Hobby Musings: 2024’s Impact on WNBA Cards – This year’s WNBA class was highly anticipated from a trading card perspective thanks to a loaded rookie class headlined by Caitlin Clark. Panini recently released its offerings for this year’s WNBA season. To find out more about what else is planned for this season and beyond, I had the chance to catch up with Director of Product Development Lucas Kinser.
KS: Lucas, after much anticipation, some of Panini’s WNBA products featuring a much-heralded WNBA rookie class led by Caitlin Clark, have hit the market. In the time they’ve been out, what has dealer and collector reception been to them?
LK: Nothing short of spectacular. The excitement for WNBA products is at a high that the league hasn’t experienced since its debut. I’ve heard from numerous collectors and sellers who are very satisfied with the products, and sellers who cannot keep the product stocked on their shelves. Sales have been exceptionally strong. The sell-throughs at hobby shops are very quick, and breakers are opening WNBA at a higher clip than ever before. And the secondary market value of the top hits have never been higher.
KS: The products only came out recently. What has the reason behind the delay to get them to market?
LK: It’s a combination of a lot of factors, ranging from production to getting the autos back in house for the programs. But we’re making a commitment to getting the programs out in a timelier manner in 2025. At least one during the regular season is my goal.
KS: Do you feel like this will end up being the most monumental year ever for WNBA cards?
LK: In my opinion this is to the WNBA what 2018-19 was to the NBA market. A landmark year with a once-in-a-generation rookie, as well as a deep overall rookie class.
KS: When it comes to Caitlin Clark, has there ever been a WNBA player you’ve seen who compares to her when it comes to trading card demand and popularity?
LK: Honestly, there hasn’t been a player in the basketball space in general to see this kind of hype for their licensed autographs since at least Zion. Her unnumbered autos in Select and Origins are well over $1,000 a piece, and I expect her Select base parallels to set records as well.
KS: Aside from Caitlin Clark, who were the other top rookies collectors were chasing this season?
LK: There’s been a number of rookies that have sold very well. Cameron Brink missed most of the year with an injury but still holds as a top seller. Plus, Angel Reese has made a lot of headlines and has been collected strongly. Rickea Jackson and Kamilla Cardoso also sell very well. Even some lesser-known rookies like Nika Muhl and Kate Martin have been selling very strongly. Overall, it’s the deepest class from a hobby perspective that I’ve seen since we got the license in 2019.
KS: What about the veteran players? Who are currently the top players collectors are chasing there?
LK: Sue Bird, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart are still selling very well for the autos and parallels. Plus, some of the young talent like Aliyah Boston, Jackie Young, and others are performing well both on the court and in secondary market sales. Plus, other players that are just in the program for base/inserts/parallels like Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper.
KS: What does Panini have for upcoming WNBA products?
LK: Our last pack program for 2024 will be Prizm. Expect a crazy buzz around that release like we’ve never seen. Plus, there’s one direct to consumer idea that we’re working on, but that’s still a work in progress. But I think when that gets announced, collectors will be very excited!
KS: I know it’s still early to think about next season’s products, but how do you endeavor to top this year?
LK: We have a lineup of releases planned that will make some waves for sure. We will definitely have on-card autos in 2025 for WNBA, and we will have at least one new program added to the calendar.
KS: Paige Bueckers is the presumed top pick for next year’s WNBA draft. Aside from her, who are some other top players collectors should be keeping an eye on?
LK: While Paige is definitely the top rookie from a hobby perspective coming out, the class is deep as well with young stars like Kiki Iriafen out of USC, Rori Harmon out of Texas and Aneesah Morrow out of LSU. Plus, if Azzi Fudd comes out a year early from UConn she will be very desirable to WNBA teams.
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Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on collecting in Hobby Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
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