The Biggest Celebrities and Athletes Who Stole the Show at Fanatics Fest 2026
From LeBron James & Lionel Messi to Serena Williams & Tom Brady, discover every major celebrity who appeared at the 2026 Fanatics Fest.
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Kevin Durant, Lionel Messi, Rodri, Novak Djokovic & others at the 2026 Fanatics Fest (Image: Imagn)
Fanatics Fest 2026 brought together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment at the Javits Center in New York City. The multi-day event began on July 16 with a sold-out opening day. The 2026 edition featured appearances from athletes, entertainers, sports executives and other high-profile guests.
Among the biggest names at the event were Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, LeBron James, David Beckham, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Kevin Durant, Shaquille O’Neal and Jay-Z.
Messi appeared during Day 2 of the event and spoke onstage. The Argentina captain was also photographed alongside Brady, Durant, Novak Djokovic, Emiliano Martinez, Kevin Hart, Travis Scott, Rio Ferdinand and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin.
Brady was one of the most prominent figures throughout Fanatics Fest. The seven-time Super Bowl champion appeared on both days of the event. He was photographed with James and Jay-Z and also appeared during the Disney Fan Draft on Day 1.
James also took part in a panel during the festival. His appearance came weeks after his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers. Soccer legend David Beckham and tennis icon Serena Williams were among the other major sports figures seen at the event. Djokovic also attended Day 2, while Kevin Durant appeared alongside several of the festival’s biggest guests.
The NBA was strongly represented at Fanatics Fest 2026. Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, James Harden and Karl-Anthony Towns all appeared at the event. Towns, who had recently won the NBA Championship with the New York Knicks, was photographed meeting fans in New York.
The event also featured appearances from NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and sports analyst Stephen A. Smith. Olympic ski racer Lindsey Vonn and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were also among the guests. The entertainment lineup included Kevin Hart, Jason Sudeikis, Travis Scott, Gayle King, Teyana Taylor and Jay-Z.
Travis Scott presented the World Cup trophy ahead of the final between Spain and Argentina. He was also photographed checking out Jay-Z’s VIP 40/40 Club during the event. Jake Paul and Logan Paul also appeared at Fanatics Fest. Other guests included Camille Kostek, Rich Paul and Michael Rubin.
Lionel Messi and Tom Brady discuss Lamine Yamal’s ‘Prophetic’ photo at the Fanatics Fest 2026
Lionel Messi and Tom Brady also shared the stage during a news conference in New York, where they discussed Messi’s famous photograph with Lamine Yamal. The photograph was taken in 2007 after Yamal’s parents won a charity photoshoot in Barcelona. Messi was 20 years old at the time and held Yamal, who was five months old.
Brady described the image as “very prophetic.” Meanwhile, Messi said, “That photo is incredible. The fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.”
Messi is set to face Yamal when Argentina plays Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Yamal is now 19 and has established himself as one of the leading players in world football. Messi added: “He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success.”
Messi also acknowledged the challenge posed by Spain’s wider squad. He said, “We’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him. He’s a tremendous player – a global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time.”
The Fanatics Fest event also featured appearances from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain captain Rodri. Former England defender Rio Ferdinand and Kevin Hart hosted the event, while Djokovic and Durant joined Brady in asking questions.
Brady also had a confrontation with Logan Paul onstage, with Karl-Anthony Towns intervening and separating the two during the exchange. Fanatics Fest 2026 continued through the weekend at the Javits Center in New York City, bringing together major figures from sports, entertainment and popular culture.
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