Legends Live @Citi: Michael Rubin
HIGHLIGHTS
- Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics, details his unconventional entrepreneurial journey, from near bankruptcy to the creation of Fanatics, a global digital sports platform.
- Rubin's story from teenage entrepreneur to industry leader highlights the creative vision and relentless drive essential for business innovation, capturing his path from near bankruptcy to revolutionizing the sports fan experience.
- "When we think like an underdog, we fight hard and we find out how to win," Rubin said when speaking more about the importance of running your business entrepreneurially and distinctly.
Before it became the Legends Live @ Citi series, there was an early spark that started it all: an internal conversation between Citi Global Chair of Banking Leon Kalvaria and Michael Rubin, the founder and CEO of Fanatics.
In that discussion, Michael traced his unconventional path from teenage entrepreneur to visionary builder of Fanatics, a global digital sports platform that now unites merchandise, gaming and collectibles under one ecosystem. His story – from near bankruptcy to industry dominance – captured the grit, creativity and relentless drive that defines a winning mentality.
Michael Rubin, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Fanatics
Michael Rubin is the Founder and CEO of Fanatics, a digital sports platform reimagining the sports fan experience. Since 2011, Michael has expanded Fanatics’ offerings through relentless leadership and innovation. Along with licensed merchandise, the platform specializes in trading cards and collectibles, live commerce, sports betting and gaming, and fan and collector events. Fanatics has a global partner network with more than 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, more than 5,000 athletes and celebrities. Michael has founded several multibillion-dollar companies in addition to Fanatics. He is recognized for his tireless work ethic, dedication to philanthropy, and unique ability to form lucrative partnerships and lasting connections with key figures across entertainment, sports, and business.
Growing up in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, Michael’s entrepreneurial aptitude was evident from a young age. By 12 years old, he was running a ski-tuning shop out of his parents’ basement. Within two years, he grew the business into a fully-operational ski shop.
Michael launched Global Sports in 1998, which would eventually become GSI Commerce. In 2011, he sold GSI Commerce to eBay for $2.4 billion. He later repurchased consumer brands Fanatics, ShopRunner, and Rue La La from eBay. Since reacquiring Fanatics, Michael has successfully revolutionized the licensed merchandise industry and made Fanatics a global leader for the total sports fan experience.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Michael is a humanitarian and advocate for social justice. Michael serves as Co-founder and Co-chair of REFORM Alliance alongside recording artist Meek Mill. Founded in 2022, the organization is committed to improving parole and probation systems in the United States.
An active Fanatics Charitable Foundation board member, Michael has led multiple initiatives at Fanatics to support various causes and communities. He played a central role in establishing Fanatics as the first Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish and has overseen company-wide service efforts aimed at driving social impact.
Leon Kalvaria, Global Chair of Banking, Citi
Leon Kalvaria is a member of the Client Organization Management Committee, and Citi’s Private Equity Investment Oversight Committee. Previously, Leon was Chairman of Citi’s Institutional Clients Group. Before that, he was Global Head of Consumer and Healthcare Investment Banking.
Leon joined Schroders in 1996 as Global Head of Consumer Banking, and Citigroup in 2000 following the merger of the two companies.
Prior to Schroders, Leon served as Vice Chairman and a Director of Triarc Companies, an investment company, and as Managing Director in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at Credit Suisse First Boston. Leon was also a pioneer in the interest rate swap market at First Boston and a founding member of ISDA.
Leon has advised numerous Chief Executive Officers and Boards of Directors in some of the largest and most complex global mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations and public offerings.
Leon received his BA from Princeton University (Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs) and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Heineken Family Council.
