We enjoyed going to Fanatics Fest 2026 at the Javits Center, NYC. It had four heavy days of card show, Fanatics Games, panels, autographs, breaks. experiences, and more. The show was even better this year than last, and really brought out the best athletes, teams, entertainers, and brands for loyal fans eager to see their favorites. Definitely hometown NY Knicks had a big vibe coming off of their historic win; demonstration of teamwork and hustle; and Espy win.
The Fanatics Games are so innovative, definitely something we look forward to. This year Justin Bieber took the overall win. it was so much fun hanging with Big Papi on “ice.” (Athleisure Mag Cover, Issue #125). He was teeing off against Yankee great HOF CC Sabathia, an exciting pairing. Fortunately, someone shouted to keep the puck on the ground, and Ortiz nailed one smoothly in. NJ Devil was also part of hospitality, had been a bit since we saw you at Star Wars night at Prudential Center.
UFC Suga Sean v NYG Skatterbo were locked in. They were putting some targets, after some close calls, Sean hit one and celebrated. Skatt chuckled and came out to the crowd and signed a bunch of autos and did some Skatt Blasts. It’s fire to see two elite athletes from different sports go head to head in these games.
Conversely, Kevin Hart taking on Marcello Hernández were not locked in. Nope, but you knew that was the case. We picked up with soccer/football grand-standing. A lot of hoopla. Hart looked like he made a couple of tough ones. There was some more amped peaccking you’d expect from these two. Then we saw them dueling it out in golf.
WNBA Legend Diana Taurasi v US Kelley O’Hara remained serious competitors through out on the greens, as were Jordan Chiles and Tiffany Haddish in their battle. Mo Bama and Sheck Wes shooting hoops on the court was fun. Big group, all were invited. We also caught up with them on the ice; Sheck was super cool to some zealous fans, also doing some signature posing.
We also took in some excellent panels.
Cody Rhodes had a great discussion with GOAT QB Tom Brady. Cody was psyched to bring out Brady as someone he’s long admired. Brady was happy to relate he’s a perfect fit for a WWE heel. As with the year before, when we saw him speak with Oakley Meta. Michael Rubin, and Travis Scott, Brady just dropped dimes of wisdom in all his stories and answers. He revisited collecting cards as a kid. We’d imagine it’d be that level of cool to jackpot with your own cards you collected of yourself while playing, and to have those cards dwarf the sizeable PC you cared for over the years throughout, and now run CardVault by Brady, Both are extremely expiring. Brady learning from Manning to spark a top Gronk go-to move. Surround yourself with greatness. stay curious, honor the game and the greats’ legacies was another great story.
Dana White hosted a Zuffa Boxing panel, including featuring Ryan Garcia. (Ryan was our Cover Star for November 2021, #71). Always entertaining, Ryan looked eager and ready to go. Those hands are so fast for sure.
Inter and Nike held a 2026/27 Away Jersey Kit Reveal with Republic Records and artist performances showing exemplary sports, fashion, and music together.
Chirstian Vieri helped launch the jersey on stage, loving how it felt.
We also kicked off the show seeing Mr Wonderful do a $1.8M card deal with Shyne. O’Leary walked on the stage and reminded the crowd to always buy the best.
The show presents solid, warm networking opportunities, some cool people and brands were met, and old friends seen. Remote top NYC events had Fanatics Fest going all over town, as was for us as for the Final match watch party with Don Julio 1942 Tequila. We watched in a gorgeous tent adjacent to yacht on the pier. it was a pleasure and honor to watch the Final with Jacket Designer legend Jeff Hamilton, who mentioned some fabulous stories, feeling on the sports, wellness and the city, and also finding this year at Fanatics Fest special.
In our next part, we’ll share what we enjoyed seeing and learning from additional panels we attended, including John Cena; Spike Lee and Ryan Clarke; Diana Taurasi and Legend UConn Husky Alums, and more.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Paul Farkas
Read the JUL ISSUE #127 of Athleisure Mag and see FANATICS FEST 2026 in mag.
