katz, a Boston native. “The National seems to get bigger and better each year. I can only imagine the size [of the show floor in 2025].”
Paul Furfaro of PTF Sports is selling at his 42nd National, offering a variety of replica team gear, particularly jerseys. He’s ready for the flood gates to open.
“It should be a zoo,” he said. “Chicago is always strong and the autograph guest list is better than Cleveland, so I am expecting a big turnout.”
Lisa Stellato of Never Enough Cards and Evolution Sports Marketing will be at her 34th National, an annual family reunion, as she calls it, when collectors and dealers from around the world converge for the love of the game(s), plus Pokémon, and so much more.
“Chicago has always been a strong market. The 2023 National [in Chicago] spoke for itself,” Stellato said. “The industry has been strong and The National brings together so many unique products and people. There will be something there for everybody.
“We expect the Chicago market to be strong, once again. We anticipate a really strong show.”