Introducing PSA Magazine2 min read

Change is inevitable. Change can also be a good thing. Such is the case with the longstanding Sports Market Report (SMR) magazine. After a 27-year run, the monthly periodical is taking on a new look, and a new name. Starting with the January 2022 issue, Sports Market Report is morphing into PSA Magazine.

The original Sports Market Report started with humble beginnings in 1994.

“The collectibles community is much bigger than sports,” said PSA Magazine Editor-in-Chief Nat Turner. “It includes a host of trading card games [TCGs] as well, which represents nearly 30% of cards submitted to PSA. In order to better reflect the overall content of our magazine and price guide, it was time to make a change.”

First and foremost, subscribers will note the name change front and center. Magazine staffers have replaced the customary “SMR” nameplate on the cover with the well-known “PSA” logo, complete with its blue-and-red lettering. Depending on the cover subject and cover art, the “PSA” lettering could alter in color, but that will be decided on a month-by-month, case-by-case basis. Inside, on both the Table of Contents as well as in the masthead, “PSA Magazine” rings loud and clear.

Every editorial and price guide page will now include a new folio along the bottom. Instead of seeing the “SMR” folio in black, readers will now find “PSA” standing strong. The changes are subtle, but pivotal all the same. Starting in 2022, subscribers can expect to see a comprehensive price guide that will include non-sports cards in every issue. Current PSA Collectors Club members and SMR subscribers should keep an eye out for the new look magazine arriving in their mailboxes over the next week or so.

Gracing the cover of the inaugural issue is none other than Michael Jordan, one of the NBA’s greatest players of all time whose 1986 Fleer #57 rookie card continues to set auction records seemingly every month. The cover illustration of MJ was supplied by renowned sports artist James Fiorentino. As always, topical cover stories and interesting feature articles about the hobby, PSA’s latest services and the popular Set Registry will continue.

“Collectors possess a wide range of interests and pursuits,” added Turner. “This change better represents the collecting community as a whole.”

To subscribe, follow this link. A one-year subscription costs $49 or you can sign up for a two-year subscription for $89. A single copy of the new PSA Magazine can be purchased for $7. Enjoy the read.

 

Posted by Terry Melia

Terry Melia is a hobby veteran who has served in various PR, marketing and content roles for industry movers and shakers including The Upper Deck Company and SCP Auctions and is currently working as PSA's Public Relations and Content Specialist.

15 thoughts on “Introducing PSA Magazine2 min read

  1. This is a brilliant move. I was literally just discussing the magazine today and noting that I seldom open it because it only ever has a brief mention of Pokemon cards. Very excited to see it become more evenly weighted with sports cards and gaming cards. I also respect MJ on the cover of the first issue to assure the sports card world that the magazine will remain relevant for them. Cannot wait to get my January copy in the mail, pretty great.

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