

Sports Cards Nonsense
Sports Cards Nonsense
A podcast featuring Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson that’s about sports, the Sports card market, and how to make money with this hobby. Who you should be buying and selling - along with the occasional fantasy football advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 12, 2025 • 59min
Lawyer Weighs in on Hobby Lawsuits; NFL Buy/Sell, MLB Free Agency Reactions
Mike and Jesse are back and are joined by attorney Paul Lesko who dissects the Panini-Fanatics antitrust lawsuit, revealing a major conflict: Panini is risking its own court credibility by showing potential buyers documents that claim their unlicensed products can outperform licensed ones, directly contradicting their courtroom defense.
He also touches on the related Wild Card lawsuit, where Panini is accused of threatening distributors who worked with Wild Card.
Separately, the Nikola Jokic card market is poised for growth as the star is officially signing with Topps. Plus, the guys debate which NFL quarterbacks to buy now and flip before the Super Bowl. Mike argues for Matthew Stafford, who is quietly building an unbelievable Hall of Fame resume, ranking top-10 all-time in major passing stats and is currently a top MVP candidate alongside Drake Maye.
The ultimate market wild card is 44-year-old Philip Rivers who is joining the Colts' practice squad and could end up starting for them this season.
In the baseball world, it's free agency time and Mike vents about the Red Sox refusing to sign big free agents, like Pete Alonso, despite the team's need for a power bat. Are young Orioles stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunner Henderson sneaky good value buys right now?
The episode concludes with a look at the enduring cultural power of Pokémon cards among modern athletes and the high sale prices of crossover collectibles. Plus, upcoming card releases the guys will be breaking over the next few days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 25min
Major Grading Scandal, Is Dak a GOAT & Adam Palmer Joins the Show
On today's episode of Sports Cards Nonsense, Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson break down Jeff Kent’s selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame and discuss the problematic process behind the committee's choices. The guys also tackle the "PSA Pikachu Scandal"—debating whether there is actual fire behind the smoke of recent conflict-of-interest allegations and if AI grading is the inevitable solution. They also spoke with PSA getting their first-hand reactions and explanation on what happened.
Later, the conversation turns to the high-end market, focusing on the Shohei Ohtani Gold Logoman currently up for auction at Fanatics Collect for over $1 million, and why Ohtani remains immune to the off-season dip.
They shift to the gridiron talking NFL QBs and "HOF Locks" (Rodgers, Stafford, Mahomes), "Buys" (Stroud, Love) and "Sells" (Maye, Burrow).
Finally, Adam Palmer of Daily Nonsense joins the show to explain why you should care about the soccer market right now and the growth of the MLS.
The show wraps with a mailbag segment covering the potential of a multi-sport Allen & Ginter set, how a baseball strike could impact card values, why sports cards and TCGs use different methods of pricing and more.
Be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you think of today's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 10min
Is Topps' Pricing a Problem? Probstein Back on eBay
Mike and Jesse dive into the biggest market movers and the hottest debates—starting with whether Topps' pricing strategy a problem for collectors?
They break down the shocking $3,300 starting price and $1,625 final price for the Topps Chrome Basketball Jumbo First Day Issue in a rapid-fire Dutch Auction. They also discuss how these massive price discrepancies impact the hobby and whether it's sustainable.
The guys are joined by Tory from DCSports87 to preview a massive 2-night eBay Live event featuring a high-profile lineup of cards, including a Luka Doncic NTRPA and the MJ 1984 Star Rookie card. They also look at comps on the MJ card as well as other highly desired cards like Kobe autos, which will be featured in the live. Be sure to check that out here!
In today's mailbag listeners wrote in asking about the current state of 'Whatnot' enforcement, key buying trends and the economics of card grading strategies to maximize profits.
Let us know in the comments: Do you think Topps' pricing model is a problem?
Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense
Be sure to use code: NONSENSE #Harryspod #Sponsored Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 13min
Beginner's Guide to The Hobby l TOUGH Questions & Answers with Upper Deck President Jason Masherah
Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson open the show with a beginner-friendly guide to entering the sports card hobby. They cover how to approach breaks, what research actually matters, and where the line really is between cleaning a card and altering it.
Upper Deck President Jason Masherah then joins the show for an unfiltered conversation about the state of the hobby. He dives into card pricing, how wealthy collectors influence spending, and why manipulation goes far beyond shill bidding. Jason also explains the tension between serving collectors and answering to shareholders, why Upper Deck doesn’t sell hobby boxes direct on its site, the realities behind products like The Cup, and the realities of breaking scams.
He sticks around for mailbag questions covering Scotty Scheffler card possibilities, how ePack actually works, and why certain products are designed specifically for hobby-first buyers.
After Jason signs off, Mike and Jesse tackle more mailbag questions on anonymous eBay sales, what could spark the hobby’s next downturn, and the long-term impact of high-end releases.
Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/Nonsense
Be sure to use code: NONSENSE #Harryspod #Sponsored Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24, 2025 • 54min
Arguing with a Controversial Hobby Figure, More Scandal Talk
Mike Gioseffi is joined by the controversial yet insightful guest, Nick Andrews, also known as the Boston Card Hunter for today's episode of Sports Cards Nonsense. The conversation explores the current state of the market, the impact of auction houses, and the evolving landscape of card grading. Nick shares his candid thoughts on the recent hobby scandals and his strategic decisions in the hobby, offering a unique perspective on navigating the highs and lows of collecting.
From Probstein and Snype to liquidity events and the impact of repacks, plus the most dangerous part of the sports card hobby, this episode has it all. Mike also ends with a mailbag covering some new releases and the cause of GOAT card spikes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 11min
Have You Been Probstein'ed? Massive Hobby Scandal + Interview with The National
Buckle up for a jam-packed, scandal-filled episode of Sports Cards Nonsense as Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson dive into the latest controversies and updates in the hobby.
We start with a discussion on the recent security issues and allegations surrounding Probstein. From a massing shilling scandal to a data breech, it only sounds like bad news when it comes to this story.
Topps Chrome Basketball dropped this week and Mike has mixed reactions on the prices.
We also talk with the management team of The National Sports Collectors Convention about upcoming changes, vendor expansions, and new features like Pokémon TCG. Thanks to Jim Ryan, Joe Drelich and Brian Coppola for joining us!
Later, the guys discuss Geoff Wilson's interview with Dr. Beckett and claims that shill bidding isn't self bidding. *Insert your eye rolls here.*
We finish with a Mike vs Jesse Arena Club slab battle giveaway.
Tune in to see who wins, hear from The National team and get the latest on the hobby scandals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 11min
Are We in Another Hobby Bubble? Topps Town Hall Update
In today's episode, Mike and Jesse discuss the end of the wax drought and the continued explosion of the grails market, highlighting significant sales and the potential for future investments.
The episode also features talk on the MLB MVP buyback program, analyzing the impact of recent pricing changes on card values. Mike and Jesse discuss the intricacies of the buyback process and offer insights into maximizing returns on specific card types.
Additionally, they engage in a lively discussion about the latest updates from the Topps townhall meeting, including upcoming product releases and strategic shifts in the collectibles market. Plus, Fanatics Fest prices are out with tickets now available. Are they WAY too expensive?
The episode ends with listener questions in the mailbag segment, offering perspectives on everything from saving spots in line at GameStop to the future of eBay's PWE service, and women's basketball's new leagues.
Plus, Tory from DCSports87 has an awesome update on their payout rates.
Don't forget to vote for SCN for Best Media Platform in the Hobby Awards! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 18min
Massive Scandal Update, Mantle Hobby Awards Preview
In this episode of Sports Cards Nonsense Mike Gioseffi is joined by Joe Wysmierski as they dive into a variety of hobby topics, starting with a heartfelt moment as they address the absence of Jesse due to a personal loss. The conversation transitions into a lively discussion about the intricacies of selling personal collections, with Mike sharing his experiences and strategies for managing and selling sports cards. The episode also covers the excitement and challenges of the sports card market, including the impact of new releases and the dynamics of card shows. Plus. Joe previews some MASSIVE Pokemon releases and the value in Pokemon cases.
Additionally, the guys are joined by Morgan Jon Fox to discuss the Mantle Awards, which Sports Cards Nonsense Media Network is nominated for! Morgan is a judge for the awards (and a SCN listener)!
Be sure to vote for us for Media Platform of the Year! Don't make Mike break his TV over us losing... PLEASE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 11min
Shilling Fights Continue, Evolution of Football Hobby Market and Non-QB Interest
Jesse and Mike are joined by Shep of Shep's Cards to talk about the latest sports card and collectibles news, and drama... Shilling is the talk of the hobby right now, which Mike and Shep weigh in on in detail. Plus, Boston Card Hunter has a juicy scoop the guys discuss. Probstein is breaking off from eBay is there more there than meets the eyes?
They also talk about the impact on the hobby of players such as Skeens and Yamamoto, and the shifting dynamics in the football market with non-quarterbacks. Jonathan Taylor and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have booming markets right now and other skill players are following suit.
Additionally, the guys reflect on the sentimental value of collecting, encouraging listeners to find joy beyond monetary gains. Remember, this is a hobby after all!
The episode concludes with insights into upcoming sports card releases and answering mailbag questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 21min
Is Some Shill Bidding Acceptable + Future of Card Shows
Jesse Gibson is joined by Alex, AKA Clever Cuban Cards as they dive into the frustrations of trying to snag the 2025 Topps Black and White Baseball release, pointing out how poor communication left many collectors in the dark.
The conversation heats up with a debate on shill bidding, where they break down the ethics and impact on the hobby. They also chat about how card shows are evolving, wondering if more polished setups could actually help the hobby grow. Meanwhile, they Jesse and Alex open a Costco Bundle of Panini Donruss Football, which Alex does pretty well on.
Before answering mailbag questions, the guys also discuss Panini's future without key licenses and the role of non-licensed products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


