Jay-Z, Aaron Judge, and Connor McDavid join Tom Brady's business empire
The collectibles company targets more than 100 stores
T om Brady ’s push to turn CardVault into a national collectibles powerhouse has received a significant vote of confidence, with Jay-Z, Aaron Judge and Connor McDavid joining a new investor group behind the company.
Brady took a 50 percent stake in CardVault in February 2025, and the retailer has expanded rapidly since then.
The company now wants to accelerate that growth, with plans to reach 24 stores by the end of 2026, 40 by the end of 2027 and eventually more than 100 locations across the United States. The new backers add considerable star power.
Alongside Jay-Z , Yankees captain Judge and Edmonton Oilers captain McDavid, the group includes Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry, Celtics CEO Wyc Grousbeck, The Kraft Group and UFC president Dana White. Financial details weren't disclosed.
CardVault betting on more than Brady’s name
The company’s co-founder and managing partner, Chris Costa , said CardVault deliberately sought investors who understood the culture around sports cards rather than simply providing capital.
“These are folks that are in tune with this space and have been active in this space, either quietly or publicly,” Costa said. “There are some real collectors on this list, which is one of the most exciting parts for me.”
That matters because CardVault is trying to build something larger than a conventional memorabilia shop. Since Brady became involved, the company has opened 14 stores and has increasingly targeted high-profile locations tied directly to live sports.
Its footprint includes sites around TD Garden, Wrigley Field and Gillette Stadium, with more venue-based openings expected.
“Major ballparks, arenas and stadiums are a priority for us,” Costa added. “It’s always going to be a priority for us getting the fans to see cards when they’re coming to or leaving a ballpark, arena or stadium.”
Physical stores to remain at center
CardVault’s expansion strategy is notable because it's leaning heavily into brick-and-mortar retail at a time when so much commerce has moved online. Costa believes the trading-card business still depends on the in-person experience.
“I think for us, brick-and-mortar will always remain the backbone of our space,” he said.
The company is attempting to sit somewhere between a traditional local hobby shop and the scale of national chains such as Target and Walmart, which have also increased their presence in collectibles.
“Our industry has made humongous leaps and bounds over the last five, 10 years,” Costa stated. “Well, the retail experience really hasn’t.”
Brady ’s involvement gives that strategy a recognizable face, but the latest investment suggests CardVault is becoming more than another celebrity-backed side venture.
Judge and McDavid bring direct credibility with current sports fans, while Jay-Z, Henry, Grousbeck and White add influence across entertainment, ownership and major professional leagues.
That combination could prove especially valuable if CardVault succeeds in its plan to scale from a growing chain into a genuinely national brand.
Brady built his reputation by dominating football. Now he is assembling another all-star roster, this time around a business he hopes can become one of the biggest names in sports collecting.
