WAX Guide to Sports Memorabilia Insurance: Preserving Autographed and Game‑Used Treasures

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WAX Guide to Sports Memorabilia Insurance: Preserving Autographed and Game‑Used Treasures

Insurance, Luxury Assets & Collectibles

Published on: Oct 31, 2025

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Sports memorabilia evokes passion and nostalgia while serving as an alternative investment. The sports memorabilia market reached roughly $34.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $66.4 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of about 8.1 %. Demand is fueled by global sports fandom, online marketplaces and investment interest. Collectors covet autographed jerseys, game‑used equipment, championship rings and photographs; trading cards form part of this market but deserve their own policy (see previous article).

“From game-used jerseys to championship trophies, sports memorabilia connects us to unforgettable moments. We designed WAX to keep those memories secure while you share them with the world.”
Angel Garcia, Customer Success Lead


Risks for memorabilia collectors

  • Authentication and fraud – Forgeries can be convincing. Certificates of authenticity and reputable dealers are essential.

  • Physical damage – Jerseys, balls and equipment degrade with exposure to light, moisture and handling. Signatures fade if not protected from UV light.

  • Theft and burglary – High‑profile items attract thieves, and memorabilia may not be adequately covered by standard homeowners policies.

  • Transit and exhibition exposure – Moving items to conventions, auctions or display events increases risk of damage or disappearance.

WAX sports memorabilia coverage

  • All‑risk protection – Coverage includes theft, accidental damage, disappearance, fire, water and natural disasters. Both framed and unframed items are covered.

  • Transit coverage – WAX insures memorabilia while shipping between locations or transporting items to signings, exhibitions and games.

  • Scheduled or blanket policy – High‑value autographs (e.g., game‑worn jerseys signed by superstar athletes) can be scheduled with agreed values, while collections of less valuable items can be covered under a blanket limit.

  • Automatic acquisition – New memorabilia purchases are automatically covered up to 25% of the category limit; collectors can later schedule the item once authentication is complete.

  • Expert claims handling – WAX claims adjusters understand memorabilia markets and work with authenticators and auction houses to verify value and authenticity.

Preservation tips

  • Authenticate before purchase – Buy from reputable dealers and obtain certificates from recognized authenticators (PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett, etc.).

  • Control environment – Display items in UV‑protected cases; maintain stable humidity and temperature to prevent fading, mold or warping.

  • Limit handling – Use gloves when handling autographed items. Avoid folding jerseys or storing baseballs in plastic bags that trap moisture.

Real‑World Case Study

A game‑worn jersey signed by a star athlete was damaged when a pipe burst above its display case. WAX paid for specialist cleaning and compensated for diminished value. Another collector, lacking coverage, lost a signed ball to a car break‑in and discovered their home policy excluded memorabilia.

Ready to protect your collection?

Collectors can request a quote in minutes through WAX’s digital platform, and brokers can contact us for memorabilia‑specific coverage.

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved