The Incredible Rise Of Pickleball Inevitably Leads To Cards: A Review Of 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition

While pickleball is relatively young compared to more established sports, it’s not exactly new.

Pickleball was created fifty-eight years ago but remained largely under the radar. However, it gained popularity during the pandemic by allowing players to compete while remaining socially distant. It has undergone a resurgence post-pandemic.

According to a report by the Association of Pickleball Professionals, more than 36.5 million people played pickleball last year alone. Despite its slow start, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America.

As a testament to such impressive growth, pickleball got its first set of trading cards a few weeks ago. This is a big deal because it shows how far the sport has come and how much it’s being appreciated.

This post will discuss the inaugural pickleball trading card set. It will look at their design, shed light on the players showcased, and discuss the rarity. It’ll also discuss the collectability of these cards and their investment potential for collectors looking at this set.

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

The emergence and growing popularity of pickleball

Pickleball was invented on a shabby badminton court in Bainbridge Island, Washington, in the summer of 1965. Joel Pritchard, a Washington State Congressman, and renowned businessman Bill Bell are credited for inventing pickleball.

Barney McCallum, a friend, is credited in part for helping develop the rules. When interviewed about how pickleball was created, McCallum replied,

“It was strictly for our own pleasure.”

Over time, pickleball transitioned from a casual backyard activity to a structured sport with defined rules and regulations. Today, pickleball has witnessed a remarkable journey from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

Its growing popularity is a testament to the sport’s inherent appeal, accessibility, and the passionate community that has embraced it.

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

In the past decade, pickleball’s popularity has surged exponentially.

Several factors have contributed to the remarkable rise of pickleball.

• Accessibility: Pickleball is known for how easy it is to learn. This makes it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. The court is smaller than a tennis court, and the rules are less complex, allowing beginners to grasp the basics quickly.
• Media coverage: The sport has gained increased media attention, with television broadcasts, online streams, and social media platforms showcasing pickleball tournaments and events.
• Low impact: The sport is gentle on the body, making it suitable for older adults and those with physical limitations. It’s known for its low-impact nature, which reduces the risk of injuries.
• Celebrities and athletes: Notable athletes and celebrities have embraced pickleball, further raising its profile.
• Adaptability: Pickleball can be played indoors and outdoors. This means it isn’t limited by season or weather conditions. It’s a sport for all seasons.
• Global expansion: Pickleball’s influence has extended beyond the United States, with countries worldwide adopting the sport. International pickleball federations and associations have formed, contributing to its global appeal.

Shop for 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier cards on eBay

The Leaf Premier Pickleball trading card set

Leaf announced their first-ever pickleball trading card set several months ago. The 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition highlights all the top players in the game.

This is big news for the sport, as while Leaf has previously released various pickleball products, these were single cards. However, this release marks a significant milestone as Pickleball’s first full-fledged trading card set.

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

“We are thrilled to introduce the first-ever pickleball trading card product to collectors and fans alike. Pickleball has captured the attention of a diverse audience, and we believe that featuring Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters in our trading card collection will not only excite collectors but also contribute to the continued growth of the sport.”

According to Leaf Trading Cards CEO Brain Gray,

Unlike previous Leaf’s pickleball trading card offerings, this comprehensive set offers collectors a more immersive experience in pickleball.

It embodies all the attributes of the average trading card set with rookie cards, numbered foil parallels, and rare autograph cards. CJ Breen, Leaf Director of marketing and Athlete Relations, had this to say concerning this new set,

“Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition set will encompass a comprehensive range of cards, including rare inserts and autographs, allowing collectors to cherish the essence of pickleball in a unique and meaningful way. The working collaboration with the top pickleball players in the world has been a truly remarkable experience and I’ve enjoyed every step of the way, creating meaningful relationships with each player and growing the sport of pickleball to the addressable collectible market.”

2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition release date

The premier Pickleball trading card set was scheduled for a September 2023 release. However, it experienced a slight delay and was released a month later, on October 13, 2023. The cards are already available for purchase and performing remarkably well (more on this later).

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition formats

Pickleball enthusiasts and collectors looking to collect these new trading cards have two options. This release comes in hobby and match point format.

Hobby box

• 5 cards per pack
• 1 pack per box
• 12 boxes per case
• Each hobby box contains one (1) Autograph and one (1) Parallel card.
• A hobby box resells for $89.95

Match Point box

• 5 cards per pack
• 1 pack per box
• Each match point box contains one (1) Green Holo Autograph and one (1) Green Holo Parallel card.
• A match point box resells for $124

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition Checklist overview

The base set consists of 41 cards showcasing the biggest names and best players from the pickleball sport. These cards represent the first time most of these names get their trading card experience.

However, this isn’t true for everyone, as Leaf has already released a handful of single pickleball cards.

Shop for 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier cards on eBay

A few of the biggest Pickleball names on offer in this set that will elate fans include Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Drew Brees.

There’s also a variety of rookie cards, numbered foil parallel cards, and autograph cards. Each box comes with one base foil color parallel numbered to 30 or less plus one autograph card numbered to 30 or less.

Base Silver Foil Set checklist

39 cards. No card listed is for #31 and #33.

Parallels

• Gold #/30
• Red #/25
• Blue #/20
• Green #/15
• Holo Green #/11
• Holo Silver #/10
• Holo Gold #/5
• Holo Platinum #/3
• Holo Black 1/1

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

1 Anna Leigh Waters
2 Catherine Parenteau
3 Drew Brees
4 AJ Koller XRC
5 Alex Neumann XRC
6 Alix Truong XRC
7 Allyce Jones XRC
8 Andrei Daescu XRC
9 Anna Bright XRC
10 Ben Johns XRC
11 Brendon Long XRC
12 Callie Jo Smith XRC
13 Collin Johns XRC
14 Connor Garnett XRC
15 Dave Fleming XRC
16 Dylan Frazier XRC
17 Federico Staksrud XRC
18 Hannah Johns XRC
19 Hayden Patriquin XRC
20 Hunter Johnson XRC
21 Irina Tereschenko XRC
22 James Ignatowich XRC
23 Jessie Irvine XRC
24 Jill Braverman XRC
25 Jorja Johnson XRC
26 Julian Arnold XRC
27 JW Johnson XRC
28 Kamryn Blackwood XRC
29 Lea Jansen XRC
30 Leigh Waters XRC
32 Matt Wright XRC
34 Parris Todd XRC
35 Rachel Rettger XRC
36 Riley Newman XRC
37 Ryan Sherry XRC
38 Travis Rettenmaier XRC
39 Tyson McGuffin XRC
40 Yates Johnson XRC
41 Zane Navratil XRC

2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition Autographs

Unlike most releases, the inaugural Pickleball trading card set doesn’t hold back on its autograph. Almost every player featured in the base checklist can also be found among the autos. Look for the extremely rare King and Queen of Pickleball Autographs featuring Ben Johns and Anna Leigh!

The Base Autographs checklist has 40 names, with autographs falling at one per hobby box. Buyers are assured ample value in each box.

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

Base Autographs Set checklist

40 cards. Serial numbered #/30 or less.

Parallels:

• Gold #/30
• Red #/25
• Blue #/20
• Green #/15
• Holo Green #/11
• Holo Silver #/10
• Holo Gold #/5
• Holo Platinum #/3
• Holo Black 1/1.

BA-AB1 Anna Bright
BA-AD1 Andrei Daescu
BA-AJ1 Allyce Jones
BA-AJK AJ Koller
BA-ALW Anna Leigh Waters
BA-AN1 Alex Neumann
BA-AT1 Alix Truong
BA-BJ1 Ben Johns
BA-BL1 Brendon Long
BA-CG1 Connor Garnett
BA-CJ1 Collin Johns
BA-CJS Callie Jo Smith
BA-CP1 Catherine Parenteau
BA-DB1 Drew Brees
BA-DF1 Dave Fleming
BA-DF2 Dylan Frazier
BA-FS1 Federico Staksrud
BA-HJ1 Hunter Johnson
BA-HJ2 Hannah Johns
BA-HP1 Hayden Patriquin
BA-IT1 Irina Tereschenko
BA-JA1 Julian Arnold
BA-JB1 Jill Braverman
BA-JI1 Jessie Irvine
BA-JI2 James Ignatowich
BA-JJ1 Jorja Johnson
BA-JWJ JW Johnson
BA-KB1 Kamryn Blackwood
BA-LJ1 Lea Jansen
BA-LK1 Lucy Kovalova
BA-LW1 Leigh Waters
BA-MW1 Matt Wright
BA-PT1 Parris Todd
BA-RN1 Riley Newman
BA-RR1 Rachel Rettger
BA-RS1 Ryan Sherry
BA-TMG Tyson McGuffin
BA-TR1 Travis Rettenmaier
BA-YJ1 Yates Johnson
BA-ZN1 Zane Navratil

King of Pickleball Autographs Gold Foil Set checklist

1 card. Serial numbered #/11

KP-BJ1 Ben Johns

Queen of Pickleball Autographs Goil Foil Set checklist

1 card. Serial numbered #/11

QP-ALW Anna Leigh Waters

2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition value

Let’s look at how well this product has performed in the market. Usually, we’ll consider how previous releases of the product have performed. However, we can’t do that here as this is pickleball’s first-ever standalone set.  
We will instead examine how well the set has performed since its release three weeks ago.

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

Wax

The 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition’s Hobby boxes currently cost $89.95. There isn’t any significant difference from how much you would have gotten these boxes on the release date.

We shouldn’t read too much into this since this is a new product finding its feet. However, one thing is clear: investing in hobby boxes isn’t the way to go if you want a quick ROI.

Singles

Let’s consider how well single cards from this set are faring on the market since its release three weeks ago. With the PSA yet to have a Pickleball category, we’ll consider the top five recent Pickleball card sales on eBay.

Unsurprisingly, the top five recent Pickleball card sales are of the top two – Ben Johns and Anna Leigh.

However, some value can also be found in other players’ cards.

Autograph cards of the two top pickleball players have surged to truly impressive values. There have been dozens of sales over $500. This astronomical price tag isn’t unexpected and reflects their status as the “King and Queen” of Pickleball.

However, cards from other pickleball players do hold some value. While they do not command a premium like the two leading players, they offer a fair ROI. Prices of signed cards and rare parallels of other players range from $10 to over $70.

Shop for 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier cards on eBay

These prices offer the perfect entry point for any investor willing to be in it for the long term. Pickleball’s popularity is exponentially expanding.

While Ben John and Anna Leigh are the current King and Queen, other players are gaining popularity. As pickleball continues to gain traction and more players make their mark, the value of their rookie card is sure to appreciate.

What does the 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition release entail for the growth of pickleball?

Trading cards have always been a part of most major sports, and it’s hard to imagine a major sport without one. However, let’s consider what the introduction of a trading card set means for the growing Pickleball sport.

Shop for 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier cards on eBay

Economic impact

Introducing a pickleball trading card set would inject additional revenue into the sport. Leaf must have paid a licensing fee that permits them to produce and sell pickleball trading cards. This fee serves as a direct injection of money into the pickleball sport.

Players depicted also receive royalties from the sales of these cards, especially autographed cards. This additional income stream would greatly benefit Pickleball’s financial ecosystem.

Increased visibility

The 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier set brings a wealth of benefits to a growing sport like pickleball. Trading cards have since stopped being mere sheets of cardboard. They are a gateway to mainstream media coverage. The Leaf trading card set would help amplify pickleball’s presence.

Integrating pickleball into the trading card hobby puts pickleball in broader cultural conversations. This increased visibility trading cards bring would help propel pickleball to even greater heights.

Community building

Each sport has several communities dedicated to collectors. Pickleball wouldn’t be left out. These collector communities centered around pickleball would provide platforms for discussion and sharing. This sense of community enhances the overall pickleball fanbase experience.

Building player brands

Trading cards have long served as a platform for players to build and enhance their brands. A well-designed card can become synonymous with a player’s identity.

This branding effect extends to endorsements, sponsorships, and collaborative opportunities. This is even more important in a growing sport like pickleball.

Legitimacy and credibility

As wild as it may sound, trading cards add credibility to a growing sport. It signifies that the athletes and the sport have reached a level of recognition worthy of commemoration. This stamp of approval attracts attention from collectors, sports enthusiasts, sponsors, and the wider sports industry.

Preserving pickleball history

Trading cards become a tangible record of sporting history. This is often an overlooked benefit of trading cards. However, these cards document the evolution of a sport, from its emergence till date.

A pickleball trading card will do the same, capturing the sport’s achievements, milestones, and iconic moments. This historical preservation not only adds depth to the sport’s narrative but also contributes to the legacy and heritage of pickleball.

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay

The future of pickleball trading cards

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport globally, with millions of new players yearly. The future of pickleball seems poised for unprecedented growth if this trajectory holds.

The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) is diligently working to garner support from more countries to make pickleball an Olympic sport. If successful, this move would elevate pickleball to the prestigious realm of the Olympic Games, catapulting its popularity on a global scale.

Aside from the Olympic sports push, pickleball is enjoying lots of popularity, especially among celebrities. A star-studded list of pickleball enthusiasts, including Ellen Degeneres, Reese Witherspoon, Kim Kardashian, George Clooney, and Leonardo DiCaprio, are vocal supporters of the sport.

As usual, this celebrity endorsement adds an extra layer of allure to the game, hinting at the potential for increased media coverage and public interest.

Already, cities are adapting to accommodate pickleball courts. Several towns are opening pickleball courts, while others are including pickleball in their long-term community development plans.

This has a feeling of permanence as most activities that gained popularity during the pandemic have long lost their allure. However, pickleball keeps waxing strong and looks set to keep going.

This bodes well for the infant Leaf Pickleball Trading card set. As the sport gains international recognition, the value of these trading cards will surge alongside.

These first cards, featuring top players and potentially future Olympians, will become artifacts of a pivotal pickleball era. The inaugural 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition would hold exceptional financial value in this envisioned future.

Shop for 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier cards on eBay

The final word on the 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition

The 2023 Leaf Pickleball Premier Edition marks a significant milestone in pickleball’s push from niche pastime to mainstream recognition. The cards are attractively made with stunning pictures showcasing the top pickleball players. They will make a great addition to any collection.

If you’re looking to invest, your best bet for a quick ROI is pulling a low-numbered parallel of Pickleball’s King or Queen card. However, other pickleball stars cards look very reasonably priced and would offer better ROI in the future. Albeit with a bit of risk as their future value depends on how well they perform and if pickleball keeps its upward trajectory.

Whatever the case, the buy-in for hobby boxes and single cards of other pickleball stars is affordable. I advise holding onto a box or two. If pickleball continues its upward trajectory, the value of these cards would appreciate alongside. Historically, first releases have ample value. This is even more true when considering pickleball’s push to ascend to Olympic status.

If you’re looking for sets with potential for immediate profit, you can’t go wrong investing in NBA cards. They’re the most valued and chased cards in the hobby. This NBA investment guide previews the 2023-24 NBA Season letting you know what you should and shouldn’t buy.

Shop for boxes of 2023 Leaf Premier Pickleball on eBay