Monday Market Report: PSA Hits Pause Button on Popular Grading Services

What It Means for Collectors

June 22, 2026

Welcome back to the Great Lakes Trading Cards Monday Market Report.

One of the biggest stories in the hobby this week isn't a rookie call-up or a new product release—it's grading.

PSA, the hobby's largest grading company, has announced a temporary suspension of several of its most popular grading service levels due to an overwhelming surge in submissions.

For collectors, investors, and anyone considering sending cards for grading, this news could have a significant impact on the market over the coming months.

🚨 What's Happening?

Beginning June 2, PSA paused the following submission tiers:

• Value Bulk

• Value

• Value Plus

• Value Max

Any submissions received before the deadline will still be processed, but new submissions at these levels are temporarily closed.

PSA says the pause is necessary to address a backlog that has ballooned to approximately 10 million cards.

The company hopes to reduce that backlog to 5 million cards before reopening the suspended service levels.

📈 Why Did This Happen?

Simply put: demand exploded.

Following PSA's announcement of a $200 million investment into grading operations, collectors rushed to submit cards.

According to PSA:

• Submission volume jumped 20%

• More than 1.6 million cards were added to the backlog

• An estimated 10 million cards are currently waiting to be graded

The demand has been driven largely by:

⚾ Sports Cards

🎮 Pokémon Cards

🃏 Trading Card Games

The Pokémon market in particular has seen enormous growth, with PSA grading over 11.5 million TCG cards last year alone.

💰 What Could This Mean for Card Values?

Veteran collectors may remember a similar situation during the hobby boom of 2021.

When PSA paused grading services then, some PSA-graded cards saw increased demand because fewer newly graded copies entered the market.

While no one knows exactly what will happen this time, collectors should watch:

• Low-population cards

• Key rookie cards

• Modern star autographs

• Rare Pokémon cards

• Limited-print parallels

Reduced grading volume can sometimes create temporary scarcity in the marketplace.

🏗️ PSA's Expansion Plans

The good news is PSA isn't standing still.

The company recently announced:

• $200 million investment

• More than 1,000 new hires planned

• Expansion of grading facilities

• Significant increases in grading capacity

PSA expects to grade more than 20 million cards in 2026, which would be another record-breaking year.

🎯 Great Lakes Trading Cards Take

For most collectors, this isn't a reason to panic.

If you already have cards submitted, expect longer wait times.

If you're planning to grade cards in the near future, you may need to consider:

• Waiting for services to reopen

• Using higher service tiers

• Exploring alternatives like SGC, CGC, or TAG

Most importantly, continue focusing on quality cards rather than chasing quick flips.

The best cards tend to hold collector demand regardless of grading backlogs.

Collector Question of the Week

Have you ever submitted cards for grading?

If so:

• PSA?

• SGC?

• CGC?

• TAG?

And what was the best grade you've ever received?

Let us know on Facebook!

Final Thoughts

The hobby continues to grow, and PSA's backlog is proof of just how strong collector demand remains.

While grading delays can be frustrating, they're also a reminder that more people than ever are participating in the hobby.

Whether you're grading, collecting, investing, or simply enjoying the chase, it's another interesting chapter in the ever-evolving world of trading cards.

Happy Collecting!

Great Lakes Trading Cards

Collect. Protect. Enjoy.