Kevin O'Leary Wants 5% of His Portfolio in One Unusual Asset Class: ‘It's a Real Problem’

“Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary said he views sports collectibles as an alternative asset class and wants the category to make up about 5% of his portfolio.

“My strategy is simple. Own many of the very best cards, diversify across them like an index, and let the portfolio compound over time,” O’Leary said in a post on X on Wednesday. He shared a clip of himself discussing the strategy in more detail, an appearance that originally aired on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Tuesday.

I see sports collectibles as an alternative asset class.

My strategy is simple. Own many of the very best cards, diversify across them like an index, and let the portfolio compound over time. I want about 5% of my portfolio exposed to this category.

The challenge is that when… pic.twitter.com/jDZt7iHAnD

— Kevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) September 9, 2026

Gold Card Story

In the clip, O’Leary discussed the story behind an $11 million Shohei Ohtani Logoman card, describing it as a one-of-a-kind piece paired with 2.2 pounds of solid gold, 110 carats of Tiffany diamonds and rubies matched to the card.

“There’s an emotional connection to a man and his card,” O’Leary said. “It’s a real problem because we love these cards.”

“If you actually held this card, you’d put it around your neck. No one else is going to get to do it. Maybe Ohtani will.”

O’Leary said Secure Collectibles acquired the card, and that he and his partners discuss potential sales "every day."

O’Leary’s index strategy echoes his approach with a record-breaking $12.93 million Michael Jordan-Kobe Bryant dual logoman card he purchased with partners Matt Allen and Paul Warshaw, a 1-of-1 card he has said he’ll likely never sell.

That card anchors the WonderShyne Index, the trio’s growing portfolio of ultra-rare collectibles, which also includes a $10 million Jordan-LeBron James card. O’Leary has previously compared the appreciation potential of unique cards to rare fine art by artists like Warhol and Pollock.

Disclaimer: This content was produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo courtesy: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com