Michael Rubin, serial Internet entrepreneur, philanthropist and social justice advocate, has built several successful multibillion-dollar e-commerce companies. Michael is Executive Chairman of Fanatics, the global leader for licensed sports merchandise, and Rue Gilt Groupe, the premiere off-price e-commerce destination that owns several of the top online private sale businesses in the U.S. Michael has always been on the cutting edge of commerce. Prior to his current businesses, he was the Founder and CEO of GSI Commerce, which he sold to eBay for $2.4 billion in 2011.
Both born and raised in Philadelphia, Michael became a criminal justice reform advocate through his close personal friendship with Meek. 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 JAY-Z and Roc Nation to lead the fight to overturn Meek’s sentence.
During this process, Michael and Meek realized that problems in the criminal justice system extend well beyond Meek’s case. They made a decision to stand with the millions of men and women unjustly ensnared in the broken criminal justice system by launching REFORM Alliance, a movement focused on changing the laws, policies and practices that contribute to mass incarceration.
Michael is also the creator of the ALL IN Challenge, one of the largest digital fundraisers ever that raised $60M to feed those most in need of meals during the COVID-19 pandemic by enlisting 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.
Named annually as one of the most influential people in sports business, he is also a former partner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils.