Fanatics to start livestreamed shopping of trading cards, collectibles
Summary
Nick Bell, who previously led teams responsible for Google Search experience and was Snaps global head of content and partnerships, will serve as the CEO of Fanatics Live, a new business division for the sports platform company. Goldin, which was acquired by an investment group led by hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen in July 2021, launched an online card marketplace last month. "This hobby has so many people in the middle of it and perfectly set up to have an integrated direct-to-consumer experience," Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin said at the time of the Topps acquisition. Last year, Rubin sold his 10% stake in Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment, the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, allowing Fanatics to enter the gambling space. Fanatics raised $700 million in December to bring its valuation to $31 billion, capital that it planned to use on potential merger and acquisition opportunities across its collectibles, betting and gaming businesses, according to CNBC.