Fanatics and OBB Media are expanding their footprint in sports storytelling with the launch of Fanatics Studios, a newly formed joint venture designed to operate as a full-scale global studio focused on sports entertainment.
The venture positions itself as an independent content engine capable of financing, producing and distributing projects across multiple formats. Its initial slate includes feature films, documentaries, scripted and unscripted series, live event programming and premium digital content, all centered on the growing intersection of sports and popular culture.
By combining Fanatics’ vast ecosystem of athletes, leagues and commercial partners with OBB Media’s production experience, the companies aim to create a centralized home. The goal is ambitious sports-centered storytelling.
Fanatics has built its brand across apparel, collectibles, sports betting, events and media. OBB has gained recognition for producing culturally relevant content that has generated billions of views and multiple industry awards.
Fanatics Studios will debut with several high-profile projects already in development. Among the most notable is a wide-ranging content partnership tied to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The deal includes film, television and digital productions spotlighting athletes and cultural moments. The content will lead up to the Games and reflect back on them. Additionally, the studio will produce the official Olympic film, planned for a theatrical release.
Football will play a central role in the studio’s early programming. The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is a live event to air on FOX from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It will feature current and former NFL stars, highlighted by Tom Brady’s flag football debut. The event will also anchor One More Drive, a multi-part documentary. The series follows Brady’s preparation for the competition and his potential pursuit of a Team USA spot.
Fanatics Studios is also expanding into marquee sports television. The company will collaborate with ESPN and Full Day Productions on the 2026 ESPY Awards. It will also enter a broader multi-year programming agreement with ESPN. The deal includes renewed coverage of Fanatics Fest.
Additional partnerships extend to WWE, Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Classic. Projects range from digital interview shows and lifestyle programming to a global baseball docuseries.
OBB founder Michael D. Ratner will lead the new venture, who will serve as CEO while continuing to oversee OBB Media’s other businesses. OBB Pictures will manage physical production for Fanatics Studios projects, while select pre-existing OBB Sports properties will remain outside the joint venture.
“I’m incredibly excited about launching Fanatics Studios and adding an important content and media business to our growing sports platform that also supports all of our existing businesses,” said Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. “We could not have dreamed up a better partner in Michael Ratner and the team at OBB, and together we are going to continue pushing our mission of relentlessly enhancing the fan experience by creating content that brings fans closer than ever to the teams, players, sports, cultural moments and events that they love in a way that’s never been done before.”
The launch of Fanatics Studios further signals Fanatics’ long-term commitment to content, following its recently announced 10-year extension to co-produce Fanatics Fest, which returns to New York City’s Javits Center this July.
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