Michael Rubin, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and social justice advocate, has built several successful multibillion-dollar e-commerce companies.
Among his notable accomplishments, Michael is recognized for being the Founder and CEO of Fanatics – the global digital sports platform, and a connector of key figures across sports, culture, and business.
Born and raised in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, Michael became a criminal justice reform advocate through his close personal friendship with musician and entrepreneur, Meek Mill. On November 6, 2017, Michael attended a hearing for Meek that resulted from a technical violation of Meek’s protracted, decade-long probation. After writing a letter to the judge on Meek’s behalf and hearing Meek’s probation officer and the Assistant District Attorney both recommend no prison time, Michael was shocked to witness the judge sentence Meek to 2-4 years in state prison. The event was life-changing for both men. Michael immediately joined forces with Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and Roc Nation to lead the fight in overturning Meek’s sentence with the #FreeMeek movement.
During this process, Michael and Meek realized that problems in the criminal justice system extend well beyond this case. They made a commitment to stand with the millions of men and women unjustly ensnared in the broken criminal justice system by launching REFORM Alliance – a non-profit dedicated to transforming the system by changing probation and parole laws, policies, and practices that contribute to trapping people in the system.
Since its founding in 2019, REFORM Alliance has become a leading authority on one of the most critical workforce and public safety issues of our time. Michael sits on the organization’s board of directors alongside Meek, Carter, Robert Kraft, and Clara Wu Tsai, among others. To date, REFORM has passed 21 bipartisan laws in 12 states, impacting more than 850,000 people.
In 2023, Michael helped REFORM to host its first ever Casino Night & Gala. The event aims to raise crucial funds to fuel REFORM’s mission. The inaugural gala smashed expectations, raising over $24 million and drawing an A-list crowd including Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, Kevin Hart, Matthew McConaughey, and more. All proceeds from the gala directly benefit REFORM’s continued work to provide opportunity, support re-entry, and reduce recidivism for millions of Americans impacted by the system. Michael and REFORM are actively connecting justice-involved individuals with opportunities and support to help people succeed.
Philanthropy & Awards
Michael’s philanthropic spirit extends across multiple areas of his life. He is an active board member of the Fanatics Charitable Foundation and played an instrumental role in establishing Fanatics as Make-A-Wish America’s first-ever Official Sports Partner. The digital sports platform leverages its vast network of connections with athletes and sports properties to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Wish Kids. Since 2023, Fanatics has supported hundreds of sports-related wishes, with more being granted regularly.
At Fanatics’ 2023 Global Volunteer Day, Michael originated the one-time Merch Madness event. He brought together an extensive roster of celebrities and athletes to surprise underprivileged children and families nationwide, giving away approximately $20 million of licensed apparel during the event.
In 2025, Michael spearheaded Fanatics’ LA Strong merchandise collection. Fanatics created the line in partnership with 18 Los Angeles-based sports teams and organizations to lend support in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that affected the city. Fanatics and the participating teams and organizations donated 100% of LA Strong apparel proceeds to the LA Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross. Fanatics also donated over $3 million of merchandise to impacted residents of Los Angeles.
Michael is also the creator of the ALL IN Challenge, one of the largest digital fundraisers ever, raising over $60 million to feed those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fundraiser, launched in 2020, enlisted hundreds of the biggest celebrities, athletes, entertainers, sports leagues, teams, and corporations to donate incredible prized possessions or create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that were available as online auctions or sweepstakes.
As one of the most influential people in sports business, Michael is consistently recognized for his transformational leadership. He was recognized by Billboard on its 2025 “Sports and Music Power Players” list and topped the “Executives and Dealmakers” category of Sports Illustrated’s Power List of the 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports in 2024. Michael was named Sports Business Person of the Year by The Athletic/New York Times and Sports Executive of the Year by Sports Business Journal in 2022.
Career
Since 2011, Michael has grown Fanatics into the full-scale, global digital sports platform it is today. Under his leadership, Fanatics continues to revolutionize the licensed merchandise industry by expanding its scope of services through massive brand collaborations and streamlined technology. As a result, the platform’s offerings encompass the total sports fan experience, spanning commerce, collectibles, trading cards, live events, sports betting, and more.
In addition to his relentless innovation at Fanatics, Michael is the founder of Rue Gilt Groupe – the premiere off-price, e-commerce destination that owns several of the top online private sale businesses in the United States. He was the Founder and CEO of GSI Commerce, which eBay purchased for $2.4 billion in 2011. Michael is also a former partner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils.