• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Tune in Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Stadium Sophistication. Register now

Sports Collectibles are the New Alternative Assets

Design: Alex Brooks

The alternative asset space has experienced accelerated growth over the last 24 months. Platforms that promote investing across a variety of verticals ranging from NFTs and culture to farmland have seen increased funding and transaction volume. This week’s Heat Check breaks down the growing trend of alternative asset investing and fractionalized ownership.

The Heat Check provides context on the various verticals which have arisen out of the “financialization of everything” movement. In this context, marketplaces have been established to facilitate the trading of assets that previously would have been inaccessible to mainstream consumers. One of the largest verticals that has emerged is the culture vertical. Culture asset platforms have seen strong traction and adoption, with the most recent example being StockX announcing its plan to IPO sometime early this year.

Other platforms in the space have also seen considerable volume and adoption:

  • GOAT
  • Royalty Exchange
  • StarStock
  • Alt
  • Rally
  • Collectable

So why does the alternative asset space matter? According to reports from BlackRock and JP Morgan, institutional investors poured $1.1 trillion in new money into alternative assets in 2021 with total alternative assets under management above $9 trillion. Traditionally, this represented investments in private equity, real estate, and hedge funds by large institutional investors. Recently consumers have looked to get in on the alternatives game and their preferred asset classes are wide ranging.

NFTs and trading cards have been two of the more popular investing vehicles for consumers over the past two years. NFT volume trading reached $13.1 billion and the domestic trading card market is anticipated to reach $61 million by 2027.

Check out the full report here.

ICYMI: Last week, we published a new Heat Check on investor predictions for 2022. You can access that report and our entire catalog of research at Insights HQ.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first quarter against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena.

Excel Sports Valued at Nearly $1B in Sale to Goldman Sachs

The talent agency represents Caitlin Clark, Derek Jeter, and more.
Tiger Woods htis a bunker shot on the 3rd green during a practice round in the PGA Championship at the Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, Ky. on May. 14, 2024.
exclusive

White House Adviser: Tiger Woods Is Part of D.C. Public Golf Project

The National Links Trust is renovating three city courses.
Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; The Golden Cockerel at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during an NFL International Series game.

Tottenham Insists It’s Not for Sale As Buyers Circle

“Everyone knows damn well they’re for sale,” one source tells FOS.
Angel Reese
exclusive

Why Do So Few Teams Want to Host the WNBA All-Star Game?

Only one team bid for next year’s game despite the league’s success.

Featured Today

TUCSON, ARIZ. -- Resurfacing and painting of the new floor at McKale Center.

The Business of College Basketball’s Signature Courts

Signature floors are a creative—and increasingly expensive—corner of college sports.
Aug 6, 2025; Sandy, UT, USA; Queretaro defender Edson Partida (22) watches the ball during the second half of the game against Real Salt Lake at America First Field
November 8, 2025

Mexican Soccer Is the Next Frontier for American Investors

Liga MX is an appealing proposition with big potential upside.
G League
November 6, 2025

Is College Basketball About to Raid the G League?

Two G Leaguers have gone back to college. More could follow.
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium
November 1, 2025

College Football’s Coach Buyout Bonanza: All Your Questions Answered

Schools owe their fired coaches millions in buyouts—and it isn’t over.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
August 19, 2025

Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences

Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.
September 3, 2025

Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever

Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

On Location is redefining the Olympic experience by creating lasting connections beyond the Games.
August 11, 2025

NBA Christmas Schedule Leans on LeBron, Steph While Betting on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.
August 10, 2025

Bears CEO: Arlington Heights Only Local Location for New Stadium

The Bears currently play in Soldier Field in downtown Chicago.
August 8, 2025

Three Schools Sue Mountain West, Commish Over Withheld Funds

Boise State, Colorado State, and Utah State intensified the court battle.
Courtesy: Harlem Globetrotters
July 25, 2025

The Harlem Globetrotters Have Changed Hands Repeatedly, but Keep Making Money

The team is gearing up for its 100th season.