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The ‘V’ in Victor Wembanyama stands for villain in New York City after the Knicks’ NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
But on Saturday at Manhattan’s Javits Center, ‘Wemby’ will be back in the belly of the beast, face to face with thousands of fans at Fanatics Fest, participating in games against the general public and appearing on a live podcast.
This is the most unique element of the biggest sports convention in the world, hosted annually here in the Big Apple: Humanizing, interactive access between the biggest stars in sports and entertainment and the general public — regardless of what’s happening on the field or court.
“Wemby had a great time last year,” Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, said in a phone interview Tuesday. “He got to play chess with 100 fans last year. Each fan did a chess move. We think carefully about engaging in a thoughtful way. And he is a thoughtful guy.”
“To some of these fans he’ll be a villain,” Fensterman acknowledged with a laugh, “but he recognizes everything he’s doing is about having a long impactful career. And investing in fans is never a bad idea.”
Fanatics founder Michael Rubin has built his mega-company by doing exactly that: Investing in the passion of fans. So access to this kind of event obviously comes at a price.
It’s $70 per adult ticket on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and $80 on Saturday. It’s $30 per child per day all weekend. And autographs or photos with star entertainers and athletes cost more inside.
But the access to fan activations, live shows and podcasts and exclusive experiences across a million square feet of space and 12 stages basically creates a mini city of unforgettable moments.
That’s why there was fan demand to add a fourth day this year to the convention, which ran for three days in 2025. And that’s why Fensterman, who oversaw Comic-Con for years, is proud that every daily ticket to Fanatics Fest is more than just a gateway to more vendors.
“There’s more to do,” Fensterman said, “than just to buy.”
The confluence of a Knicks NBA Championship and Sunday’s World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium across the river is creating a perfect storm.
“The World Cup is coming to a head, and the Final is happening here, so we’re bringing the final teams to the show for Friday,” Fensterman said. “That’s huge.”
So look for Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Fanatics Fest will even host a massive watch party for the Final on Sunday, with the Men in Blazers podcast and other guest analysts on hand.
“Four of the Knicks’ starting five will be in the building signing and parading through the show floor with the trophy,” Fensterman said.
Jalen Brunson will appear on a King of New York panel. His autograph signing is already sold out. And the Fanatics Games, which were a huge hit in last year’s maiden voyage, are back.
That pits 50 athletes and 50 fans against each other for more than $2 million in prizes in games like the NFL clutch kick, the NBA game-winning shot, the WWE superstar entrance and more.
First place gets $1 million cash. Second place receives a Ferrari. Third place receives a rare Lionel Messi trading card. John Cena, Cam Skattebo and Novak Djokovic are among those competing this year.
Before it all kicks off, Fanatics added an exclusive window for its business partners, investors and VIPs to experience all the show has to offer before it opens to the general public. There will be 250-plus hobby shops on site, offering a haven for the booming card and collectible industry.
Then when the doors open, LeBron James is scheduled to appear Thursday afternoon on a ‘Mind the Game Live’ panel on the center stage, smack in the middle of his free agent decision, with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Might James drop some hints on his eventual next NBA team? There just is no shortage of possibilities for the world’s biggest sports convention that keeps getting bigger.
“Fans love the different moments with athletes and influencers, and we wanted to give them more,” Fensterman said. “It nets out to more opportunities for more people fans and industry to interact with the athletes and celebrities.”
Continue reading...
But on Saturday at Manhattan’s Javits Center, ‘Wemby’ will be back in the belly of the beast, face to face with thousands of fans at Fanatics Fest, participating in games against the general public and appearing on a live podcast.
This is the most unique element of the biggest sports convention in the world, hosted annually here in the Big Apple: Humanizing, interactive access between the biggest stars in sports and entertainment and the general public — regardless of what’s happening on the field or court.
“Wemby had a great time last year,” Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, said in a phone interview Tuesday. “He got to play chess with 100 fans last year. Each fan did a chess move. We think carefully about engaging in a thoughtful way. And he is a thoughtful guy.”
“To some of these fans he’ll be a villain,” Fensterman acknowledged with a laugh, “but he recognizes everything he’s doing is about having a long impactful career. And investing in fans is never a bad idea.”
Fanatics founder Michael Rubin has built his mega-company by doing exactly that: Investing in the passion of fans. So access to this kind of event obviously comes at a price.
It’s $70 per adult ticket on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and $80 on Saturday. It’s $30 per child per day all weekend. And autographs or photos with star entertainers and athletes cost more inside.
But the access to fan activations, live shows and podcasts and exclusive experiences across a million square feet of space and 12 stages basically creates a mini city of unforgettable moments.
That’s why there was fan demand to add a fourth day this year to the convention, which ran for three days in 2025. And that’s why Fensterman, who oversaw Comic-Con for years, is proud that every daily ticket to Fanatics Fest is more than just a gateway to more vendors.
“There’s more to do,” Fensterman said, “than just to buy.”
The confluence of a Knicks NBA Championship and Sunday’s World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium across the river is creating a perfect storm.
“The World Cup is coming to a head, and the Final is happening here, so we’re bringing the final teams to the show for Friday,” Fensterman said. “That’s huge.”
So look for Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Fanatics Fest will even host a massive watch party for the Final on Sunday, with the Men in Blazers podcast and other guest analysts on hand.
“Four of the Knicks’ starting five will be in the building signing and parading through the show floor with the trophy,” Fensterman said.
Jalen Brunson will appear on a King of New York panel. His autograph signing is already sold out. And the Fanatics Games, which were a huge hit in last year’s maiden voyage, are back.
That pits 50 athletes and 50 fans against each other for more than $2 million in prizes in games like the NFL clutch kick, the NBA game-winning shot, the WWE superstar entrance and more.
First place gets $1 million cash. Second place receives a Ferrari. Third place receives a rare Lionel Messi trading card. John Cena, Cam Skattebo and Novak Djokovic are among those competing this year.
Before it all kicks off, Fanatics added an exclusive window for its business partners, investors and VIPs to experience all the show has to offer before it opens to the general public. There will be 250-plus hobby shops on site, offering a haven for the booming card and collectible industry.
Then when the doors open, LeBron James is scheduled to appear Thursday afternoon on a ‘Mind the Game Live’ panel on the center stage, smack in the middle of his free agent decision, with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Might James drop some hints on his eventual next NBA team? There just is no shortage of possibilities for the world’s biggest sports convention that keeps getting bigger.
“Fans love the different moments with athletes and influencers, and we wanted to give them more,” Fensterman said. “It nets out to more opportunities for more people fans and industry to interact with the athletes and celebrities.”
Continue reading...
