What happens when a new generation of collectors, entrepreneurs, and operators begins shaping the future of the hobby?

On this episode of Passion to Profession, Brett sits down with Michael Osacky to explore the changing dynamics inside sports cards.

From social influence and FOMO to trust, reputation, buyer premiums, startups, and manufactured scarcity, this conversation looks at the forces shaping the hobby in 2026 and beyond.

Michael shares stories from decades in the industry and explains why understanding cards and understanding the card market are two different things.

They also discuss:

Why reputation still matters most
How speed and access are changing collector behavior
The dangers of following hype accounts
What newer collectors need to understand about risk
Why patience is becoming rare in the hobby
The future of grading, marketplaces, and trust

This episode is for collectors trying to think long term in a hobby moving faster than ever.

A special thank you to eBay for sponsoring Passion to Profession. The biggest and best marketplace to buy your next favorite trading card.

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