Goldin Auctions CEO Reflects on National Evolution and Lakers Partnership

eBay Inc. rival and auction house leader Goldin remains a focal point at the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention. Founder and CEO Ken Goldin, a veteran of the industry, recently sat down to discuss the dramatic shifts in the hobby landscape over the last three decades.

Goldin estimates he has attended more than 30 National conventions, with his first experience dating back to the early 1980s. After a consistent run from 1987 to 1998, he has missed only one event since 2012. He notes a stark contrast between the atmosphere of the past and the present. Thirty years ago, the demographic was dominated by older sellers sitting behind tables offering vintage cards at stagnant prices. Today, the crowd is significantly younger and more vibrant, with diverse inventory on display.

Perhaps the most significant change for Goldin is his own celebrity status within the community. He described spending the majority of his time inside a corporate booth, where a roped-off line forms for attendees seeking photos, autographs, and conversation—a phenomenon he says he never would have predicted earlier in his career.

Recalling a memorable moment from the 1992 convention, Goldin highlighted an exclusive signing deal with Shaquille O’Neal. Because O’Neal was not appearing on NBA-licensed cards that year, Goldin personally escorted the rookie and his agent, Leonard Armato, from their car to the booth. The crowd parted to let them through, creating a chaotic scene that Goldin noted would not be permitted under modern convention regulations.

The discussion also touched on Goldin’s current strategic moves, specifically a new multiyear partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers. This agreement designates Goldin Auctions as the Official Auction House Sponsor of the team, a deal that is expected to unlock exclusive memorabilia from the Lakers’ vault.

What to watch

• Execution of the Los Angeles Lakers partnership and subsequent auction listings.
• Demographic trends at future conventions indicating hobby growth.

Source: original release