Fanatics officially dropped the news today – Fanatics Fest NYC is coming back next year, returning to the Javits Center from July 16 – 19, 2026.
I’m still buzzing from this past summer’s show, but it’s exciting to see what they’ll pull off next year. The leap in quality from Year 1 to Year 2 was huge – and if they can improve on that formula again, we might be in for something special. Here are five things to watch for in 2026.
The World Cup Advantage
Fanatics Fest 2025 broke records with over 125,000 attendees, and 2026 could easily top that. Why? The World Cup Finals will be happening that same weekend at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The city will be flooded with fans from around the world – a huge opportunity to bring more global sports culture into the mix.
If Fanatics leans into it, expect to see more soccer-focused activations and maybe even some international star power. Could we see Ronaldo, Mbappé, or Yamal make an appearance? Don’t count it out.
More Space, More Activations
Fanatics announced that next year’s show will have 25% more space than 2025 – a big deal considering how packed this year was. That extra room means more elaborate activations, which is where Fanatics really shines.
My favorites from 2025 were the Kevin Hart “Cold as Balls” stage and the Theater Panels. Seeing Wemby and Tom Brady sit down with Hart, and then watching Michael Rubin, Tom Brady, and Travis Scott share a stage that turned into a Travis Scott concert, was wild. Those big, tentpole moments are what brought people back throughout the weekend – and with more space, we’ll likely see even more of them.
Doubling Down on Fan Experiences
The Fanatics Games were one of my favorite new additions this year. Watching fans – including Mantel member Alex Tressler (armyatc22) – go head-to-head with Tom Brady was surreal.
For 2026, Fanatics could take it further with more interactive competitions – maybe trivia, digital pack battles, or skill-based games that let more fans participate. The energy around those experiences was contagious, and I think they’ve found something they can really build on.
Bridging Fans to Collecting
One area that still needs work is introducing new fans to collecting. A lot of attendees left knowing as little about the hobby as when they arrived. There’s a huge opportunity to fix that.
Imagine if each major activation included a collecting tie-in – something that connects why fans collect to the athletes and moments they love. Even a small education zone led by collectors or athletes could go a long way toward making new fans feel part of the hobby.
A Better Way to Get Exclusives
This one’s personal – I didn’t get an exclusive this year. Some of the Fanatics Fest exclusives were pre-allocated to people who entered early to a draw, and I missed the window. The Cactus Jack x Topps exclusive was high on my list.
I get that they want to avoid long lines, but I’d love to see a new system for claiming exclusives at the show – something digital, gamified, or randomized that still gives fans a fair shot. With all the smart people at Fanatics, I’m confident they can figure it out.
Tickets for Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 go on sale in early November, with exclusive pre-sale perks for returning fans. If 2025 was any indication, you won’t want to miss it.
Your collection deserves a community, join Mantel today.
