eBay Enters Agreement to Acquire TCGplayer

In an announcement that could shake up the trading card industry, eBay announced on Monday that they’ve entered an agreement to acquire TCGplayer. The latter, which was recently named “one of the largest and fastest-growing marketplaces,” is a leading shop for card game players and collectors alike. While their marketplace currently covers cards used in collectible card games such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic the Gathering, and Pokémon to name a few, back in March they did announce that they would be expanding and would allow sports cards sometime this summer.

This is seen as eBay’s latest and biggest push into the industry. After the large boom of interest that came about during the beginning of the pandemic, eBay began to promote more ways to support trading card sellers. Their previous, and quite literal, huge investment was a 31,000-square-foot vault for trading cards valued at $750 and above. Before that, they added ungraded cards valued at the same price to their Authenticity Guarantee service. A pricing guide for trading cards was also added to eBay’s mobile app in 2021.

According to Chedy Hampson, the founder and CEO of TCGplayer, the acquisition will allow them to grow without losing their autonomy. “This new chapter allows us to continue operating independently within eBay, while also benefiting from their decades of industry experience and resources to deepen the connection between hobbyists and their communities,” said Hampson. Hampson went on to say, “With eBay’s support, we will advance our Purpose, and expand our tools and services to improve the collecting experience online and in your favorite local hobby store.”

The deal has been valued at $295 million and once it’s through the appropriate approvals and closing conditions, it’s expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. TCGplayer’s claim of retaining autonomy is a relief to some, but others are worried about what the effects will be with eBay planting such a dominant stake in the industry.