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Sportsbook operator Fanatics has partnered with OBB Media to launch a sports entertainment studio that will produce films, documentaries, series and live events blending sports and culture.
Announced Jan. 13, 2026, the joint venture, Fanatics Studios, marks Fanatics’ expansion into sports entertainment production. The partnership builds on Fanatics’ established relationships with athletes and sports leagues while leveraging OBB Media’s experience producing premium content.
The companies celebrated the launch with an event at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. NFL legends Tom Brady and Aaron Donald were among the attendees. The move follows the company’s December 2025 launch of Fanatics Markets.
Inside the Fanatics Studios partnership
Under the agreement, Michael Ratner will serve as chief executive officer of Fanatics Studios while continuing to lead OBB Media’s other divisions. Fanatics Studios will oversee future sports-related content for both companies, with production handled by OBB Pictures.
Fanatics said the model allows it to draw directly from its athlete relationships to tell stories that feel authentic and personal. The companies previously collaborated on projects such as Fanatics Fest, a partnership that has now been extended for another 10 years with the launch of Fanatics Studios.
First projects from Fanatics Studios
Fanatics Studios is already developing a slate of high-profile sports and entertainment projects.
The studio will produce the official film of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, along with television and digital content highlighting athletes ahead of the Games. The theatrical release director will be announced soon.
Fanatics Studios is partnering with Tom Brady on two projects: “The Fanatics Flag Football Classic,” a March 2026 tournament in Riyadh airing on Fox, featuring current and former players, and the docuseries “One More Drive,” produced with Shadow Lion, following Brady’s preparation for the event and exploring his potential 2028 Olympic participation.
The studio will co-produce the 2026 ESPY Awards with ESPN and Full Day Productions and has a broader programming deal with ESPN through 2027, including “Fanatics Fest All Access.”
Fanatics Studios is creating unscripted WWE content, including the travel series “YEE(A)T With The Usos” and additional shows featuring Cody Rhodes, Stephanie McMahon and The Undertaker on WWE’s YouTube channel.
Finally, the studio is teaming with Major League Baseball and Box To Box Films on a docuseries covering the 2026 World Baseball Classic, following international teams competing for the championship.
Fanatics and OBB Media executives on studio launch
At the launch, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin called Fanatics Studios an important new media layer for the company. He praised the partnership with Michael Ratner and OBB Media, highlighting its potential to bring fans closer to athletes and the moments that shape sports culture.
Ratner echoed Rubin, noting the growing crossover between sports and pop culture and its role in global entertainment. He described Fanatics as a strong partner in expanding OBB Media’s presence in sports content.
The growing role of Fanatics in sports media
Fanatics Studios will finance and distribute projects independently while leveraging partnerships with ESPN and WWE. The company aims to broaden its audience and reshape how fans engage with stories about athletes.
With this move, Fanatics builds an integrated platform that combines merchandise, commercial gaming, events, films and entertainment.
