For the first time, thousands of sports fans will descend upon the Javits Center in Manhattan for the inaugural Fanatics Fest. Led by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, dozens of the world’s greatest athletes will make their way to the Big Apple for a three-day celebration featuring live podcasts, special panels, autograph signings and much more. Not to mention, the three-day event will culminate with an exclusive press conference featuring Jake Paul and Mike Tyson with special guests Ryan Clark and Peyton Manning. However, we have to take full advantage of day one to get to day three. With that said, here are the four things we can’t afford to miss during day one of Fanatics Fest.
First Take
Host(s): Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo
Special Guest(s): Jay Williams, Ryan Clark, Paolo Banchero, Druski
Details: Stephen A. Smith joins host Molly Qerim on this weekday morning sports debate show. Smith provides his expert takes on the day’s trending sports topics and under-the-radar news. They’re regularly joined by veteran analysts and the top guests in sports and entertainment.
This summer, First Take has been on the move. Just two weeks ago, Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim brought their show out to Chicago, Illinois for the 2024 National Association of Black Journalists Convention. While in the Windy City, Smith, Qerim and company invited a number of special guests to join them at the Hilton Chicago, including Chance The Rapper. This time around, the ESPN debate show will invite Orlando Magic Guard Paolo Banchero and Druski to the stage at the Javits Center. Not to mention, Jay Williams and Ryan Clark will stop by. Stephen A. Smith is entertaining in a studio, but if you give him an audience, he might just be unstoppable.
Bing Bong: The Iconic New York Knicks
Host(s): Kazeem Famuyide
Special Guest(s): Ben Stiller, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Spike Lee, Walt Frazier
Details: Step into the heart of Knicks fandom as celebrity fans join current and past New York Knicks players on stage, reminiscing about cherished court moments and their undying love for New York basketball.
Bing bong! Fanatics Fest can’t come to New York and not celebrate the city’s most beloved group of hoopers — the New York Knicks. Led by Kazeem Famuyide, fans will have the opportunity to discuss the city’s undying love for basketball with the super fans like Ben Stiller and Spike Lee and players like Walt Frazier, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. With only two months left until the season gets going, this is the perfect opportunity for fans of the orange and blue to get together, pump themselves up, get excited and lose to the Indiana Pacers. Sorry, I had to do it. I am a Pacers fan. Still, this a must-see event for those looking to talk all things basketball with super fans, players and a host who emerged from the blog era to become a preeminent voice in sports and culture.
The Roommates Show
Host(s): Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart
Special Guest(s): Lil’ Wayne, Tom Brady
Details: Join New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson & Josh Hart as they discuss basketball, current topics, and what it’s like to make the big leagues!
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are not only NBA teammates, but they’re also former college teammates. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why their on-screen chemistry is so effortless and lends itself so well to the podcast market. This Friday, they’ll take their show on the road (sort of) for a live episode featuring Lil’ Wayne and Tom Brady. Together, they’ll have open, honest discussion about sports, life and what it takes to be great on and off the court (or stage).
4th & 1
Host(s): Cam Newton, Omari Collins
Special Guest(s): Johnny Manziel, Adin Ross, iShowSpeed
Details: Cam Newton brings the heat with his electrifying sports adjacent show, 4th & 1. Dive into the hottest news and highlights across sports like never before as Cam, NFL superstar, Heisman Trophy winner, and NFL MVP, keeps you entertained. 4th & 1 isn’t just your average sports show — it’s a game-changer!
If anyone had any doubts about how Cam Newton would transition into a life off of the gridiron, those questions should be answered. Within the last two years, he’s interviewed everyone from Alycia Baumgardner to Kirk Franklin on his show, Funky Friday. More recently, he’s found success with his show, 4th & 1, featuring Omari Collins. Together, they talk about all things football, fashion, culture and beyond. While Heisman Trophy Winner Johnny Manziel seems like a logical guest for the show, Adin Ross and iShowSpeed feel like wild cards. Together, this should make for an interesting live experience that will certainly be entertaining and potentially unpredictable.
