MTG: eBay To Acquire TCGplayer, Consolidating Online TCG Marketplaces
Big news in the world of Magic and other TCGs today. Online resale giant eBay announced plans to acquire TCGplayer.
eBay is looking to buy TCGplayer in a multi-million dollar acquisition later this year. The $295 million dollar deal will bring TCGplayer, one of the largest ‘secondary markets’ for card games of all stripes, including Magic: the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Pokemon, under the umbrella of eBay.
The deal is expected to close in early 2023, and both companies have promised that there will be no disruption of operation. In fact, leadership on both sites is quick to promise users that TCGplayer will “continue operating independently“:
eBay has Entered into an Agreement to Acquire TCGplayer
“[U]nlike a traditional acquisition, upon close, TCGplayer will continue operating independently. We will have the autonomy and flexibility to continue running TCGplayer just as we always have, and I will continue to lead the Company as CEO, ensuring our commitment to you and the entire collectibles community remains enshrined and protected long into the future.”
From eBay’s perspective, this move brings them deeper into another market. As part of their “focus category strategy” eBay will gain access to TCGplayer’s infrastructure. Recent acquisitions on TCGplayer’s end, like their deal with Channel Fireball/CFB Group, make them a much more attractive buy.
Especially their fulfillment and optimization:
“[…] providing eBay with strategic omnichannel capabilities like order fulfillment and cart optimization, maintaining its position as a desirable platform for trading card sellers, and enhancing the overall experience for all customers.”
Meanwhile TCGplayer’s Founder and CEO reports that the company will benefit from eBay’s resources:
“With eBay’s support, we will advance our Purpose, and expand our tools and services to improve the collecting experience online and in your favorite local hobby store.”
Consumers, on the other hand, will find themselves met with even less choice. No longer is it a choice between TCGplayer and eBay.
What do you think of the news?
