Legal expert Eriq Gardner and Peter Hamby discuss the legal challenges faced by Fanatics and founder Michael Rubin, including rights deals, talent poaching, and disputes with Panini. They also touch on an under-the-radar trial involving the Skydance-Paramount merger, providing insights into disruptive industry practices and competitive strategies.
Michael Rubin's legal battles stem from aggressive strategies like talent poaching and monopolistic trading card deals.
The Paramount Skydance merger faces legal scrutiny for potential corporate malpractice benefiting Shari Redstone.
Deep dives
Legal Battles Involving Fanatics and Michael Rubin
Fanatics, led by Michael Rubin, faces legal challenges due to its aggressive expansion in various industry segments like sports merchandise, e-commerce, and gaming. Rubin's strategies, including signing long-term rights deals and recruiting employees from competitors, have sparked legal disputes from rival companies. For instance, an ongoing court battle arose when Rubin attempted to poach an employee from DraftKings, leading to accusations of unfair competition and non-compete violations.
Antitrust Claims Against Fanatics by Panini
Panini, a trading card giant, filed an antitrust lawsuit against Fanatics for securing exclusive 20-year deals with sports leagues, including the NBA and NFL, hindering competition in the trading card market. With the involvement of noted attorney David Boies, Panini alleges that Fanatics' monopolization of trading card rights violates antitrust laws, further aggravated by employee raids and disparagement tactics.
Paramount's Skydance Merger Trial in Delaware
A significant legal battle is unfolding in Delaware related to the Paramount Skydance merger, under scrutiny due to suspected corporate malpractice benefiting Shari Redstone. The trial stems from demands by shareholders, including Rhode Island's treasurer, to inspect records amid concerns about Redstone's potentially self-serving merger tactics. Paramount's defense contends that premature scrutiny could jeopardize ongoing mergers, emphasizing the reliance on anonymous sources for incriminating claims in court.
Eriq Gardner joins Peter Hamby to unwind the myriad legal challenges facing sports business behemoth Fanatics and its brash billionaire founder Michael Rubin. Plus, news on an under-the-radar trial surrounding the Skydance-Paramount merger.