Fighting off lawsuits against his Fanatics empire has already cost Michael Rubin eight figures.
But the sports business mogul is adamant it’s an expense he will never cut back on.
Fresh off scoring victories in multiple civil cases involving his Fanatics business in the last few months, Rubin vowed to the California Post on Wednesday to continue to “spend whatever it takes to win” legal matters that he and his partners deem to be frivolous.
“We’ve spent nearly $100 million on legal fees on these various cases,” Rubin said. “We’re not going to let someone extort us for baseless claims.”
Fanatics has been dragged to court on several occasions in the last couple years, with plaintiffs alleging the collectible and memorabilia giant has created a monopoly that’s wronged them.
In one case filed in March 2025 in a federal court in New York, Robert Scaturo argued that Fanatics’ dominance in the marketplace has resulted “in fewer choices, lower quality, and higher prices for direct
purchasers” of trading cards.
In another that was filed in July 2025, Phillip Jones and a host of other plaintiffs stated the business’ vast growth has limited “consumer choice” and has “inflated prices.”
A third lawsuit brought by Charles Franz and “others similarly situated” claimed Fanatics and its partnerships with professional sports leagues has hurt retailers who have been trying to compete in the same marketplace.
But all three cases, and at least one other similar suit, were recently dismissed.
In the Jones case, which was formally tossed on Tuesday, a judge stated the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate “that they, individually and in particularized respect, have been or will imminently be injured in the manners alleged.”
Judges ruled similarly in the other matters.
Fanatics is still locked in a civil case with Panini over alleged anticompetitive behavior, however, Rubin made it clear to The Post on Wednesday there’s not a check he won’t cut to continue to fight the claims.
