Fanatics and Boardroom Launch “Chapter: Next” – A Career Development Program for Athletes

• Posted: February 6, 2025, 12:33 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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Fanatics, the global sports merchandise and collectibles powerhouse, is partnering with Boardroom, the leading sports media and entertainment brand, to introduce Chapter: Next, a three-day career development program aimed at helping athletes build successful careers beyond their time in professional sports.

Expanding on Fanatics’ Athlete Immersion Program, which launched in November 2023, Chapter: Next is designed to provide athletes and their management teams with business education, mentorship, and high-impact networking opportunities.

The first Chapter: Next event will take place June 18-20, 2025, in New York City, leading into Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center from June 20-22.

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Empowering Athletes for Life Beyond Sports​

The Chapter: Next program blends Fanatics’ expertise in business and commerce with Boardroom’s storytelling and brand-building approach, creating a comprehensive learning experience for professional athletes.

What the Program Offers:​

• Education in partnership with the University of Southern California, covering business fundamentals and brand strategy.
• One-on-one mentorship with industry leaders, offering guidance on entrepreneurship, investments, and career transitions.
• Exclusive networking dinners with CEOs, founders, and executives from major industries.
• Panel discussions covering media, branding, financial literacy, and post-career planning.
• Interactive business workshops with Fanatics executives, focusing on sports marketing, product licensing, and digital commerce.
• Mitchell & Ness Design Challenge, where athletes can create their own branded apparel.
• Boardroom Meeting House at Fanatics Fest, a networking hub connecting athletes with over 500 high-profile figures from the sports, entertainment, and business worlds.

With direct access to top executives, entrepreneurs, and business influencers, athletes will gain critical knowledge and connections that will help them thrive beyond their playing careers.

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Beyond the Event: Ongoing Business Development & Support​

Following the three-day program, Chapter: Next participants will be granted membership to the Boardroom Members Club, an exclusive network that provides continuous access to business leaders, career resources, and mentorship opportunities.

Leadership Perspectives​

Boardroom co-founder and CEO Rich Kleiman highlighted the significance of this initiative:

"At Boardroom, we’ve always aimed to open doors and share knowledge with those looking to build something beyond their primary careers. Partnering with Michael Rubin and the Fanatics team allows us to expand that vision and deliver a program that gives athletes real tools for success."

Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting athletes beyond their playing careers:

"Fanatics has always been about empowering athletes—whether through merchandise, branding, or direct partnerships. With Chapter: Next, we’re taking that support a step further by helping them build long-term careers beyond sports. This program is about ensuring athletes have the knowledge and resources to succeed in the business world."

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Future Expansion & Additional Programs​

After its inaugural session in June 2025, Fanatics and Boardroom plan to host a second three-day event in December 2025, catering to athletes from leagues with winter offseasons, such as the WNBA, NWSL, and MLB.

Additionally, Fanatics and Boardroom will continue to create networking opportunities at key sports and entertainment events throughout the year, further strengthening athletes’ access to business education and leadership connections.

By launching Chapter: Next, Fanatics and Boardroom are establishing a groundbreaking initiative designed to help professional athletes successfully transition into life after sports, providing them with the skills, mentorship, and network needed to build lasting success off the field.