Gametime Gets
Use real-time player performance data to unlock clutch buying opportunities on eBay for true sports fans.
Background
When pro athletes achieve career milestones, their trading card values spike. By analyzing eBay price data and game stats, we found that prices surge for approximately 24 hours after these achievements are met. Unlike fans who watch every game, professional collectors often miss this fleeting moment—creating a unique chance to reward the most dedicated fans.
What we did
Gametime Gets: A series of 24-hour trading card auctions unlocked by player in-game data.
The campaign launched at the end of the 2024 WNBA and start of the 2024 NBA season, paired player performance milestones with investment-worthy trading cards from those same athletes These card auctions remained “locked” until specific milestones were achieved, at which point the cards went up for auction. Fans following these milestones had 24 hours to bid and purchase the cards before their values inevitably skyrocketed.
We partnered with NBA analyst and former WNBA MVP Candace Parker to predict 50 major WNBA and NBA milestones that could happen throughout each league’s season. Every milestone was paired with a rare and collectible player card, which only unlocked on eBay if the milestone was reached. The cards dropped every Tuesday, starting at just 24 cents—a nod to the 24-second shot clock—and were available for 24 hours. It was a season-long game of anticipation, keeping fans locked in and ready to score a piece of basketball history.
Example milestones and cards:
LeBron James 2003 Topps Chrome Gold Diamond: dropping when 1,500 games played
Caitlin Clark Panini Instant Debut Jungle Auto: Single-Season Assists Record
Kevin Durant 2007 Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie: dropping when 35 points scored in a single game
Social Output
When asked why she is excited about this event [with eBay] Candace shared, "As a fan there are so many ways to stay involved with your favorite players and this is a huge one. You can add to your collection by bidding on your favorite cards."
Sports Illustrated
The Reaction
183
fans and collectors showed up to participate in Collectors Camp drills
1.5B+
total impressions, reaching both existing collectors and the sports-obsessed collector curious
81%
of attendees were more likely to buy/sell collectibles on eBay as a result of Collectors Camp
"To see the W in the spotlight this season has been amazing. I know firsthand how hard these athletes work — and now the world is seeing it, too,” Parker told cllct. “Fans across both leagues are more excited than ever to be a part of the game’s biggest moments.”
CLLCT
“I knew the moments that were meaningful to me both as a player and as a fan, and in my role as an analyst, I get to combine the two with experienced eyes. Ultimately, I selected a mix of veterans and rising stars that I think showcase the breadth of the talent from our sport.”
- Candace Parker
The Gist
