National Sports Collectors Convention Draws 150,000 Attendees in Chicago

The 2025 National Sports Collectors Convention (The National) held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, showcased a vast array of sports memorabilia and collectibles, attracting an estimated 150,000 attendees and featuring appearances by notable sports figures including Cubs players and Tom Brady. The event highlighted a strong and healthy hobby market with significant interest from both seasoned collectors and a younger demographic, contributing to its continued vitality. Attendees found a wide variety of items beyond traditional sports cards, including vintage pennants, rare boxing memorabilia, and unique hockey collectibles, emphasizing the diversity of the convention's offerings. Dealers praised the event's scale and energy, noting it as one of the largest and most successful in decades, with robust sales and vibrant buyer-seller interactions. The convention also featured memorable moments such as the iconic Steve Bartman booth location, which holds special significance in Chicago sports culture. Overall, The National serves as both a marketplace and a sports museum-like experience, drawing collectors from across the country and inspiring new interest in the hobby.