This excerpt dives into Alexis Ohanian’s surprising passion for collecting his wife Serena Williams’ trading cards. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a mission to preserve her legacy and capitalize on an undervalued market.

Ohanian, a businessman and venture capitalist, rekindled his childhood love for card collecting after a friend’s nudge. But discovering Serena’s cards were worth less than Anna Kournikova’s sparked his investor instincts. Here was a market inefficiency!

Driven by a mix of financial opportunity, romantic gesture, and long-term legacy building, Ohanian embarked on a full-fledged treasure hunt. He enlisted the help of Chris Jackson from Alt, a tech-driven sports card marketplace he previously funded.

Beyond the Set: Building a Legacy

While completing a set of Serena’s (relatively few) unique cards was an option, Ohanian aimed bigger. He started acquiring not just rare finds like her rookie card, but also bulk quantities of common ones. This wasn’t just about collecting; it was about preserving Serena’s story in its entirety.

Obsessive Dedication (in the Best Way)

Jackson, Ohanian’s co-navigator, witnessed his relentless pursuit. Text messages flew at all hours, with Ohanian strategizing and negotiating even during high-profile events like the Robin Hood NYC gala or the Met Gala. His dedication, bordering on obsession (in a good way!), resulted in a collection rivaling any GOAT’s stash.

The Clothes vs. Cards Battle

Ohanian’s enthusiasm even led to a playful clash with Serena. The sheer volume of cards took over their closet, prompting a gentle reminder from his wife. The battle for closet space continues, but one thing’s for sure: Ohanian’s commitment to collecting Serena’s memorabilia is a testament to her extraordinary career and his unwavering love.