From turf to trading cards, Tom Brady has traded in his helmet for a cash register—or at least, a ceremonial pair of oversized scissors. The seven-time Super Bowl victory chaser has embarked on the next chapter of his legendary career by opening a high-end trading card and collectibles store in East Hampton, aptly named CardVault by Tom Brady. How’s that for a winning play in one of New York’s most elite enclaves?
Despite the weather doing its best to play defense with brisk winds and a drizzle, fans of the football virtuoso huddled outside in anticipation, lining up along the streets like it was Super Bowl Sunday all over again. Brady, ever the consummate team player, greeted his fans with enthusiasm, tossing signed footballs and sealed packs of trading cards like a quarterback distributing passes on game day. He stopped for selfies and high-fives before cutting the ribbon, officially ushering in the new era of Brady-branded collectibles.
“We had a vision to bring the best hobby shop in the country right here to East Hampton,” Brady announced to the crowd, with more dedication than one might expect from just a store owner. But for Brady, this place holds personal significance beyond the business. This isn’t just a shop—it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of all sports.
The facade is as immaculate as Brady’s career stats—a sleek, white brick building graced by his illustrious name. Inside, it’s a collector’s paradise, boasting a wide range of treasures, from universally beloved Pokémon cards to rarified sports memorabilia worth enough to rival even the most lucrative NFL contracts. The pièce de résistance? A formidable vault door at the back, leading to an exclusive sanctum where autographed memorabilia reigns supreme, and a private lounge buzzes with trade talk.
Not one to shy away from mingling with legends, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, joined Brady behind the counter for a jovial exchange. Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin was also on the guest list, a testament to the kind of high-profile circle Brady’s new venture travels in.
Interestingly, this isn’t a mere celebrity dalliance. Earlier this year, Brady acquired a hefty 50% ownership stake in CardVault, which is rapidly expanding with outposts already in Boston, Foxborough, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Most are strategically positioned near big-name sports venues. East Hampton’s iteration, however, navigates a new playbook—a lifestyle-drive venue perched in a locale known more for luxurious beachside properties and exquisite dining than for die-hard sports fandoms.
“This store is different,” vouched CardVault’s co-founder, Chris Costa. “It’s not just for the hardcore collector. It’s for anyone who’s ever loved sports or collecting. We wanted to create an environment where someone can walk in and rediscover the excitement of the hobby.” Costa paints a picture of an inclusive escapade into the world of collecting treasures, whether your heart races at the sight of a rare card, or you’re more of a casual browser.
While Brady’s name on the sign surely adds allure, his involvement pulses beyond the surface level. “Tom’s texting, emailing, checking in constantly,” assured Costa. “He’s hands-on, creative, and cares deeply about what we’re building.” Indeed, like on the field, he’s not just calling the plays; he’s leading the charge.
The store’s inventory is a treasure trove, replete with gear from Brady’s iconographic career rivals. “We even stock Eli Manning gear,” Costa laughed, acknowledging the irony, given Eli Manning—former Giants QB, a Hamptons denizen, and the man who bested Brady twice in the Super Bowl—is part of the mythos.
For Brady, CardVault isn’t just branching into retail; it’s an embodiment of community and camaraderie. “Collecting brings people together,” Brady articulated. “It’s fun, it’s personal, and it builds community. And this town? It’s a perfect place for that.”
East Hampton’s summer swell will undoubtedly see CardVault by Tom Brady become a must-see attraction, much like spotting a celebrity on the beach. Beyond the glitzy lining, the core of this enterprise is a genuine passion project. Brady’s signature on this endeavor signals more than a celeb-backed venture; it’s a spirited touchdown into the next phase of passion and connection off the field.
