Sports figure collecting has grown alongside the trading card boom, and McFarlane's detailed sculpting has quickly made SportsPicks a standout in that space.

McFarlane's relaunched SportsPicks line brings the same 7-inch scale and articulation style the company is known for in its entertainment figures, now applied to real athletes.

That shared scale means a lot of the display and protection knowledge from McFarlane's other lines carries directly over to SportsPicks.

Here's how to keep a growing SportsPicks collection protected and display-ready.

Matching Scale to Existing Protection Products

SportsPicks figures use the same roughly 7-inch scale as McFarlane's DC Multiverse and other licensed figure lines.

This means protective cases built for that scale generally fit SportsPicks figures without needing a sports-specific product.

Checking a case's exact height and base footprint against a SportsPicks figure's packaging confirms the fit before buying in bulk.

Boxed vs. Opened Display Considerations

Sealed SportsPicks boxes hold their value best when kept in a stable, low-humidity environment away from direct sunlight.

Opened figures displayed on a shelf benefit from a dust cover or case, since jersey printing and paint detail can fade under UV exposure over time.

Collectors planning to eventually sell sealed pieces should prioritize box condition over display accessibility from the start.

Protecting Jersey Printing and Team Colors

SportsPicks figures rely heavily on accurate team colors and jersey numbers, details that are more prone to fading than sculpted features.

UV-protective display cases slow this fading significantly compared to open shelving near a window.

Rotating which figures sit in direct light, even briefly, helps spread out UV exposure across a larger collection.

Organizing a Multi-Sport Collection

Collectors following multiple sports or teams benefit from grouping figures by league first, then by team, for easier browsing and display planning.

A modular case system makes it easier to add new figures as SportsPicks continues expanding into additional leagues and eras.

Leaving expansion room in a display setup avoids a full reorganization every time a new wave releases.

Handling Figures With Accessories

SportsPicks figures often include swappable accessories like helmets, bats, or sticks that are easy to lose during handling.

Storing accessories in the same slot or bag as their figure, rather than a general parts bin, keeps sets complete over time.

Photographing a figure's full accessory set at purchase makes it easy to notice if a piece goes missing later.

Comparing SportsPicks to Other Sports Figure Lines

SportsPicks distinguishes itself with McFarlane's signature sculpting detail, a step up from simpler officially licensed alternatives in the sports figure space.

This higher detail level makes protective display even more worthwhile, since the sculpting quality is a real part of the appeal.

Building a Themed Team Display

Collectors focused on one franchise often build a small display dedicated to that team's full SportsPicks lineup as new waves release.

Leaving room for a franchise's future releases in the display plan avoids a full rebuild every time a new figure drops.

Pairing a team display with matching lighting or a backdrop card adds a professional touch without much added cost.

Where SportsPicks Fits in a Broader Figure Collection

Collectors who already own McFarlane's entertainment lines can often use the same case style across their whole collection for a consistent look.

Mixing SportsPicks with entertainment figures in one display is a matter of personal taste, since the scale compatibility makes it visually seamless either way.

Following Future SportsPicks Waves

McFarlane has signaled plans to expand SportsPicks across additional leagues beyond its NHL relaunch, worth watching for collectors building a multi-sport display.

Planning case capacity with that expansion in mind avoids outgrowing a display setup within the first year.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming SportsPicks figures need a sports-specific case rather than a standard 7-inch case.
  • Displaying figures in direct sunlight, fading team colors and jersey numbers.
  • Losing swappable accessories by storing them separately from their figure.
  • Not leaving expansion room for future waves in a display setup.

Comparing SportsPicks to Trading Card Collecting

Collectors already invested in sports cards often find SportsPicks figures a natural complementary category within the same sport or team focus.

Displaying a figure alongside a signed card or piece of memorabilia from the same player creates a more cohesive collection story.

This crossover appeal is part of why SportsPicks has found an audience among collectors who didn't previously buy sports figures.

Treating SportsPicks with the same display standards as McFarlane's entertainment lines keeps a sports figure collection looking its best for years.

As McFarlane continues expanding the line, a well-planned storage and display system makes it easy to grow the collection without stress.

Keeping an eye on McFarlane's release announcements helps collectors plan display space well before a new wave actually arrives on shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do SportsPicks figures share a scale with McFarlane's other lines?

Yes, they use the same roughly 7-inch scale.

Does sunlight fade SportsPicks jersey printing?

Yes, UV exposure fades team colors and numbers over time.

Should accessories be stored with their figure?

Yes, this keeps sets complete and easier to track.

Is boxed or opened condition better for resale value?

Sealed, unopened boxes generally hold resale value best.

Display Your Team Without the Fade

Protect your figures with EVORETRO's 7-inch action figure case.

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