Fanatics Launches Events Division for Card Shows, Live Experiences and More
Fanatics started with trading card licenses and has quickly expanded into manufacturing, breaking and an online marketplace. Now, with the launch of Fanatics Events, they’re getting into the card show business and other live experiences.
Fanatics will hold a majority stake in the new company with IMG having a smaller piece of ownership. IMG is owned by Endeavor, whose portfolio also includes UFC and the pending acquisition of WWE. They’re also not strangers to organizing hobby events. IMG teamed with Collectable to host The MINT Collective in Las Vegas in 2022 and 2023.
As far as what collectors can expect from the new division, it’s probably not going to be your typical local card show. Think bigger, broader and with lots of different touch points.
“The launch of our new Fanatics Events business provides an opportunity to celebrate all aspects of fandom — including sports, collectibles, memorabilia, fashion, music and entertainment — under one physical roof in a way that has never been done before,” said Lance Festerman, the new company’s CEO.
Festerman comes over from ReedPop where he was responsible for a variety of pop culture live events including New York Comic Con.
No specifics on event launches have been announced.
