Key Takeaways
- Fanatics, a global e-commerce and merchandising giant, has partnered with OBB Media to launch Fanatics Studios, a new sports media and entertainment studio.
- Fanatics Studios will create, finance, produce, and distribute content at the intersection of sports and culture, including feature films, documentaries, and live event specials.
- The studio has already lined up projects with major sports networks such as ESPN, WWE, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Fanatics Studios aims to redefine the intersection of sports and pop culture, with a goal of generating nine-figure revenue in its first year of operation.
Introduction to Fanatics Studios
Fanatics, the international e-commerce and merchandising giant, has teamed up with OBB Media to launch a new sports media and entertainment studio, Fanatics Studios. This joint venture aims to create, finance, produce, and distribute content at the intersection of sports and culture. The studio will launch with a slate spanning feature films and documentaries, unscripted and scripted originals, live event specials, and premium digital series. Michael Ratner, the founder and chief executive of entertainment studio OBB Media, will serve as CEO of the new entity, while continuing to lead all of OBB Media’s separate businesses.
Partnerships and Projects
Fanatics Studios has a range of projects already lined up with major sports networks and events. The studio will serve as a content partner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and will produce original content for Major League Baseball. Additionally, Fanatics Studios has partnered with World Baseball Classic to produce a docuseries on the event this year. The company has also announced a content deal with ESPN, which will see Fanatics Studios work with the network and Full Day Production as a producer of the 2026 ESPY Awards. Furthermore, Fanatics Studios will produce hours of additional content for ESPN over the next two years. The studio has also tied up with WWE, becoming a partner for many of its digital shows and podcasts.
Goals and Ambitions
The launch of Fanatics Studios marks a significant expansion of Fanatics’ operations into the content and media business. Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin expressed his excitement about launching Fanatics Studios, stating that it will add an important content and media business to the company’s growing sports platform. Rubin also emphasized the company’s mission of relentlessly enhancing the fan experience by creating content that brings fans closer to the teams, players, sports, cultural moments, and events that they love. Michael Ratner, CEO of Fanatics Studios, noted that sports and pop culture are converging at the heart of the global entertainment landscape, and the studio aims to redefine what is possible at that intersection.
Background and Context
Fanatics was acquired by Michael Rubin in 2011, and since then, the company has expanded across multiple verticals, including collectibles, sports betting, live shopping, and events. The global sports juggernaut is currently valued at more than $30 billion and is expecting to generate $13 billion in revenue in 2026. The launch of Fanatics Studios is expected to generate significant revenue, with estimates suggesting a nine-figure revenue in its first year of operation. The studio combines OBB Sports’ production business with Fanatics’ existing media partnerships, with OBB Pictures handling physical production on all Fanatics Studios projects.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The launch of Fanatics Studios marks a significant development in the sports media and entertainment landscape. With its range of projects and partnerships with major sports networks and events, the studio is well-positioned to redefine the intersection of sports and pop culture. As the global sports industry continues to evolve, Fanatics Studios is poised to play a major role in shaping the future of sports entertainment. With its goal of generating nine-figure revenue in its first year of operation, the studio is expected to make a significant impact on the industry. As Fanatics continues to expand its operations across multiple verticals, the launch of Fanatics Studios is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the sports industry.
