Key Takeaways:
- Fanatics, a leading sports merchandising company, is launching Fanatics Studios, a new content arm that will create, finance, produce, and distribute various projects, including films, documentaries, and live event specials.
- The studio’s initial projects include the official Olympic film for the LA28 Games, a documentary series on Tom Brady, and partnerships with WWE, MLB, Fox Sports, and ESPN.
- Fanatics Studios aims to bring fans closer to the action and redefine the intersection of sports and pop culture in the global entertainment landscape.
- The studio will be led by Michael Ratner, CEO of OBB Media, who will partner with Fanatics founder Michael Rubin.
Introduction to Fanatics Studios
Fanatics, the sports merchandising giant, is expanding its reach into the entertainment industry with the launch of Fanatics Studios, a new content arm that promises to bring fans closer to the action. The company, best known for its jerseys and collectibles, is moving beyond its traditional business model to create, finance, produce, and distribute a wide range of projects, including feature films, documentaries, unscripted originals, live event specials, and premium digital series. This bold move is set to shake up the sports and entertainment industries, and Fanatics is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality content.
The Vision Behind Fanatics Studios
The vision behind Fanatics Studios is to redefine the intersection of sports and pop culture in the global entertainment landscape. According to Michael Ratner, CEO of OBB Media and partner of Fanatics founder Michael Rubin, "Sports and pop culture are converging at the heart of the global entertainment landscape, and we’re building Fanatics Studios to redefine what is possible at that intersection." This vision is ambitious, and Fanatics Studios is already making waves with its initial projects, including the official Olympic film for the LA28 Games, a multipart documentary series on Tom Brady, and partnerships with major players like WWE, MLB, Fox Sports, and ESPN.
Initial Projects and Partnerships
The initial projects and partnerships announced by Fanatics Studios are impressive, to say the least. The studio will be working on a documentary series called "One More Drive," which will track Tom Brady as he prepares for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic and explores a potential run at Team USA as flag football makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Additionally, Fanatics Studios will oversee Olympic-related projects highlighting athletes, culture, and defining moments of the Games. The studio will also be partnering with WWE, MLB, and Fox Sports on various projects, and will be joining ESPN as a producer of the 2026 ESPY Awards. These partnerships demonstrate the scope and ambition of Fanatics Studios and its commitment to delivering high-quality content to fans.
Leadership and Mission
Fanatics Studios will be led by Michael Ratner, who will serve as CEO while continuing to run OBB Media’s other businesses. Ratner will partner with Fanatics founder Michael Rubin, who is excited about the launch of Fanatics Studios and its potential to enhance the fan experience. According to Rubin, "We are going to continue pushing our mission of relentlessly enhancing the fan experience by creating content that brings fans closer than ever to the teams, players, sports, cultural moments, and events that they love in a way that’s never been done before." This mission is at the heart of Fanatics Studios, and the company is committed to delivering on its promise to bring fans closer to the action.
The Future of Fanatics Studios
The launch of Fanatics Studios marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of Fanatics, and the company is poised for growth and success in the entertainment industry. With its initial projects and partnerships, Fanatics Studios is already making a statement, and the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality content is evident. As the sports and entertainment industries continue to converge, Fanatics Studios is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and bring fans closer to the action. The future of Fanatics Studios looks bright, and fans can expect to see a wide range of exciting projects and partnerships in the months and years to come.
