What's Happening?
Candace Parker is collaborating with Score More Sports to establish a new sports card store in Charlotte's University City neighborhood. The store is scheduled to open to the public on November 14, 2026, and will feature a grand opening event, including
a meet-and-greet with Parker from noon to 2 p.m. This new location will be Score More Sports' first in Charlotte and its fourth overall, with existing shops in Winston-Salem, Salisbury, and Greensboro. The University City store is anticipated to offer the largest selection among all Score More Sports locations, stocking cards across various sports such as NBA, NFL, MLB, soccer, WNBA, and Pokémon. Dedicated sections will be available for local teams like the Hornets and Panthers, alongside a significant collection of WNBA cards, reflecting the growing interest in women's basketball collectibles. Wesley Hsu is a co-owner of the new University City store.
Why It's Important?
This partnership signifies a notable expansion in the sports trading card market, particularly within the growing segment of women's sports collectibles. The market for sports trading cards was valued at $13.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $24.7 billion by 2033, with North America holding the largest regional share. The inclusion of a large selection of WNBA cards directly addresses a surge in demand, as evidenced by a 62% increase in graded WNBA cards between May 2024 and March 2025, including over 105,000 Caitlin Clark cards graded in one offseason. This trend highlights a shift in collector interest and investment, with a one-of-one autographed Caitlin Clark rookie card selling for a record $366,000. The store's focus on physical cards and in-person sales aligns with market data indicating that offline channels accounted for 58.8% of market revenue in 2025, and physical cards made up 66.1% of sales. This venture could further solidify Charlotte's position as a hub for sports memorabilia and cater to a diverse range of collectors.
What's Next?
The grand opening on November 14, 2026, will mark the official launch of the Score More Sports store in University City, with Candace Parker's presence expected to draw significant attention and collectors. Following the opening, the store plans to host trading nights, community gatherings, and special athlete appearances, aiming to foster a vibrant local collecting community. These events are also intended to celebrate and support women in the hobby, further capitalizing on the momentum in women's basketball card collecting. Panini, the official licensee for WNBA cards, has already expanded its WNBA lineup from three to four traditional sets, indicating continued growth and product availability in this sector. The success of this Charlotte location could influence future expansion strategies for Score More Sports and other retailers in the sports memorabilia market, particularly in urban areas with strong sports fan bases.
Beyond the Headlines
The opening of this sports card store, with its emphasis on WNBA collectibles, reflects a broader cultural shift in the recognition and commercial value of women's sports. The record-breaking sales of WNBA cards and the exponential growth in product sales indicate that women athletes are increasingly seen as valuable assets in the collectibles market, moving beyond traditional male-dominated sports. This development has implications for gender equity in sports, potentially leading to increased investment, visibility, and fan engagement for women's leagues. The store's commitment to supporting women in the hobby also suggests a conscious effort to cultivate a more inclusive collecting environment. Furthermore, the continued dominance of physical cards and offline sales in the digital age highlights the enduring appeal of tangible collectibles and community-based retail experiences, offering a counter-narrative to the pervasive trend of online commerce.
