• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Front Office Sports Honors winners are here! View the 2025 winners

Fanatics Valuation Jumps Another $9B

Fanatics
Fanatics/Design: Alex Brooks

Fanatics announced a $1.5 billion funding round, valuing the company at $27 billion.

BlackRock, Fidelity, and MSD Capital were included in the round, a source close to the deal told Front Office Sports. The company raised $325 million in August at an $18 billion valuation.

Initially known for its sports merchandise and memorabilia, Fanatics has gained footholds in other sports sectors with the help of its databases, which include more than 80 million reachable sports fans.

  • Fanatics added Topps trading card company to its portfolio in January for $500 million, adding to its own card company, which at the time was already valued at $10 billion. It has exclusive trading card deals with MLB, MLBPA, the NBA, NBPA, and NFLPA.
  • The company has been eyeing sports betting and even applied for a license in New York, though that was declined. It hired former FanDuel CEO Matt King to run its sports betting and iGaming division.
  • Candy Digital, an NFT platform, brought in $2.7 million from its marketplace debut.
  • Fanatics also owns 50% of Lids.

Fanatics Finale?

Despite its new forms of business, Fanatics isn’t distancing itself from its roots by any means. Last month, the company and a number of high-profile investors purchased vintage sports jersey maker Mitchell & Ness for a reported $250 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Unveils 2026 Schedule As Big Changes Loom Soon After

Next year’s slate could be among the last in the current format.
Babe Ruth

Man With Babe Ruth’s Name Charged With MLB Identity Thefts

George Herman Ruth, 69, used hundreds of false names and Social Security numbers.

6 Burning Questions About Reimagined MLB Rights Deals

MLB’s rights are changing significantly, but questions still remain.

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.

Featured Today

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.
August 22, 2025

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
March 11, 2025

Dick’s Faces Investor Concerns Over Tariffs Despite Record Quarter

The prominent retailer offers an uncertain outlook due to economic challenges.
AA Mint Cards
May 18, 2025

Young Collectors Are on a High-Stakes Chase for Ultra-Rare Trading Cards

“They just want that excitement of the chase,” says a 23-year-old collector.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Super Bowl LIX signage at the Hyatt Hotel.
February 4, 2025

New Orleans Home Rentals Skyrocket Around Super Bowl

Short-term rental revenue has already reached $10.5 million.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Sponsored

FOS Holiday Gift Guide 2024

The Front Office Sports Holiday Gift Guide is back, featuring an exclusive lineup of athlete-owned brands that sports fans will love.
November 4, 2024

Super Bowl Ads Sell Out Three Months Early, at Record Price

Ad units are believed to be selling at more than $7 million per 30 seconds.