Core Insights - The ongoing 15th National Games and the Special Olympics have seen a surge in popularity for licensed retail products, with some items experiencing a "one item hard to find" phenomenon [1] Group 1: Product Popularity - The "Guangzhou Joy Package," a commemorative backpack featuring the event's mascot, has gained rapid popularity due to its unique design and practicality, leading to increased production efforts to meet demand [5] - The official licensed retail store reported that within just 30 minutes of launching the "Joy Package," sales exceeded 10,000 units, prompting urgent measures to address supply shortages [7] Group 2: Sales Performance - The current National Games has introduced over 2,800 licensed products across 20 categories, with more than 500 offline retail stores and over 70 online shops in Guangdong province, achieving total sales exceeding 680 million yuan [9] - The popularity of the mascot has not only boosted cultural and creative consumption but also reflects the vitality and inclusiveness of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [9] Group 3: Consumer Sentiment - Consumers expressed pride in purchasing unique items, such as headphone bags and traditional cultural-themed products, highlighting the emotional connection and excitement surrounding the event being hosted in their region [11]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of sports trading cards in China has transformed from a nostalgic collectible into a speculative market, leading to gambling-like behaviors and the need for regulatory oversight [1][4][8]. Group 1: Gambling and Speculation - A criminal gang in Ningbo was prosecuted for operating an online gambling scheme disguised as sports card trading, with the main perpetrator sentenced to six years in prison and fined 500,000 yuan [1]. - The gambling methods involved using sports-themed cards, such as NBA and Premier League player cards, as gambling chips, with various promotional tactics that misled consumers [1][5]. - The current market dynamics have shifted from genuine collection to a speculative frenzy, where many participants are driven by the desire for quick profits rather than long-term investment [4][5]. Group 2: Cultural and Historical Context - Sports trading cards have a rich history, particularly in Western countries, where they are tied closely to sports narratives and player performances, providing a stable market for collectors [2][3]. - In China, the culture surrounding sports cards is still developing, lacking the depth and understanding seen in Western markets, which has led to a focus on short-term gains rather than cultural appreciation [6][7]. Group 3: Regulatory Needs - There is a pressing need for improved regulations in the sports card market to protect consumers and ensure fair practices, including transparency in card distribution and sales [7][8]. - Experts suggest that the market should adopt regulations similar to those in the blind box industry to establish clear rules regarding card issuance, probability disclosures, and trading channels [7][9]. - The long-term success of the sports card market in China hinges on fostering a deeper appreciation for sports culture and moving away from speculative practices [8][9].