Tom Brady’s Card Vault: Turning a Hobby into a Nationwide Brand

Tom Brady, long known for his football glory, now helps run a fast‑growing card shop called CardVault. The company started small but has expanded to 12 stores across the country, turning the hobby of trading cards into a big business worth about $33 billion. Instead of just investing money, Brady works day‑to‑day with the team that owns the shop. He appears at new store openings, talks to fans on social media, and helps decide what products the stores sell. His name draws people in and gives the brand credibility that other card shops lack. The shop’s co‑founder, Chris Costa, grew up buying football cards in New England. He never imagined that his favorite player would become a business partner, but together they have taken CardVault from a regional chain to a national name. Costa says Brady’s hands‑on attitude is “the biggest shock” because he knows Brady will give 100 percent to any project.Since Brady bought a 50 % stake last year, the number of stores has quadrupled. The newest flagship is in San Francisco, covering 2, 800 square feet and the biggest location yet. The opening coincided with a big football event, giving it extra buzz in a city that loves sports. Brady’s role goes beyond marketing. He also advises on the company’s strategy, encouraging an “experience‑first” approach that blends physical and online shopping. This model lets collectors buy, sell, trade, or grade cards in person while also accessing exclusive items online. The partnership shows how a sports star can turn personal passion into business success. It also highlights the growing market for collectibles, where fans want more than just a product—they want to feel part of sports history. Costa believes that with Brady’s help, CardVault can continue expanding quickly and reach even more markets. The next question isn’t whether the brand will grow, but where it will open its 13th store.