PSA is rarely discussed like one of the most important infrastructure businesses in collectibles.
But much of the market depends on the number printed on its label.
A raw card has no universally accepted condition or value. PSA authenticates it, grades it, records it and seals it inside a holder recognised by buyers, sellers, insurers, auction houses and marketplaces around the world.
This process can turn a piece of cardboard into a liquid, comparable asset.
In June 2026, PSA graded a record 2.5 million cards. Yet demand was so high that it still had to stop accepting submissions through its 4 most popular grading tiers as the backlog climbed towards 14 million cards.
And PSA is only one part of the system.
Its parent company, Collectors, owns PSA, SGC, Beckett, PCGS, Card Ladder and the PSA Vault. Together, these businesses cover authentication, grading, pricing data, market records, storage and custody.
The company is building much of the infrastructure through which cards and other collectibles are authenticated, valued, stored and traded.
Sports cards built PSA, but Pokémon and other trading card games now drive most of its volume.
365247 breaks down one of the most overlooked businesses in sport and collectibles…..