The $53 Million Triple Threat: Why The Auston Matthews 'Future Watch Auto' Is Hockey's Ultimate Investment In 2025
Auston Matthews' name is a multi-billion dollar brand, but for collectors and investors, three simple words carry the most weight: "Future Watch Auto." As of late December 2025, this phrase is not just the name of an iconic trading card; it’s a triple entendre representing the NHL superstar's legacy, his staggering contract, and his luxury lifestyle. This article dives deep into the latest market trends, career milestones, and the literal 'auto' and 'watch' elements that make Matthews a perennial investment, explaining why his key rookie card remains one of the most volatile and valuable assets in the sports card world.
The card in question is the highly coveted 2016-17 Upper Deck SP Authentic #146 Future Watch Autograph, limited to just /999 copies. Its value is intrinsically linked to Matthews' performance, and with the Toronto Maple Leafs star continuing to dominate the league in the 2025-2026 season, the card's market position is a constant topic of discussion among high-stakes investors and dedicated hockey card enthusiasts.
Auston Matthews: The Superstar’s Biography and 2025-2026 Season Update
Auston Matthews, known by his nickname "Papi" and recognized globally by his number 34, has solidified his status as one of the most dominant goal-scorers of his generation. His career trajectory continues to drive the market for his memorabilia.
- Full Name: Auston Harris Matthews
- Born: September 17, 1997 (Age 28 as of late 2025)
- Birthplace: San Ramon, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
- Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)
- Position: Center (C)
- NHL Team: Toronto Maple Leafs (Drafted 1st overall in 2016)
- NHL Debut: October 12, 2016 (Historic four-goal debut)
- Key Awards (Pre-2025): Calder Memorial Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP), Ted Lindsay Award, Multiple Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies (Leading Goal Scorer)
- Current Contract: Signed a 4-year, $53 million contract extension in 2023.
- 2025-2026 Season Status (as of Dec 2025): Continues to lead the team, with recent stats showing 14 goals and 9 assists in 30 games, maintaining a strong plus-minus rating.
- Cap Hit (2025-2026): $13.25 million, with a base salary of $775,000 and a significant signing bonus of $14,425,000.
The Investment: 2025 Market for the Future Watch Auto Card
The core of the "Auston Matthews Future Watch Auto" phenomenon is the trading card itself. Issued by Upper Deck's SP Authentic line, the Future Watch Autograph is considered the premier signed rookie card for any player, often surpassing the value of the iconic Young Guns card due to its low print run of /999 and on-card signature. Its market performance in 2025 reflects the volatile yet incredibly high ceiling of the modern sports card investment landscape.
Value Trends and Key Sales Data
The value of the Matthews Future Watch Auto is heavily influenced by grading. Cards graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) or BGS (Beckett Grading Services) command massive premiums. The market has seen some recent fluctuations, but the high-grade examples remain firmly in the elite tier of hockey collectibles.
- Raw Condition: Prices for raw (ungraded) copies have shown volatility, with some recent 30-day trends indicating a downward movement, though this is often seen as a buying opportunity by long-term investors.
- PSA 10 (Gem Mint): A perfect PSA 10 example of the Matthews Future Watch Auto is a holy grail for collectors. Sales for these top-tier cards frequently push into the high four-figure and low five-figure range, reflecting the card's rarity and the player's generational talent.
- BGS 9.5/10 (Gem Mint/Perfect Auto): Beckett-graded copies, especially those with a perfect 10-grade for the autograph, are equally sought after. The combination of a high card grade and a perfect signature adds a layer of premium value.
The card’s enduring value is a testament to Matthews’ consistent performance. Every goal, every award, and every deep playoff run (or lack thereof) directly impacts the price, making it a real-time investment tied to the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise. The card is a perfect example of a "blue-chip" asset in the hobby, alongside other elite rookie autos like Connor McDavid's The Cup Rookie Patch Autograph.
The Literal 'Watch' and 'Auto': Matthews' Luxury Lifestyle
Beyond the trading card, the phrase "Future Watch Auto" takes on a literal meaning when examining Auston Matthews' off-ice life. His massive contract and lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Apple, Bauer, and Porsche have afforded him a rich Southwest lifestyle, including a notable passion for luxury items—specifically high-end automobiles and timepieces.
The 'Auto' Collection: Speed, Precision, and Endorsements
Matthews is an admitted enthusiast of high-performance vehicles. His collection emphasizes speed and precision engineering, mirroring the attributes he displays on the ice. His choice of cars often reflects his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport.
- Porsche 911 Turbo S: A centerpiece of his garage, the 911 Turbo S is the epitome of high-performance luxury, a nod to his endorsement deal with the brand.
- Lamborghini: Reports confirm he owns a model from the Italian marque, known for its aggressive styling and blistering speed.
- Ferraris and Other Exotics: His collection is said to include other high-end models from Ferrari, showcasing a broad appreciation for the world's most elite sports cars.
The 'Watch' Element: A Symbol of Success
While specific models are often kept private, Matthews’ fashion sense and public appearances confirm his appreciation for luxury watches. In the world of professional sports, a high-end timepiece is a universal symbol of success, precision, and investment—much like his rookie card. Hockey players, known for their sharp, clean style, often favor classic luxury brands. These watches, like his investment-grade rookie card, are assets that hold or increase in value over time, serving as a physical representation of his future success being realized.
Topical Authority: Why Matthews' Card is a Cornerstone of the Hockey Card Hobby
The 2016-17 SP Authentic set is a landmark release, not just because of Auston Matthews, but because it contains the rookie cards of several other key players. However, Matthews' card stands head and shoulders above the rest due to his unparalleled goal-scoring consistency and his status as the face of the NHL's largest market, Toronto. The Future Watch Auto is a crucial benchmark for the entire hockey card market.
Collectors view the Future Watch set as the gold standard for rookie autographs. The scarcity (limited to /999) and the clean, on-card signature format make it an aesthetically pleasing and historically significant collectible. The card's enduring value is a reflection of Matthews' career trajectory, which, thanks to his massive contract through the 2027-2028 season, is locked in for the foreseeable future. This long-term certainty in his career provides a strong foundation for the investment value of his most important rookie card.
In conclusion, the "Auston Matthews Future Watch Auto" is more than a collectible. It is a powerful symbol of a generational talent's impact on the sport and the financial markets that surround him. Whether you are tracking the price of a PSA 10, admiring his Porsche, or watching him score another goal in the 2025-2026 season, the 'Future Watch Auto' is the ultimate marker of Auston Matthews' enduring status as a $53 million superstar.
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