Strategic buyers have picked up on the opportunity for digital transformation in the trading card and collectible industry. This time collectibles have caught the interest of one of the biggest players in the game as eBay Inc. has stepped into the mix.

eBay has acquired TCGplayer, a trusted marketplace for collectible card game enthusiasts in a deal valued up to $295 million. TCGplayer offers a comprehensive e-commerce platform and strategic omnichannel capabilities including order fulfillment and cart optimization.

“By joining forces with TCGplayer, eBay has even more ways to connect brick-and-mortar hobbyists and sellers with passionate collectors around the world,” says Dawn Block, VP of collectibles at eBay. “Our two companies share similar values and a deep commitment to the collectibles community, and together we will continue delivering best-in-class experiences for our customers.”

As the collectible industry continues to gain steam and transition from local hobby shops with kids carrying cards in an old shoe box to a digitally integrated market, trusted strategic buyers with sizable market shares are showing continued interest. In September, Beckett Collectibles, a trusted authenticator in the collectible industry acquired Due Dilly, a digital authenticator.

eBay believes that the acquisition will similarly enhance the collecting experience. Sellers will be able to bring their physical capital online to create customizable web stores that can rapidly upload, sort and identify large catalogs of products.

Do you think strategic buyers will continue to bet on the reinvigorated collectible industry? Let me know your thoughts at [email protected].

Cole Lipsky