Why are sports trading cards such big business?

Sports trading cards have boomed in value since the pandemic, with some of the most valuable examples selling for millions of dollars. Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary is one of the celebrities who've made multi-million dollar investments in trading cards, publicly flaunting some of his most expensive purchases at film award ceremonies including the Oscars earlier this year.

But why are people willing to spend such huge amounts of money on pieces of card? What gives them their value, and what's their appeal as objects?

Jake Kirkham, from trading card grading company MGC, explains to More than the Score's John Bennett how his company authenticates and rates the condition of trading cards, and why there's now so much money in the market. He discusses some of the most valuable cards in and out of circulation, and says that the fact cards are tangible, physical objects is a key part of their appeal.

John's also joined by one of the world's leading snooker players, Jackson Page, who's turned his passion for trading cards into a business by opening his own cards and collectibles shop in Brynmawr, south Wales. He explains why Pokemon cards were his route into collecting, and offers advice for starting out in the business.

Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Tour de France winner Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Winter Olympic champion Elana Meyers Taylor, trailblazing Samoan athlete Alex Rose and cricket superstar Smriti Mandhana, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.

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