2025 Card Grading Power Shift: PSA vs. CGC vs. TAG (and Where SGC Fits)

The card grading market in 2025 looks nothing like it did in 2022. PSA is still the biggest name, but its grip is loosening. CGC is growing faster than any competitor in the history of the industry. TAG burst onto the scene with technology that makes traditional grading look antiquated. And SGC quietly continues to own the vintage market.

If you're deciding where to submit cards right now, the answer isn't as simple as "send everything to PSA." The right company depends on what you're grading, what you plan to do with it, and how much you're willing to spend.

The 2025 Market Landscape

The most significant development of 2025 is CGC's growth trajectory. Backed by Blackstone's investment and a strategic relationship with Fanatics, CGC Cards saw sports card grading volume increase 631% in the first half of the year compared to 2024. In June alone, CGC graded 570,000 cards, placing second in monthly volume industry-wide.

Meanwhile, PSA continued raising prices. In September 2025, Value Bulk went from $19.99 to $21.99, Value from $24.99 to $27.99, and Value Plus from $39.99 to $44.99. Turnaround times lengthened across multiple tiers. PSA's explanation: demand is high and quality takes time.

TAG Grading emerged as a legitimate third option, hitting a 500% demand increase in February and restructuring its entire pricing model to cope with volume.

SGC held steady, doing what it's always done: fast, reliable grading with particular strength in pre-war and vintage cards.

The net effect: collectors now have real choices, and those choices have financial consequences.

PSA: Still the King, But at What Cost?

PSA graded 8.89 million cards in the first half of 2025. No competitor is close to that volume, and no competitor's slab carries as much resale weight on eBay, PWCC, or any other secondary marketplace.