Comic cons for sports? Two former ReedPop execs are aiming for that with Fanatics & IMG

Imagine comic conventions, but for sports. No, not baseball card shows, but something bigger.

It's something that is happening, and is being led by some familiar faces for us here at Popverse.

The sportswear and collectibles manufacterer Fanatics, Inc. is launching a new events business to create "fan festivals" surrounding various sports and specific athletes. Fanatics Events, created in partnership with the sports talent management company IMG, will be led by former ReedPop president Lance Fensterman as its CEO.

And joining him is former ReedPop VP (and Popverse co-founder) Mike Armstong as a senior vice president.

Fanatic Events' events are aimed to resemble a sports-version of San Diego Comic Con or like the NFL Experience, which is a weekend event held during Super Bowl weekend.

The events are anticipated to begin in 2024, which will not only include new events but also "acquisitions" and "joint ventures". Given Fanatics diverse business relationships with traditional sports leagues like the NFL, the NBA, the the MLB, as well as combat sports such as UFC and pro wrestling companies like WWE, there are many possibilites within this area.