Replay Sports Cards Takes Home Franchise Update Media's STAR Award

Community-Focused Sports Card Franchise Setting New Standard in Franchisee Onboarding with First-Of-Its-Kind Opportunity in the Hobby

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Replay Sports Cards ("Replay"), the first franchise in America created exclusively for sports card collectors and traders, was honored at Franchise Update Media's 2026 STAR Awards with the Franchise Innovation Award for Most Innovative On-Boarding Program.

Franchise Innovation Awards were presented alongside the annual STAR Awards at the Franchise Leadership & Development Conference in Atlanta, October 5-8. The awards recognize franchise brands that set the standard and exceed expectations for how new franchisees are welcomed into the system, trained, and prepared to open their doors to lovers of the sports world. Replay was the only brand honored in the onboarding category, joining the 2026 class of honorees.

"We're honored to be a part of Franchise Update's award list this year. Supporting our franchisees is always top of mind for us and having an outlet recognize that feels great," said Brent Schepel, Co-Founder of Replay. "We deeply appreciate the recognition of our onboarding program that continues to shape the future of this brand."

Replay earned the honor for an onboarding program that guides new owners through in-depth training that covers product cycles, condition and counterfeit basics, buying process, community relations, and how to enhance the in-shop experience. Replay is dedicated to giving ongoing support that transcends even after doors open, like giving franchisees access to their growing franchise community, where best practices and real-world experience are shared regularly.

"Every part of our onboarding program is designed around real situations our owners will face one day, from evaluating a collection to spotting counterfeits, to creating a space collectors want to spend their Saturday," said Tracy Timko, Director of Operations for Replay. "When an owner opens their doors, we want them to feel confident from the very first customer."

That hands-on training is only the beginning. Replay views onboarding as the first step in a long-term partnership, with leadership committed to supporting franchisees well beyond their first day in business.

"It's not enough to just give franchisees support before they open their doors, continuing to help build a solid foundation for our team only strengthens our system and ensures our franchisees are set up for long-term success," said Mike Weinberger, Co-Founder and President of Franchising for Replay. "We're looking forward to continuing to expand our system on an award-winning onboarding program with future franchisees."

Replay Sports Cards offers entrepreneurs a proven model that modernizes the card trading experience while keeping the community aspect alive. As Replay continues to expand, their franchisee support continues to be an influential component to the brand's success.

For more information about Replay Sports Cards and its franchise opportunities, visit replaysportscards.com/franchise.

ABOUT REPLAY SPORTS CARDS

Replay Sports Cards is the first-ever sports card shop franchise, offering a full-service experience that includes buying, selling, trading and grading. With three shops across the U.S. and a strong presence at major card shows nationwide, Replay delivers an approachable, trustworthy environment for collectors of all ages and experience levels. The franchise is designed to make card collecting accessible, exciting, and meaningful, blending modern retail with a deep love for the hobby. Originally founded as One Stop Sports, Replay Sports Cards combines deep industry knowledge with a community-first mindset, both in-shop and through weekly livestreams on Whatnot (@ReplaySportsCards) and TikTok, (@ReplaySportsCards). To learn more, visit replaysportscards.com.

SOURCE Replay Sports Cards