Winter 2026 is shaping up to be red-hot for sports card collectors. Even if the snow is falling outside, there will be plenty of boxes to rip! At MC Cards, we’re watching several major releases, mainly in hockey but also in baseball. Here are the products to keep an eye on and plan into your budget for January–March 2026. --- 1. 2025-26 Upper Deck Allure – chrome to kick off the year The first big hockey release of the year will be 2025-26 Upper Deck Allure, expected around J

The 2025–26 season looks packed for collectors: from entry-level sets for the joy of ripping packs to hit-driven products and rookie hunts, there’s plenty to build (or reboot) a great collection. Here’s a tour of the key lines to watch, plus a few tips by budget and collecting style. MVP: the accessible season opener As every year, MVP kicks things off. The 2025–26 checklist brings 200 base cards and 50 SP/Rookies, plus playful new inserts (Mascot Battle, Net Presence, etc.)

In the world of trading cards, not all cards are created equal — and they don’t all share the same thickness either. From thin base cards to premium patch and autograph cards, the thickness of a sports card plays a major role in its protection, storage, and value. Understanding these differences is essential for any collector, whether you’re just starting out or managing a high-end collection. 1. Standard cards: 20 to 35 points (pt) The most common cards, known as base cards,

The 2025 MLB playoffs are shaping up to be thrilling, with powerhouse teams and elite players ready to make their mark. As every October reminds us, the postseason is when good players become legends. Here are the top names to keep an eye on during this year’s playoffs. 1. Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers It’s impossible to talk about baseball without mentioning Shohei Ohtani, the most complete player of his generation. Although limited on the mound this season, his offens

For any collector, knowing how to accurately evaluate the value of your sports cards is an essential skill. Whether you want to sell, trade, or simply know the worth of your collection, several key factors come into play. Card evaluation isn’t just about the player or rarity — it’s a combination of condition, popularity, scarcity, grading, and current market trends. Here’s how to do it right. 1. Identify the card accurately The first step is to properly identify your card. Ta

In the world of sports card collecting, grading  plays a crucial role. It helps determine a card’s condition, protects it, and — most importantly — establishes its market value . The leading grading companies — PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) , BGS (Beckett Grading Services) , and KSA (KSA Certification)  — use similar methods, but each has its own unique approach. 1️⃣ Step One: Verification and Authentication Before evaluating the physical condition, each card must b

Every fall, the release of Upper Deck Series 1  marks one of the most exciting moments for hockey card collectors. The 2025-26 edition  is shaping up to be a landmark in the hobby, largely because of the highly anticipated debut of the Ivan Demidov Young Guns  rookie card. A Generational Talent Selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft , Russian winger Ivan Demidov  has already captured the attention of scouts and fans alike. With elite skating, vision, and offensive

The wait is almost over: Upper Deck 2025-26 Series 1 Hockey  is scheduled to launch on October 15, 2025  (subject to change). For collectors, this is the release that officially kicks off the hockey card season — the flagship product that introduces the first Young Guns rookies  of the year and sets the tone for the months ahead. ✨ Configuration and Key Details Upper Deck stays true to its winning formula but brings a few exciting updates for 2025-26. Each Hobby box  includes

KSA, PSA and BGS: Three grading philosophies When it comes to sports card grading, collectors often debate between KSA , PSA , and BGS . KSA  is the trusted Canadian option — reliable, fast, and affordable. It appeals especially to collectors in Canada who appreciate its local presence and consistent grading standards. While not as globally recognized as PSA, KSA’s transparency and customer service make it a solid choice. PSA  remains the global leader. A PSA 10 Gem Mint  car