Right About Now with Ryan Alford delivers another deep dive—this time into the booming world of sports memorabilia with Dan Jamieson, CEO of Icons.com, the world’s leading retailer of signed soccer collectibles.

Discover how scarcity, authenticity, and exclusive partnerships with global icons like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, and top clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Man City drive massive collector demand worldwide. Dan shares Icons.com’s 26-year journey, insider stories from iconic signing sessions, and why the U.S. market is finally exploding for soccer memorabilia.

Whether you’re a collector, investor, marketer, or sports fan—this episode gives you the blueprint for understanding the future of high-value collectibles.

⭐ What You’ll Learn

• Why scarcity (Veblen effect) drives high-end memorabilia value
• How Icons.com became the world’s top signed soccer memorabilia brand
• Behind-the-scenes stories with Messi and Maradona
• How licensing with FIFA and major clubs elevates authenticity
• Why soccer fandom is creating massive demand in the U.S.
• The logistics behind global collectibles distribution
• Where the market is heading—and how collectors can stay ahead

🎯 TAKEAWAYS

• The sports memorabilia market thrives on scarcity and exclusivity.
• The Veblen effect explains why limited, high-end items gain value.
• Dan Jamieson’s personal passion for collecting shaped his leadership at Icons.com.
• Icons.com has grown into a global memorabilia powerhouse with 26+ years in the industry.
• Partnerships with FIFA, Champions League, and top clubs elevate authenticity and reach.
• High-demand players like Messi and Maradona drive global collector interest.
• Limited signings maintain long-term value; mass-signers see diluted markets.
• Soccer memorabilia is massive globally and is now booming in the U.S.
• Logistics and shipping of signed items are complex and require extreme trust.
• Digital marketing and storytelling are shaping the future of the collectibles space.

🕒 TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 – Introduction to the Collectibles Market
Scarcity, Veblen effect, and demand for premium memorabilia.
00:00:28 – Icons.com’s Scarcity Strategy
Dan explains controlled supply and unique product presentation.
00:00:56 – Podcast & Host Introduction
Ryan sets the stage and welcomes the audience.
00:01:19 – Guest Welcome
Introducing Dan Jamieson and Icons.com.
00:01:55 – Company History & Dan’s Journey
Icons.com’s 26-year evolution and Dan’s leadership path.
00:02:10 – Why People Collect
Emotional value, nostalgia, and childhood inspiration.
00:02:37 – Collecting as Culture
Why collecting is a universal human behavior.
00:02:59 – Icons.com’s Global Reach
Worldwide buyer base and 24/7 demand.
00:03:19 – Soccer’s Popularity vs. U.S. Market
Global dominance of football and growing American interest.
00:04:14 – Dan’s Marketing Background
From Panini albums to full-time memorabilia.
00:05:33 – Transition to CEO
How Dan became co-owner and shifted the business forward.
00:06:15 – Licensing & Partnerships
Working with FIFA, Champions League, and global clubs.
00:07:15 – Player Roster & Market Access
Expanding signings by partnering with top teams.
00:07:22 – Messi Partnership Story
Signing Messi at 17 and witnessing his World Cup glory.
00:09:04 – Messi Jersey Scarcity
Why only 50,000 signed jerseys in 20 years is significant.
00:09:22 – Pele vs. Messi: Mass vs. Limited Signing
How scarcity affects long-term value.
00:10:00 – Controlled Supply Strategy
Protecting value through limited signings.
00:10:20 – Personal Collectibles & Maradona Story
Dan’s personal treasures and working with Maradona.
00:11:36 – Maradona’s Final Signing
A dramatic story involving shipping delays and trust.
00:13:04 – U.S. Expansion
Icons.com opens U.S. operations and distribution.
00:13:33 – How to Buy in the U.S.
Dan explains the ordering and shipping process.
00:14:39 – Outro
Show credits, links, and final remarks.