Fanatics, the powerhouse behind officially licensed apparel for nearly every major sports league—from the NFL and NBA to Formula 1 and WWE—is expanding its reach into live entertainment. The company has announced the debut of “Fanatics Fest,” a massive three-day sports convention scheduled for August 16–18 at the Javits Center in New York City.
The event is designed to be an immersive experience where fans can interact with legendary athletes such as Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, and Peyton Manning. Attendees can expect exclusive merchandise releases, live podcast recordings, and significant industry news. For collectors, the festival will feature a specialized “trading pit” showcasing some of the world’s most valuable sports cards and memorabilia.
The growth of Fanatics is a testament to the vision of CEO Michael Rubin. After buying the business in 2011, Rubin has transformed it from a retail shop into a global sports conglomerate valued at approximately $31 billion. According to Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, the goal of the New York City festival is to merge sports, culture, and entertainment into a premier live experience for fans.
Tickets are available now, with single-day passes starting at $30 for children and $50 for adults. Three-day passes range from $65 to $130, while a premium VIP package is offered at $400.