Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the world’s leading trading card grader, has announced it will open a full scale grading centre in Frankfurt, Germany, in summer 2026. This marks the company’s first major operation in continental Europe.
The move follows PSA’s wider international expansion. In October this year, the firm will open its new Canadian headquarters in Toronto, relocating from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Meanwhile, its Tokyo facility is set to move into larger premises in 2025.
Why Frankfurt?
Frankfurt’s central location and strong transport links made it the obvious choice. “Collectors and hobbyists exist in every region of the world, and Europe is one of the largest and fastest-growing trading card markets,” explained Nat Turner, CEO of Collectors Universe, PSA’s parent company. “Bringing PSA Europe to this location will make it far easier for European collectors to grade their cards without the hassle of international shipping and customs.”
PSA expects to create more than 100 jobs in marketing, operations, customer service and logistics across its European and Canadian expansions. Submissions sent directly to Frankfurt or Toronto (Mississauga, Ontario) will be graded on-site, eliminating the delays and costs of overseas shipping.
Football Cards Lead the Way
While trading cards have long been most popular in the United States, European demand has surged in recent years especially for Pokémon and other trading card games (TCGs). Football cards are also expected to see a sharp rise in grading, reflecting the sport’s unrivalled popularity.
Germany in particular is a natural hub: it is home to Europe’s largest economy, a strong footballing tradition, and a growing appetite for NFL games staged on German soil. Other grading companies, such as Beckett, have also recently moved into the country, underlining its importance in the global collectibles scene.
PSA president Ryan Hoge told The Athletic earlier this year: “We’ve been watching growth across Europe for a couple of years now, including the UK, but Germany really stood out. Topps has its European base there, and a lot of manufacturers are established in the country. Collectors also want the confidence of dealing directly with PSA rather than sending cards overseas.”
Protecting Your Collection
With grading now coming closer to home, many UK collectors will be looking to upgrade how they store and protect their cards. Whether you’re into vintage Panini football stickers, the latest Pokémon releases, or rare cards, keeping cards in pristine condition is vital before sending them off for authentication.
At PennyWatchers, we stock protective cases designed specifically for graded cards. For example, our VEVOR 120 PSA Graded Card Storage Box holds up to 120 PSA-graded cards across four slots, with a tough wear resistant shell and coded lock for added security. It’s lightweight, portable, and ideal for collectors who want to keep their slabs safe whether at home or on the move.
