What's Happening?
Fanatics, led by Michael Rubin, is expanding into the entertainment industry with the launch of Fanatics Studios, a joint venture with OBB Media. This new initiative aims to produce a variety of content, including live events, original series, feature films, and digital content. The studio has secured significant partnerships with major sports and entertainment entities such as LA28, ESPN, WWE, and MLB. Notable projects include a docuseries featuring Tom Brady, who is coming out of retirement for a flag football event, and a strategic partnership with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games to produce content around the event. Additionally, Fanatics Studios will produce the 2026 ESPY Awards and other content for ESPN, as well as digital shows
and podcasts for WWE.
Why It's Important?
The launch of Fanatics Studios marks a significant expansion of Fanatics' influence in the sports and entertainment sectors. By leveraging its existing relationships and expertise in sports merchandise and collectibles, Fanatics aims to become a major player in sports content production. This move could reshape the landscape of sports media by integrating entertainment with sports merchandising and betting, potentially increasing fan engagement and creating new revenue streams. The partnerships with high-profile organizations like ESPN and WWE highlight the growing demand for sports-related content and the potential for Fanatics to capitalize on this trend.
What's Next?
Fanatics Studios is expected to continue developing and announcing new projects as it establishes itself in the entertainment industry. The success of its initial ventures, such as the Tom Brady docuseries and the content produced for the LA28 Olympics, will likely influence future collaborations and expansions. Stakeholders in the sports and entertainment industries will be watching closely to see how Fanatics leverages its new studio to enhance fan experiences and drive business growth. The integration of sports content with Fanatics' existing platforms could lead to innovative fan engagement strategies and further expansion into international markets.
