Fanatics: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Fanatics traces its retail roots to 1995, when brothers Alan and Mitchell Trager opened a Football Fanatics store in the Orange Park Mall near Jacksonville, Florida, selling local team merchandise. The modern company took shape in 2011, when entrepreneur Michael Rubin sold his e-commerce firm GSI Commerce to eBay and bought back its sports merchandise business, keeping the Fanatics name. Rubin remains CEO, and the company is privately held, with headquarters operations in Jacksonville, Florida, and New York City, plus an international base in Manchester, England.

Today Fanatics describes itself as a global digital sports platform organized into several divisions. Fanatics Commerce designs, manufactures, and sells licensed fan gear, jerseys, headwear, and hardgoods through Fanatics.com, league and team online stores, and physical retail, with partners including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, Formula One, and hundreds of colleges. Fanatics Collectibles, launched in 2021, holds long-term trading card rights with major leagues and players associations and acquired the iconic Topps brand in 2022. Fanatics Betting & Gaming operates the Fanatics Sportsbook, which was live in 16 US states as of March 2024, and Fanatics Events produces fan conventions such as Fanatics Fest. Brands in the family include Lids, Mitchell & Ness, and Topps.

According to Wikipedia, Fanatics has roughly 22,000 employees worldwide. The workforce spans software engineers, data scientists, merchandisers, designers, and marketers, along with manufacturing workers, warehouse and fulfillment center associates, retail and event staff, and customer service teams. Seasonal hiring around major sports moments, such as championships and holiday peaks, is a regular feature of its fulfillment operations.

Company culture and employee programs: Fanatics promotes a fast-moving, fan-first culture shaped by real-time demand, since merchandise needs can spike overnight after a big win. The company provides role-specific training, and corporate, warehouse, retail, and betting-division roles differ significantly in schedules and requirements. Benefits and perks vary by role, location, and division, so candidates should confirm details during the hiring process.

Yes. Employers in the retail and e-commerce industry, including Fanatics, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on candidates, provided they follow applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, employment screening is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires written consent and sets disclosure and adverse action rules. Roles in the company's betting and gaming division can carry additional screening obligations, since state gaming regulators require licensing and suitability checks for many sportsbook positions.

Fanatics is generally reported to conduct background checks as part of its hiring process, consistent with standard practice among large retailers, e-commerce companies, and gaming operators. Employees may handle customer payment data, high-value collectibles inventory, or regulated betting operations, all of which make screening common. The scope of a Fanatics background check may vary widely by division and role; a warehouse associate, a corporate engineer, and a sportsbook trader may be screened differently.

While steps vary by division, the Fanatics hiring process typically starts with an online application through the company's careers site. Corporate and technology candidates generally complete recruiter screenings followed by several interviews, which may include technical assessments. Warehouse and retail candidates usually move faster, with a short interview or hiring event followed by a conditional offer. Offers are commonly contingent on a background check, and betting and gaming roles may also require state gaming license applications and fingerprinting where regulators mandate them.

Most employment background checks are completed within a few business days, though timing depends on the searches ordered, court responsiveness, and the number of jurisdictions in a candidate's history. Gaming license investigations for sportsbook roles follow separate state timelines and can take longer. Candidates can learn more by reviewing background check turnaround times.

Each employer determines which screenings to include for each role. For a position at a company like Fanatics, a background check may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should review the disclosure and consent forms provided during hiring to understand which searches apply to their role.

Lookback periods depend on the search type and governing law. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies generally cannot report most negative information older than seven years, though convictions can often be reported further back and exceptions exist for certain higher-salary positions. Several states where Fanatics operates impose stricter rules. State gaming license investigations operate under their own statutes and can examine a longer history for roles that require licensure.

Fanatics' policies on candidates with felony records are not publicly stated, and decisions are typically made case by case, weighing the offense, its age, and the role. Warehouse and fulfillment operations are often more accessible to candidates with records than regulated gaming roles, where state law may bar licensure for certain convictions. Many states and cities have adopted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history. Candidates with records are encouraged to apply, answer lawful questions honestly, and be prepared to add context if asked after a conditional offer.

Candidates will typically be asked to provide written consent before a background check is initiated. Applicants should be prepared to supply accurate personal information, including full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address history. Betting and gaming applicants may face additional requirements, such as fingerprinting and state gaming license paperwork. Accurate information helps searches run in the correct jurisdictions and keeps start dates on track.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before ordering a report, provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights before taking adverse action based on the results, and give candidates the opportunity to dispute inaccurate information. For a deeper overview of the law and related Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance, read this introduction to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Fanatics may see and helps you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.