News

The Javits Center will once again become a sports fan’s paradise as Fanatics Fest makes its return to New York City from June 20–22. Back for its second year, the event promises an even bigger mix of superstar athlete appearances, limited-edition cards, and collectibles from across the sports world.

While the three-day spectacle spans everything from football to wrestling, there’s no shortage of baseball-focused highlights. That includes autograph signings and photo ops with some of the game’s most iconic names—many of them with strong ties to New York. Attendees can expect to see Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, Reggie Jackson, and newly minted Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner.

Legends such as Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, and Mike Schmidt are also set to make appearances, along with current Yankees Max Fried and Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Beyond baseball, the guest list is packed with familiar faces from across sports and entertainment. Among the headliners: LeBron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, John Cena, Henrik Lundqvist, Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Costner.

Collectors will find no shortage of exclusive drops and rare memorabilia. Fanatics will spotlight their Topps brand with three event-only card releases:

• On Friday, a limited run of “Cactus Jack” high-end boxes will go on sale for $500 each, containing two packs with four cards apiece.

• Saturday and Sunday will bring Fanatics Fest-exclusive Topps Series 2 boxes featuring NYC-themed parallels. Hobby boxes will retail for $300, while value boxes will be priced at $50.

The event will also host a massive vendor section dubbed “merch village,” featuring dozens of booths selling cards and collectibles from across the hobby.

One of the most talked-about attractions is returning as well: the “Museum of Greatness,” a curated exhibit featuring over $200 million worth of iconic sports memorabilia. Among the items on display are legendary pieces from Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Shohei Ohtani, plus a showcase of more than 50 Topps Rookie Debut Patch cards—including the million-dollar Paul Skenes patch that sold earlier this year. Considering only 347 of these patches exist, having over 50 on display in one place is an impressive flex.

New this year is Fanatics Games, a set of interactive fan challenges that put attendees to the test against pro athletes in contests like Pitching Accuracy—with cash prizes on the line.

Panels, live podcasts, and other experiences will run throughout the weekend, making the event more than just a shopping destination—it’s a full-on celebration of sports culture.

With last year’s event drawing 70,000 fans, Fanatics is preparing for an even larger turnout in 2025.

For ticket info, a full schedule, and more event details, head to FanaticsFest.com.