The Unthinkable Chart

If you asked any collector, analyst, or lifelong basketball fan to name the most collected basketball player in the world, the answer has been the same for decades: Michael Jordan. The GOAT’s legacy is so vast, so enduring, that his cards remain the gold standard—coveted, traded, and graded in volumes that dwarf the competition.

But in 2025, the sports world is buzzing over a new, almost unbelievable phenomenon. According to the latest PSA grading report—the gold standard for sports card authentication and valuation—the basketball player closest to Michael Jordan isn’t LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or Victor Wembanyama. It’s Caitlyn Clark.

Yes, you read that right. In a seismic shift that’s left collectors, fans, and analysts stunned, Caitlyn Clark has become the most collected active basketball player in the world, trailing only Jordan in total graded cards. The numbers aren’t speculative or subjective; they’re hard data, based on actual cards submitted, graded, and valued by PSA. This isn’t a fan poll—it’s the market speaking loud and clear.

A Frenzy Backed by Irrefutable Data

The numbers are staggering. PSA President Ryan Hajj revealed that Clark’s cards have surpassed 136,000 graded submissions—more than LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Edwards combined. To put this into perspective, Clark’s cards have generated more demand in just two and a half years than some of the most recognizable names in the sport have managed over entire careers.

Even more remarkable, Clark holds three of the top ten most graded basketball cards in 2025. This isn’t about one iconic rookie card; it’s a broad, sustained surge of interest across multiple releases. Collectors aren’t just buying—they’re investing, grading, and betting on her long-term cultural significance.

And all this is happening in the midst of Clark’s injury year. There’s no dip, no hesitation. Instead, the momentum is accelerating, confirming that her influence is no fleeting trend. The market is screaming her name with every card submission—a landslide that defies conventional wisdom for any athlete, let alone a rookie in women’s sports.

Why Clark? Why Now?

So how did this happen? How did Caitlyn Clark leapfrog the likes of LeBron, Kobe, and Wembanyama to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest of all time?

It’s not about championships or stat lines. It’s about pure, unadulterated cultural impact—an organic connection with fans that rivals the most iconic figures in sports history. Clark’s rise is reminiscent of the Jay-Z lyric, “Michael, Magic, and Bird all rolled in one.” Magic and Bird rescued the NBA from tape delay; Jordan took it global. Now, Clark is redefining what’s possible for women’s basketball, and the numbers prove it.

Her journey began with electrifying performances at Iowa—buzzer beaters, triple-doubles, and viewership records shattered game after game. Her rivalry with Angel Reese captivated the nation, drawing in audiences who might never have tuned into women’s basketball. Each viral moment built a groundswell of excitement, culminating in the record-breaking crossover at Kinnick Stadium, which packed a football venue for a women’s basketball game—the highest attended in history.

This wasn’t a sudden explosion. It was a steady, undeniable build, fueled by Clark’s magnetic presence and competitive fire.

The Cody Rhodes Parallel: When Fans Rewrite the Story

To understand the depth of Clark’s appeal, consider the world of pro wrestling. At WrestleMania 40, the Rock was slated to main event over Cody Rhodes. Fans rebelled, launching the “We Want Cody” movement, forcing WWE to rewrite its entire storyline. The power of organic fan support was so overwhelming, it changed the biggest stage in wrestling.

Clark’s rise mirrors this phenomenon. Her popularity isn’t manufactured by marketing campaigns or corporate hype. It’s rooted in a genuine grassroots movement—a bond forged with fans who watched her at Iowa and were awed by her talent and spirit. Like Cody Rhodes, Clark’s fans didn’t just support her; they demanded her presence, reshaping the narrative of an entire sport.

Not Just Hype—A Fundamental Shift

Skeptics predicted Clark’s popularity would fade after college. They were wrong. Her transition to the WNBA didn’t just carry over—it exploded. The league moved games to larger arenas to accommodate her massive draw, and ratings shattered records. Whenever Clark steps onto the court, the surge in interest is undeniable and sustained.

Her impact isn’t limited to the game itself. The ripple effects are reshaping women’s basketball at every level, including the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Clark’s ability to fill arenas and drive viewership has fundamentally altered the WNBA’s economic reality, forcing a re-evaluation of the league’s value and future.

Trading Cards: The Purest Proof

Ultimately, the trading card market offers the most quantifiable proof of Clark’s cultural phenomenon. These aren’t just pieces of cardboard—they’re tangible investments made by collectors who recognize something special. Clark’s cards have already set records for women’s sports sales and continue to skyrocket in value.

Her climb up the ranks is meteoric. In 2024, she was already a formidable presence, ranking sixth among active basketball players. In just one year, she’s vaulted to number one, a leap reserved for the most elite athletes. PSA’s own president underscored that Clark’s trajectory is a benchmark typically only achieved by legends. Collectors are placing their bets on her long-term value, recognizing an athlete whose influence is generational.

The Emotional Connection: Authenticity as a Superpower

Clark’s market presence isn’t built on manufactured hype. It’s rooted in an organic emotional connection with her fan base. Her authenticity is her superpower, drawing fans in like never before. Every buzzer-beater, every viral highlight, every sold-out arena is a testament to her ability to captivate and inspire.

Her journey is filled with moments that resonate deeply—triple-doubles against Louisville, massive viewership spikes for the South Carolina game, and a relentless drive that makes every possession must-watch. The rivalry with Angel Reese only amplified her presence, adding drama and personality to the narrative.

Beyond the Court: Changing the WNBA Forever

Clark’s impact goes far beyond trading cards. Her presence is a significant factor in the contentious CBA negotiations currently underway. The league is grappling with a dramatically altered financial landscape, as Clark’s ability to fill arenas and shatter viewership records has shifted the perceived value of the WNBA.

This isn’t just about one player. It’s about a single athlete revolutionizing an entire sport, forcing a re-evaluation of its potential and future. The trading card market is simply the most visible indicator of a deeper, more fundamental transformation.

The Legacy in Real Time

When you see Clark’s name next to Michael Jordan on the PSA chart—above titans like LeBron and Kobe—it’s an undeniable declaration of her unique and powerful connection with the world. Her legacy is being written in real time, not just on the court, but in the hearts of fans and the hands of collectors.

The market isn’t just responding to a fad. It’s investing in a phenomenon. Clark’s cards represent a belief in her enduring legacy and unparalleled influence, echoing the investment seen only in true global icons.

Who Commands the Global Stage Now?

So, when thinking about who truly commands the global stage, who could possibly star in a Space Jam 3 today? While Steph Curry might have been a contender at a different time, the simple truth is that Caitlyn Clark is the undeniable choice now. Her fan connection, record-breaking impact, and unparalleled influence on an entire sport are not accidental. They are the result of extraordinary talent meeting an organic, passionate fan base, creating a cultural force that, as PSA’s data clearly shows, isn’t going anywhere.