14 Modern Sports Cards Destined to Become Classics

Some modern sports cards are already turning heads among collectors. These cards may be new, but they carry strong potential to hold value for years. Player performance, rarity, and brand all play a role in why some cards stand out. Now is a good time to take a closer look at what is gaining attention. Whether you collect casually or with long-term interest, it helps to know what holds promise. Keep reading to find out which cards are worth watching now.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

2024 Panini Prizm WNBA Signatures Gold Vinyl Prizm – Caitlin Clark

This card was released in 2024 and features an early autograph with a rare gold vinyl Prizm design. It shattered records when one sold for $366,000 in March 2025. The blend of high performance by Clark, low population numbering, and impactful rookie season gives it strong potential to be a future classic. Experts speculate it could reach $500,000 or more as the profile of women’s basketball continues to rise.

It is one of the first major collectible cards for the modern WNBA era. The bold design and autograph make it desirable now and likely to appreciate. Fans of women’s sports are watching her rise, so demand may increase further. It stands out among recent releases for its rarity and cultural significance.

2023-24 Panini Prizm Nebula Choice Prizm No. 136 – Victor Wembanyama Rookie

Released in 2023-24, this Nebula Choice parallel of Wembanyama’s rookie has attracted major attention. A copy graded Mint 9 sold for $860,100 in early 2025. His generational talent and global hype make this card a top pick for long-term value. Assuming his career continues upward, the value could reach $1.2 million or more in the future.

This Prizm parallel is both scarce and visually stunning. Wembanyama’s impact on basketball at such a young age gives collectors confidence. Grading quality drives big premiums here. Condition and rarity will likely keep pushing prices upward among dedicated fans and investors.

2021-22 Panini Prizm NBA Red Rookie – Evan Mobley

This rookie Prizm parallel was released in the 2021-22 NBA season. Ungraded copies trade around $270 in early 2025, though higher-grade examples cost more. Collectors view Mobley as a rising star whose athleticism may drive interest. If he delivers an all‑star career, this card could be worth $800 to $1,000 in the future.

It is part of the popular Prizm line that remains a favorite among collectors. The red parallel stands out visually and tends to command more attention. Mobley’s rookie debut made a strong impression via stats and presence on court. The card is priced accessibly now with noticeable upside in coming years.

2018 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Auto – Josh Allen

Released in 2018, this rookie patch autograph of Josh Allen features a premium jersey piece and signature. High-grade copies currently range from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on the patch and condition. Allen’s consistent performance and leadership in Buffalo add strong collector demand. If he wins a championship, this card could climb past $100,000.

The National Treasures line is widely respected for combining rarity and visual appeal. Allen’s rise as one of the league’s top quarterbacks helps cement this card’s status. With only a limited number in circulation, it remains a long-term hold for many investors. It represents one of the key modern football rookies to track.

2022 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autograph – Elly De La Cruz

Bowman Chrome released this first autograph card of Elly De La Cruz in 2022. Current raw copies sell between $800 and $1,200, while graded versions fetch more depending on the grade. The mix of elite speed, power, and charisma makes him one of MLB’s most exciting young players. If he becomes a consistent All-Star, values could rise to $3,000 or more.

This card marks his first official entry into the baseball card market. The clean autograph and chrome shine appeal to modern collectors. Short print parallels and refractors continue to grow in value. It is a strong candidate for a breakout classic as De La Cruz builds his career.

2020 Panini Select Field Level Silver – Justin Jefferson Rookie

This card debuted in the 2020 NFL season and quickly gained popularity. Current sales for PSA 10 versions hover around $250 to $350. With Jefferson breaking records and becoming a top wide receiver, demand for this card continues to rise. A future MVP season or Super Bowl appearance could lift prices near $800.

Select Field Level cards are less common and hold premium interest compared to base rookies. The silver finish adds shine that stands out in display collections. Jefferson’s highlight plays and consistent production keep him in the spotlight. The card remains affordable now but may not stay that way.

2019 Panini Prizm Rookie – Ja Morant Silver Parallel

Released in 2019, this silver parallel is among the most sought-after Ja Morant rookie cards. PSA 10 copies sell between $800 and $1,200 depending on market shifts. If he returns strong and stays consistent, values may climb toward $2,000.

Prizm rookies are a go-to option for basketball collectors. The silver version adds visual impact and holds greater value than base. Ja’s highlight reels and big-game moments keep this card relevant. Many collectors see it as a possible rebound star in the hobby.

2023 Bowman Chrome University Autograph – Caleb Williams

This card was part of the 2023 Bowman Chrome University set and features an early autograph of Caleb Williams. Current values range from $300 to $700 based on grade and parallel. As a top quarterback prospect entering the NFL, his cards are gaining strong interest. If he starts his pro career with success, this card could reach $1,500 or higher.

The University set offers fans a chance to own cards before the official pro rookie season. The clean design and certified autograph make it a standout. Williams’ college performance already built a strong following. His early cards may become staples if he lives up to expectations.

2021 Donruss Rated Rookie – Anthony Edwards Holo Laser Parallel

This card from the 2021 Donruss line features a bright laser holo finish and Edwards’ rookie year photo. Current market prices for PSA 10 versions sit between $250 and $450. Edwards has become one of the most exciting young scorers in the NBA. If he becomes an All-NBA regular, this card may reach $900 or more.

The Rated Rookie line is a classic design with wide appeal. The holo laser adds visual impact and scarcity. Edwards’ highlight plays keep his cards in constant demand. This card has strong potential to become a modern basketball staple.

2018 Panini Select Rookie – Luka Doncic Concourse Silver

This 2018 release shows Luka in his early Mavericks uniform with a silver Select finish. PSA 10 copies trade between $1,200 and $1,800, depending on market trends. His all-around skillset and global appeal keep his cards in high demand. If Luka wins a title, prices could hit $3,000 or higher.

Select rookies often follow behind Prizm in price but can catch up with performance. The concourse silver is attractive and still limited. Luka’s international following adds extra value to any card he is featured on. It is widely held as one of his best rookie parallels outside of Prizm.

2022 Panini Origins Rookie Autograph – Kenny Pickett

This card came out in 2022 and features a hard-signed autograph with Origins’ unique design. Current values range from $250 to $400 depending on print run and condition. As Pittsburgh’s young quarterback, Pickett holds solid collector interest. A breakout season could push this card closer to $800.

The Origins line combines bold colors with clean signatures. This particular card offers eye-catching detail and on-card ink. Fans of the Steelers see long-term value in his early cards. It remains an affordable option with strong growth potential.

2020 Panini Mosaic NFL Debut – Justin Herbert Silver Mosaic

This Mosaic silver version of Herbert’s NFL debut card came out in 2020. Graded versions in mint condition sell around $400 to $600. Herbert’s strong arm and solid stats keep him in the conversation as a franchise quarterback. If he brings playoff success, prices could jump above $1,000.

Mosaic offers vibrant designs with a different feel from Prizm and Select. The NFL Debut label makes it a unique rookie year piece. Herbert’s steady growth adds trust for long-term collectors. It remains a widely watched card in modern football sets.

2022 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto – Chris Olave

This on-card autograph card from the Contenders set features Chris Olave’s rookie year. Current raw versions sell for $150 to $250, with graded copies commanding more. He showed strong chemistry in New Orleans and gained attention as a reliable receiver. Continued growth could move values up to $600.

The Rookie Ticket Auto is one of the most recognizable football inserts. It features a clean layout and a hard signature. Olave’s steady improvement adds appeal. This card offers a good balance of affordability and upside.

2021 Panini Prizm UFC Rookie – Khamzat Chimaev Silver

This card debuted in 2021 as part of the UFC’s growing Prizm set. PSA 10 silver parallels of Chimaev’s rookie card sell around $300 to $500. With his undefeated record and rising fan base, interest keeps growing. A major title win could push this card to $900 or beyond.

The silver Prizm is one of the most recognized parallels in modern sets. UFC fans are paying more attention to rookie cards in general. Chimaev’s intensity and dominance make this card stand out. It is a strong pick in the expanding combat sports market.

The market for modern cards is changing fast, with key names already gaining traction. It helps to stay informed and act while prices are still within reach. Building a smart collection today can lead to exciting returns down the line.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.