The power of sports
Digital sports platform Fanatics is teaming up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, becoming its first official sports partner. The company is starting off the partnership with a $10m contribution to Make-A-Wish while facilitating the wishes themselves. All US-based sports-related wishes are handled by its co-brand Fanatics Make-A-Wish.
ongoing testament to the power of sports and the possibilities for children to heal
Orlando Ashford, Fanatics‘ Chief People Officer, said that the partnership was an “ongoing testament to the power of sports and the possibilities for children to heal through connections to their favorite teams and sports heroes.”
Fanatics will support wishes that request athlete meet-and-greets, championship games, all-star weekends, and rookie drafts.
Opening doors
Ashford said that Fanatics has been championing Make-A-Wish and what it does for children and their families for years.
more than 900 brands and contracts in the world of sports
Fanatics‘ more than 900 brands and contracts in the world of sports will open more doors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, giving the nonprofit access to thousands of athletes to create life-changing experiences for children.
Ashford continued by saying “Fanatics…will be leveraged to give these incredibly brave kids and their families the most memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that we‘re honored to deliver.”
First sponsored event
Fanatics has already kickstarted the partnership with Make-A-Wish and hosted a sponsored event in New York on October 24. Surprising nine Make-A-Wish children were legendary quarterback Tom Brady, the American League’s single-season home run record holder and current New York Yankee Aaron Judge, and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics.
As a global digital sports platform, Fanatics serves as the official partner for five major US professional sports team leagues: the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. Fanatics also partners with NASCAR and the PGA.
In August, Fanatics also launched its sportsbook in four states – Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Tennessee – following six months of extensive testing.