Fanatics has launched its livestream shopping experience, Fanatics Live, in the UK after its success in the US.
Designed to be a community-driven platform for the next-generation of collectors, it offers users real-time access to creator-led live shopping experiences for trading cards and collectables. The platform also features exclusive drops, breaks and programming that explore the stories behind the items.
Nick Bell, CEO of Fanatics Live, said that the launch reflects a shift in consumer behaviour, highlighting predictions for UK market growth in the next few years.
Bell said: “The UK market alone is projected to more than double from £7.4bn in 2024 to nearly £16bn by 2028, and these platforms are commanding substantial screen time, averaging around an hour of daily engagement in many regions.”
“This convergence makes now the ideal moment for Fanatics Live to establish a dedicated presence in the UK, uniting British sports fans and collectors and fostering a thriving local community.”
As noted above, there is a significant focus on the collectibles community with this launch, with Fanatics hoping to tap into more communities around UK sports. One of these is the Premier League, which named the company its exclusive provider of trading cards, trading card games and stickers starting in June 2025.
Fanatics boasts an impressive portfolio of league and sport licensing rights. This includes long-term partnerships with the Bundesliga, UEFA Club Competitions, MLS, MLB, UFC and Formula One.
Fanatics is also looking to expand its presence in the UK. As part of its market launch, Fanatics will open a new flagship store in London today. This store will serve as the hub for numerous livestreams, featuring a Fanatics Live streaming studio.
To mark the store’s opening, Fanatics has announced that sports icons like Rio Ferdinand will be present. There will also be a demonstration of the Fanatics Live UK experience.
