In 2025, Tom Brady invested in his childhood passion with a 50% stake in CardVault; a year later, the sports collectibles business reached 20 stores

Tom Brady spent more than two decades building one of the greatest careers in NFL history. Yet, long before the Super Bowl victories, record-breaking contracts and global fame, he had a different obsession. At just seven years old, the future quarterback was spending his pocket money on baseball cards. What began as a childhood fascination has now taken an unexpected turn. Brady has turned his love for sports collectibles into a growing business, with his CardVault venture reaching its 20th store in November 2026. His latest success offers a glimpse into the interests that have shaped his life away from football.Tom Brady's childhood love for baseball cards started with Don MattinglyBrady's interest in collecting began in San Mateo, California, where a local hobby shop became a favourite destination during his childhood. While other children spent their money on toys and games, he preferred adding baseball cards to his growing collection.One player held a special place in his collection. New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly was the name Brady kept searching for whenever he visited the shop."Since I was seven years old, I only wanted Don Mattingly cards."His interest went beyond simply owning cards. Brady spent hours looking through collections, checking prices and saving money to buy the players he admired. His mother also encouraged the hobby, rewarding good school grades with trips to the local card shop.The quarterback later explained how deeply those early experiences stayed with him."I started off as a young kid—seven, eight years old. There was a great hobby shop in San Mateo,"Even after entering the NFL, Brady never completely left collecting behind. His childhood cards remained part of his personal collection, connecting his professional success with memories from a much simpler time.Tom Brady's CardVault reaches 20 stores after major business expansionWhat once occupied Brady's weekends has grown into a serious business venture. He acquired a 50% ownership stake in CardVault in February 2025, helping transform the sports collectibles retailer into a national brand.The company announced its 20th location in October 2026, with the new store opening on November 1 at The Terminal in Pittsburgh's Strip District. It followed recent openings in Los Angeles and Indianapolis. Source: CardVault's announcement.CardVault offers customers opportunities to buy, sell and trade sports cards, along with memorabilia and collectibles. It also provides professional grading services, allowing collectors to authenticate and assess their valuable items.The expansion plans are ambitious. The company has discussed reaching 40 stores by 2028, with a longer-term target of 100 locations. A company spokesperson also reported 400% revenue growth between 2025 and 2026. Source: Front Office Sports.For Brady, the business represents more than another investment. It brings him back to something he enjoyed long before becoming an NFL superstar. His football career made him a household name, but his childhood passion has given him another way to stay connected to the sports world.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.