Michael Rubin and Mike Mahan Answer Everything, Live From the National
Jul 27, 2024
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Joining the conversation are Michael Rubin and Mike Mahan, both CEOs of Fanatics, sharing their journeys in the sports card industry. They dive into their personal collections and the challenges they’ve encountered since acquiring Topps. The duo reflects on the shift towards a younger demographic in collecting, while discussing innovative approaches to enhance the card experience. With humor, they also touch on industry monopolization concerns and their vision for the future of trading cards, sparking excitement among fans.
The podcast highlights the mixed experiences of attendees at the National Sports Card Convention, particularly regarding logistical challenges like parking.
A shift in market dynamics is observed, as sellers are now more accepting of lower prices, reflecting a realistic understanding of conditions.
Fanatics plans to enhance the collector experience through innovations and improved integration with athletes, fostering a stronger community among collectors.
Deep dives
NFL and Fantasy Football Coverage
The episode emphasizes the diverse range of content available for NFL and fantasy football enthusiasts, highlighting the need for a centralized platform for all fantasy football needs. It mentions the popularity of the Ringer Fantasy Football Show on Spotify as a resource for fans who seek both analysis and entertainment related to their favorite sport. The podcast presents a friendly and engaging atmosphere, showcasing a blend of humor and insights, appealing to both casual listeners and hardcore fans. This combination makes it a go-to source for all things NFL and fantasy football.
Event Experiences and Observations
The hosts share their firsthand experiences at a live sports card show in Cleveland, expressing mixed feelings about the event's logistics, particularly mentioning the inadequate parking situation. Despite the challenges, they appreciate the upgrades in technology and marketing at the show, noting improved Wi-Fi and air conditioning compared to previous years. A notable highlight was the noticeable increase in the younger demographic attending the event, contrasting with past shows which felt dominated by older collectors. This shift suggests a growing interest in the hobby among a new generation of collectors.
Marketplace Dynamics
The discussion touches on the evolving market dynamics within the sports card collecting community, particularly the shift in mentality among sellers. The hosts observe that many sellers now accept lower prices, reflecting a realistic understanding of market conditions. They share anecdotes of successful deals being made at the show, which gives them hope for an uptick in activity as the weekend progresses. This openness to negotiation and transaction signifies a transformation in how collectors perceive the value of cards.
Fanatics' Impact on the Hobby
A significant portion of the episode is devoted to discussing Fanatics' plans and strategy within the sports collecting industry. The guests express a belief that the company is working to improve the collector experience by addressing long-standing issues, such as the redemption process and production quality. They emphasize that Fanatics aims to innovate and invest heavily in the hobby to benefit collectors and fans alike. The hosts remain optimistic about the future of collectibles and the positive changes expected to emerge from these developments.
Connection with Athletes and Community
The episode highlights the importance of creating a connection between collectors and athletes as a means of enhancing the overall hobby experience. Fanatics' approach to integrating athletes into promotional campaigns and events has gained traction, providing fans with unique opportunities to engage with their favorite players. The discussion illustrates how the collaboration between sports brands and athletes can elevate the hobby, fostering a sense of community among collectors. By prioritizing this connection, the industry can attract new enthusiasts and retain existing ones.
Mike and Jesse are live from the National Sports Card Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, and start with a recap of how the show has been so far. Then, they are joined by the CEOs of Fanatics, Michael Rubin and Mike Mahan. They discuss their personal collections, the criticism they’ve faced since acquiring Topps, and much more.
