The NTCA Network

How it comes together

Built in phases

The organization is being built in phases. Each avenue is introduced as leadership, membership and programs take shape.

Avenue 01

National Trading Card Association

The National Trading Card Association is the umbrella organization created to unite, support and advance every part of the trading card community. We bring together collectors, hobby shops, dealers, manufacturers, grading and authentication services, distributors, auction companies, content creators, event organizers and other industry partners through a shared commitment to the hobby's long-term success.

Trading cards are more than collectibles. They preserve history, celebrate achievement, connect generations and create communities around sports, entertainment, gaming and popular culture. As the industry continues to grow, the National Trading Card Association will provide a national platform for cooperation, education, ethical practices, advocacy and innovation.

A network of specialized initiatives

• National Trading Card Hall of Fame — Honoring the individuals, organizations, brands, innovations and historic moments that have shaped the trading card community.
• National Trading Card Convention — Bringing collectors, businesses, creators and industry leaders together for education, networking, exhibits, recognition and the celebration of the hobby.
• National Trading Card Foundation — Supporting education, youth engagement, charitable programs and the preservation of trading card history.
• Advocacy Network — Giving the trading card community a more informed and coordinated voice on public policies and issues that may affect collectors and businesses.
• Standards, Trust and Accreditation — Encouraging transparency, authenticity, consumer confidence and responsible practices throughout the marketplace.
• Education and Collector Development — Providing useful information, tools and learning opportunities for collectors at every level of experience.
• International Collaboration — Building relationships with collectors, organizations and industry partners around the world.

We believe the future of the hobby should be shaped by the people who participate in it. Opportunities to serve on committees and advisory groups will be announced as each phase is developed.

Avenue 02

National Trading Card Foundation

The National Trading Card Foundation is the charitable and educational arm of the National Trading Card Association. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation is dedicated to preserving the history of trading cards, expanding educational opportunities, engaging young collectors and using the hobby to make a positive difference in communities.

• Youth Engagement — Introducing young people to responsible collecting through educational programs, starter collections, community events and mentorship.
• Education and Financial Literacy — Using trading cards to teach history, research, organization, budgeting, entrepreneurship and informed decision-making.
• Historical Preservation — Protecting the stories, artifacts and records that document the development of sports, entertainment and trading card culture.
• Community Outreach — Bringing the enjoyment of collecting to schools, libraries, hospitals, youth organizations and underserved communities.
• Scholarships and Grants — Supporting education, research, preservation and community-based programs connected to the hobby.
• Charitable Partnerships — Working with nonprofit organizations, collectors and industry participants through donated cards, fundraising and special events.

Avenue 03

National Trading Card Convention

The National Trading Card Convention will be the association's premier annual gathering, bringing together collectors, businesses, industry leaders, educators, creators and organizations from across the trading card community.

Unlike a traditional trading card show centered primarily on buying, selling and trading, the convention will serve as a comprehensive showcase of the people, organizations, innovations and trends shaping the hobby.

The convention is intended to coincide with the annual National Trading Card Hall of Fame induction, an industry awards ceremony and a formal banquet. Opportunities will be available both in person and online.

Convention and event details

Avenue 04

National Trading Card Hall of Fame

The National Trading Card Hall of Fame honors the individuals, organizations, brands, innovations and historic moments that have shaped the trading card community. It is recognized each year through a Hall of Fame induction and an industry awards ceremony.

Avenue 05

National Trading Card Advocacy Network

The National Trading Card Advocacy Network will represent the interests of collectors, hobby shops, dealers, manufacturers, grading and authentication companies, distributors, auction houses, content creators, event organizers and other partners throughout the trading card community.

• National Lobby Days — Organized advocacy days in Washington, D.C.
• Nationwide Legislative Monitoring — Tracking federal and state proposals that could affect the hobby.
• Partner Advocacy — Representing members and partners while helping them understand emerging public-policy issues.
• Education and Awareness — Providing lawmakers with accurate information about the economic, cultural and community impact of trading cards.

Avenue 06

International Trading Card Association

The International Trading Card Association will be a sister organization of the National Trading Card Association, sharing a similar mission while serving collectors, businesses and industry partners on an international stage. Trading cards cross borders, languages and cultures. The two organizations will remain distinct but closely connected.