• Loading stock data...
Saturday, February 21, 2026

Fanatics Raises $350M in Likely Final Private Funding Round

Fanatics
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Fanatics has closed a $350 million investment round. As the company reportedly gears up for an IPO, it is now valued at approximately $6.2 billion.

Fanatics has raised about $1.5 billion since 2011 and this is expected to be its last private funding round. It was led by Fidelity Management & Research Co. and Thrive Capital, and also included Franklin Templeton Investments and Neuberger Berman Group.

Past investors include SoftBank Group, the NFL, the NHL and MLB. Fanatics makes and sells licensed fan apparel and has deals with every major U.S. league and more than 150 colleges.

Fanatics Rundown: 

— $2.5 billion in 2019 revenue.

— 30% online sales growth in 2020.

— $20 million revenue hit projected because of the pandemic.

— 80% of revenue comes from direct-to-consumer sales.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 11, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Fanatics chief executive officer Michael Rubin attends game three of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Fan Who Is Forcing Fanatics to Listen

“I’m hoping that one meeting can lead to another meeting and another meeting.”
Michael Rubin; Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Fanatics owner Michael Rubin attends the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Inside Fanatics’s Battle to Block a Polymarket Hire

The two sides informed the court that they have reached a settlement.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; eam World forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on in-between games during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.

How Alexis Ohanian Became Giannis’s Sports Investment Whisperer

“It all started with a DM from Thanasis,” Ohanian tells FOS.
Feb 17, 2026; Lee County, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Kristian Campbell (28) poses for a photo during media day at JetBlue Park.

Red Sox Change Their Tune on Fanatics Jersey Issues

The MLB club takes responsibility for a jersey design error.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark dribbles up the court against Team USA during the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.

Ex-NFL Pro, Commanders Exec Says Women’s Sports Is an Undervalued Asset

Jason Wright oversees a fund that has secured $250 million.
Puma store
January 27, 2026

Chinese Sportswear Giant Eyes World Domination With $1.8B Puma Deal

Anta is now the largest shareholder in both Puma and Amer Sports.
January 28, 2026

CVC’s New Sports Business Buys Into $300M Equestrian Company

Global Sport Group bought a controlling stake in Equine Network.
Sponsored

From MLS to AUSL: Jon Patricof on Building Sports Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd motions to his team during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center.
January 27, 2026

Jason Kidd Takes Board Role, Equity Stake in Youth Sports Company

The Mavericks coach is an equity holder and member of the board.
Contestants compete in the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest at Tootsie's 57th Anniversary Birthday Bash on Lower Broadway in Nashville on Oct. 10, 2017.
January 22, 2026

Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Will Continue Under New Chinese Ownership

Nathan’s expects to keep the contest at Coney Island.
Batbox
January 12, 2026

Bowling’s Blueprint Is Powering the New Social Gaming Boom

New venues are fusing sports, entertainment, and good food.
Sep 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Kody Funderburk (55) and catch
December 17, 2025

Twins’ New Investments Value Club at $1.75 Billion

The Twins have also announced a succession plan.