Michael Rubin: Fanatics, Growth, and Lessons from the Worlds Biggest Sports Platform · 34:16

In this episode of On Stage, Michael Rubin, CEO and Chairman of Fanatics, joins SBJ’s Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour for a lively conversation at the CAA World Congress of Sports on April 16, 2024. Rubin pulls back the curtain on the unprecedented growth of Fanatics, which now spans licensed merchandise, trading cards, collectibles, and sports betting. Along the way, he shares the mindset behind building what he describes as “the world’s leading digital sports platform,” and what it takes to keep scaling a business that has reshaped how fans interact with their teams and athletes. The conversation touches on business metrics, the baseball uniform rollout controversy that made headlines in spring 2024, and lessons learned along the way about leadership, customer trust, and bold decision-making. For anyone interested in what it takes to grow a global sports business—and the human stories behind the headlines—this is a must-listen. 🔔Subscribe to SBJ on YouTube: https://bit.ly/41bbXaV #mlb #nhl #fanatics #fanaticsfest 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking Draft Day at Fanatics 2:20 - Rubin addresses jersey quality controversy 7:00 - Fanatics NHL jersey launch 7:55 - Fanatics partnership with Travis Scott and college merchandise tour 9:40 - Growing demand on women’s sports 12:11 - Fanatics place in sports betting 16:00 - Fanatics collectibles business growth 19:30 - Fanatics Events 23:20 - Quick Hitters 25:15 - Michael Rubin’s most prized collectible 27:10 - Rubin explains his business motivation 29:30 - WWE business with Fanatics 30:00 - Biggest story Rubin is watching in sports business — MEDIA 30:50 - Person Rubin is watching most in sports business/media 31:40 - Fanatics brand purpose 33:22 - Outro

September 23, 2025