INDIANA – A new study has confirmed what many local hobbyists already knew: the “Hoosier State” is officially one of the primary hubs for sports card collecting in America.
According to research from DuelBits, Indiana ranks as the ninth most sports card-obsessed state in the country. The study analyzed annual Google search data for over 70 sports card-related terms—ranging from vintage “Holy Grails” to modern trending rookies—to determine where the hobby’s heart beats the strongest.
By the Numbers: Indiana’s Passion for the Hobby
The research reveals that Indiana collectors are significantly more active than the national average. Last year, the state generated 128,520 searches related to sports cards—surpassing the U.S. state average of 100,795 by more than 27%.
When adjusted for population, Indiana’s dedication becomes even clearer:
- Searches per 1M People: 18,561
- Total Index Score: 7.3 / 10
- National Rank: 9th
The “Most Wanted” in Indiana
While legendary names dominate the search bars, local heroes are driving massive surges in interest. Topping the list is the iconic Honus Wagner T206 card, but the presence of Indiana-based stars highlights the state’s unique sports culture.
| Rank | Most In-Demand Card | Annual Avg. Searches |
| 1 | Honus Wagner | 7,080 |
| 2 | Michael Jordan (Tie) | 5,760 |
| 2 | Fernando Mendoza (Tie) | 5,760 |
| 4 | Caitlin Clark | 3,840 |
| 5 | Mike Trout | 3,120 |
The high ranking for Fernando Mendoza follows his historic 2025-26 season, where he led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship. Similarly, Caitlin Clark continues to be a driving force in the market as her Indiana Fever cards remain some of the most liquid assets in the hobby.
A Booming Local Scene
The surge in interest is tangible at local brick-and-mortar shops. In February 2026, Indy Card Exchange hosted a “Topps Rip Night” featuring Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg. The event saw fans queuing for over three hours, a testament to the growing community of “rippers” in the region.
Looking ahead, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. The Midwest Monster Card Show in May remains a marquee event for the region, and regular trade nights in Indianapolis continue to provide a marketplace for high-value transactions.
Market Warning: Authenticity is Key
As the global market swells to a $13.5 billion valuation, experts are urging caution. With record-breaking sales—including a Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman fetching $12.93 million in 2025—the stakes have never been higher.
“As prices for rare sports cards continue to soar, collectors should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true,” a spokesperson for DuelBits noted. “Fake or altered cards are becoming increasingly prevalent online, so it’s now more important than ever to buy from trusted sellers and utilize professional grading services.”
Maine currently holds the top spot as the most obsessed state, followed closely by New Hampshire and North Dakota. However, with Indiana’s mix of legendary history and current championship-caliber stars, the Hoosier State remains a heavyweight in the world of sports collectibles.
