PSA Acquires Beckett: Is Any Monopoly Ever Good for Collectors?

Part 2 picks up right where the emergency reaction left off, and the conversation gets more pointed. We dig into actual market share data, what Beckett’s role really was in the ecosystem, and the uncomfortable question nobody wants to answer: is there any scenario where a near-monopoly helps collectors? From there, we move into who benefits next, what alternatives could rise, and why some collectors feel like this is the moment the hobby’s power structure finally shows its hand. Highlights in Part 2 include: Ari’s take on what PSA could strip from Beckett immediately and why flat-fee models may disappear GemRate market share numbers and why “Beckett was irrelevant” is not the full story The Beckett booth reality check: lines at shows despite the online narrative The big question: could monopoly conditions ever produce any consumer upside? “Backhanded positives” and the risk of pushing collectors away from grading entirely Potential winners outside PSA: Mike Baker Authenticated, CGC, and other niche graders The CGC price increase timing and why it looks like a missed opportunity The growing frustration around PSA culture, dealer networks, and perceived unfair advantages Fanatics speculation: liquidity, conflict of interest talk, and why a Fanatics-Collectors deal feels unlikely IPO logic and why removing “future competitors” can matter more than saving brands The closing reminder: don’t let the industry chase you out of the hobby, enjoy cards without needing a slab Part 2 is where the discussion shifts from “what happened” to “what happens next”, and the answers are not comforting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices