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Fanatics Studios Signs Major Deals with WWE, ESPN, MLB, and LA28

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 13:08 GMT by The Hollywood Reporter

January 14th, 2026 - Fanatics Studios, the burgeoning content creation arm of the global sports and entertainment powerhouse Fanatics, has ignited the media landscape with a series of significant partnerships, signaling its rapid ascent as a major player in the fiercely competitive sports and entertainment content industry. Deals announced today encompass collaborations with WWE, ESPN, Major League Baseball (MLB), and LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, marking a substantial expansion of Fanatics' reach beyond its core merchandise and collectibles business.

The news, initially reported by Variety, underscores Fanatics' commitment to building a robust content creation engine. Launched just last year, Fanatics Studios has quickly moved from concept to reality, demonstrating a clear strategic vision to leverage the immense brand recognition and fan loyalty associated with its parent company. The sheer scale and prestige of these partnerships position Fanatics Studios as a direct challenger to established streaming behemoths like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple, all of whom have invested heavily in sports and entertainment content.

A Diverse Content Portfolio on the Horizon

The agreements are remarkably broad, paving the way for a diverse array of content that promises to appeal to a wide audience. Fanatics Studios will gain access to vast archives and existing assets from each partner, allowing for the creation of both original and retrospective content. This includes documentary series, animated shows, and behind-the-scenes access--a strategy designed to engage core fans while attracting new viewers.

WWE, a cornerstone of the deals, will be a significant focus. Expect to see content highlighting wrestling legends, exploring pivotal moments in wrestling history, and offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of professional wrestling. The ambition is not just to recap matches, but to delve into the personal stories and the intricate processes behind the spectacle.

With ESPN, Fanatics Studios will be creating content that complements and extends ESPN's existing sports programming. This will likely include deeper dives into athlete profiles, analyses of game strategies, and explorations of the cultural impact of sports. The partnership allows for a broader, more in-depth content offering than what typically appears on ESPN's linear channels.

MLB's involvement guarantees a series of compelling documentaries chronicling the league's rich history and spotlighting its most iconic players. Given MLB's extensive archive footage, Fanatics Studios has a treasure trove of material to work with, promising visually stunning and historically informative narratives. The content will likely explore not just the on-field action, but also the evolution of the game and its impact on American culture.

Finally, the LA28 partnership promises original content centered around the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This presents a unique opportunity to document the journey to the Games, showcase the athletes, and capture the excitement and drama of the competition, building anticipation and extending the Olympic brand beyond the event itself. Given the global reach of the Olympics, Fanatics Studios stands to gain significant international exposure through this partnership.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

Michael Lapic, SVP of Content Development at Fanatics Studios, emphasized the excitement surrounding these partnerships, stating that they represent a "unique opportunity to engage fans and create content that celebrates the passion and excitement of sports and entertainment." This sentiment underscores Fanatics' broader strategy: to create a content ecosystem that strengthens its brand and deepens fan engagement.

The success of Fanatics Studios will depend not only on the quality of the content produced, but also on its distribution strategy. While details remain scant, it's likely that content will be available across multiple platforms, including streaming services, Fanatics' own digital channels, and potentially through partnerships with existing distribution networks. As the content begins to roll out in 2026 and beyond, the industry will be closely watching to see if Fanatics Studios can truly establish itself as a significant force in the increasingly crowded sports and entertainment content landscape.