National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago draws thousands of fans

The 46th National Sports Collectors Convention convened at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, attracting thousands of collectors, dealers, athletes and media members. Organizers describe the event as the world’s largest gathering of sports memorabilia enthusiasts, with more than 100,000 visitors reported at the previous edition.

Heritage Auctions previewed its Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction during the show, displaying high‑profile items such as the 1986 FIFA World Cup ball used by Diego Maradona (estimated at $10 million) and a range of Michael Jordan memorabilia, including rare rookie cards and a 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series ring. The convention also highlighted a surge in soccer card offerings after the 2026 World Cup, featuring legends like Pelé and rising stars such as Shohei Ohtani, whose coveted card sparked a $10 million bounty search among attendees.