• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 16, 2025

Goldin Auctions Acquisition by eBay Sparks Showdown With Fanatics

  • The online giant acquires the prominent high-end sports memorabilia auction house.
  • As competitive pressures from Fanatics rise, eBay is now further fortified.
Ken Goldin
Courier-Post

The sports collectors’ arms race is heating up and is now solidifying into two primary marketplaces, setting up an increasingly high-stakes battle for control of the burgeoning space.

Online giant eBay announced Wednesday a deal to acquire Goldin Auctions, a major player in the high-end auction segment of the industry. In buying Goldin Auctions from Collectors, eBay can now take its own sports memorabilia business that does large volumes but at generally lower price points, and pair it with Goldin’s expertise in high-end auctions catering frequently to wealthy hobbyists. 

Sports Collectors’ Showdown

And, in so doing, eBay further fortifies itself against Fanatics, which has quickly amassed its own multifaceted collectibles business, including its ownership of venerable card company Topps and its purchase last year of PWCC Marketplace. Collectors, co-owned by Mets owner Steve Cohen, will remain focused on its own grading business and will also acquire eBay vault operation as part of the Goldin Auctions transaction.

“The deals announced today further our mission of reinventing the future of e-commerce for enthusiasts,” said Jamie Iannone, eBay CEO. 

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is slated to close by the end of June. Sports memorabilia collecting experienced a historic boom in interest during the COVID-19 pandemic, and new records continue to be set, particularly for unique items sparking widespread fan interest.

Goldin Auctions will continue to be run by its founder, Ken Goldin (above), who has become a prominent figure in the industry in recent years, in part through his Netflix reality series, King of Collectibles: Goldin Touch

“This deal will enhance and expand our reach as we continue to do what we do best—source incredible collectors’ items—and connect with millions of enthusiasts around the world,” Goldin said. 

Shareholders in eBay showed some slight enthusiasm for the deal, sending company shares up by 0.6% in early trading Wednesday. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.

Two of the Mets’ Biggest Stars Could Dictate Important Offseason

The Mets missed the playoffs despite having one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
Sep 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs to first base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The $339 Million Mets Are in Jeopardy of Missing the Playoffs

The Mets’ wild-card lead is 1.5 games with 15 remaining in the regular season.

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Louisville’s Miller Moss and several of his teammates stopped by Olympus Gaming Lounge to play EA Sports College Football 26 with fans for a meet and greet. July 11, 2025

Saudis, Silver Lake, Jared Kushner Take EA Private in $55B Deal

Electronic Arts makes “Madden,” “EA Sports College Football,” and more.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.