By Khalifa Dieye | Staff Photojournalist | The star-studded Fanatics Fest weekend in New York City event brought together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, including Jay-Z, Tom Brady, Serena Williams, Dennis Rodman and Jacksonville Jaguars’s own Fred Taylor.
More than 200,000 sports fans attended the annual celebration, representing virtually every major sport. The excitement extended beyond Manhattan, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place just across the Hudson River in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
On the eve of the World Cup championship match, soccer stars from Argentina and Spain made a surprise appearance at the Javits Center. Hosted by Kevin Hart, Kevin Durant, Tom Brady and other sports icons, the event featured soccer legend Lionel Messi, who answered questions before a crowd of more than 10,000 enthusiastic fans.
From unforgettable celebrity appearances to once-in-a-lifetime fan experiences, Fanatics Fest delivered one of the year’s premier sports entertainment events. Now, fans are eagerly waiting to see what Michael Rubin and Fanatics have planned for next year’s festival.
What Is Fanatics Fest?
Fanatics Fest is a multi-day, immersive sports and culture festival launched in 2024 by Fanatics, Inc. CEO Michael Rubin and Fanatics Events CEO Lance Fensterman. Inspired by pop culture conventions such as Comic-Con, the annual event brings together professional sports leagues, legendary athletes, celebrities, collectors and fans under one roof.
The festival features autograph sessions, panel discussions, live podcasts, interactive exhibits, trading card and memorabilia marketplaces, exclusive merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that celebrate every corner of the sports world.