NEW YORK — Sports fans of all ages have descended upon the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan for Fanatics Fest NYC 2025.
The full team from cllct is on the ground and will be covering all three days of the events, from the star-studded panels to the exclusive merchandise to the autograph sessions and historic memorabilia displays. We'll also be tracking the Fanatics Games, a competition that will give away more than $1 million in prizes.
Follow along here throughout the event for the latest sights and sounds from the convention floor:
Helmet catch autograph
One fan at Fanatics Fest recreated the famous Super Bowl XLII "Helmet Catch" between Eli Manning and David Tyree and had Manning sign it during availability on Friday.
Nearly two decades later, the Tyree-Manning connection remains one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history.
Still holding that grudge
Tom Brady is certainly one of the most competitive athletes in sports history.
And despite his seven Super Bowl rings, there seems to be one rivalry that the GOAT can't seem to let go of.
As he went all-in with his WWE entrance at Fan Fest, Brady walked out to Cody Rhodes' theme song, spit on a New York Jets jersey and then tore apart an Eli Manning jersey.
Of course, Brady used that rivalry to his competitive advantage as the entrance was part of the Fanatics Games, and the Manning move is sure to have gained TB12 some extra points.
Eli got the last laugh, however — just as he did in his two Super Bowl meetings with Brady, as the former Giants QB surprised Brady with an attack from behind.
Tom Brady vs Eli Manning ????
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
The gift that keeps on giving.
Via WWE pic.twitter.com/pX6wxKR6Tt
We also have to acknowledge Manning's creativity with his entrance as he later walked out to the music of "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns.
Acknowledge @EliManning! ☝️@FanaticsFest @Fanatics pic.twitter.com/gKgdbluWTW
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2025
Look out for ... the Grill Sergeant!
Brady and Manning will also need to look out for some random fans in the Fanatics Games competition.
Could the two QBs be taken down by ... the Grill Sergeant? Fan Mike Vivalo has a full strategy for how to compete with the pros — at least with his WWE walkout.
Tom Brady vs The Grill Sergeant ????????????
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Only at @FanaticsFest! pic.twitter.com/ydjEwZbHsj
Owning the event
Brady was everywhere at the event Friday, and his Card Vault venture was literally at the center of the action in the collectors area.
No one is attracting more attention at @FanaticsFest than @CardVaultTB.
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Chris Costa and Tom Brady are doing a huge giveaway! pic.twitter.com/a8EHPL7yl9
For the Birds
What is the most interesting fan interaction you've ever had?
That question was posed at the "Franchise Faces" panel, and Eli Manning had a colorful answer.
Even the youngest fans in Philadelphia gave the former Giants quarterback quite the memorable reception.
Eli Manning talks about his worst fan interactions at @FanaticsFest and recalls 9-year-old Eagles fans giving “the double bird.” pic.twitter.com/dNmhNNwyD8
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Welcome to the NFL; We hate you!
Speaking of bad blood, few rivalries are more intense that the battle between the Bears and Packers.
Rookie QB Caleb Williams said he found that out quickly in his first NFL season.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams talks through having his Lambeau Leap rejected at Green Bay.
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
His thoughts on the Packers: “i mean, they suck.” pic.twitter.com/OYrw9tb2aA
It's up to you, New York!
The "Only in New York" panel united Yankee legends Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada and CC Sabathia on Friday afternoon.
The five former Bronx Bombers reminisced about their favorite World Series wins — and there were plenty to choose from — and shared stories about what it meant to play in the Big Apple and for ever-demanding owner George Steinbrenner.
Derek Jeter reflects on playing for one franchise during @FanaticsFest’s “Only in New York” panel.
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
“As much as it felt great for us, we wouldn’t have had that chance without [George Steinbrenner].” pic.twitter.com/Oq6T0bX2b5
The questions were often interrupted by chants and cheers from a very pro-Yankees crowd.
Co-moderator Spike Lee did draw some sideways glances when he recounted his favorite Fall Classic memory as watching the 1969 Miracle Mets claim the title in Queens. (And he was wearing all Yankees gear when he did it. Truly Amazin'.)
Sabathia brought the crowd back on theme when he recounted the Yanks' 2009 World Series win.
CC Sabathia tells fans at @FanaticsFest that he knew as soon as he arrived that the Yankees would win the World Series in 2009. pic.twitter.com/1IYR8xpPlt
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Spot the REAL Gronk!
Rob Gronkowski always makes a dramatic entrance at Fanatics Fest.
What's better than one Gronk entrance? How about a dozen guys dressed as Gronk? The legendary tight end rarely blends in, but he did so with this crowd.
Even Brady was challenged to find his former teammate in the Gronk gang.
The real Gronk is in here somewhere … can you find him? pic.twitter.com/l8Qd7RINh3
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Chasing down Charizard
When New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan isn't sacking quarterbacks, he's in pursuit of Pokémon cards.
What has @camjordan94 learned at @FanaticsFest?
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
He should've brought his Charizard cards. pic.twitter.com/IqrtGoKgYR
Thanks, Alex!
Rodriguez was also one of several Yankees legends and current players in the Autograph Zone on Friday.
First-bumps for A-Rod in NYC.
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Signing autographs at Fanatics Fest. pic.twitter.com/RNlnECubH5
Skenes sighting
The card of the year is in the building!
The $1.1 million Paul Skenes 1/1 Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card, which was purchased by Dick's Sporting Goods and put on display at its flagship location in Pittsburgh, has made the trip to the Big Apple.
Dick’s Collectors Clubhouse feat. the famous Paul Skenes Rookie Debut Autograph Patch card. pic.twitter.com/eTTNid2Ld5
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
The place to bee
Countless fans came clad in team jerseys, and these Pittsburgh fans definitely stood out with the Steelers' throwback "bumblebee" look.
This fan is ~buzzing~ for the @FanaticsFest Costume Contest ???? pic.twitter.com/Y7XvAmUOKb
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
You have arrived!
Fans were lined up bright and early, long before the doors opened at 10 a.m. ET.
POV: Arriving at Fanatics Fest 2025! pic.twitter.com/kduDKfoR2v
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
The Museum of Greatness
Billed as the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever assembled, the Museum of Greatness features some of the hobby's most valuable cards and game-used memorabilia from of sports' greatest players.
The cllct team was there for the opening and got the first peak at all the grails on display.
One of the greatest collections of sports memorabilia ever in one place.
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Only at @FanaticsFest pic.twitter.com/Y2EF8BQM8G
A massive assortment of Caitlin Clark’s most valuable cards — all from a single collector — in the Fanatics Fest Museum of Greatness. pic.twitter.com/qh73onvh0b
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Most of these Caitlin Clark cards came from a single collector ???? pic.twitter.com/gMm1BW6mRR
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Michael Jordan’s rookie game-used sneakers are among the highlights from the @FanaticsFest Museum of Greatness. pic.twitter.com/JGBL4WIwl9
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
First case: The photo used to make the 1951 Mickey Mantle Topps card and the actual card in a PSA 8 pic.twitter.com/tSxNIsq3uI
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Tom Brady is well represented here at Fanatics Fest. pic.twitter.com/88r3f6ZWH3
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Is this LeBron’s greatest card? pic.twitter.com/Q5LUhXWhZx
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
Unopened wax?
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
✅ pic.twitter.com/dm2PDnKY4U
Kobe PMGs reporting for duty ???? pic.twitter.com/5n3M7mx7XX
— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025
GOAT sighting
Tom Brady, who will be competing in the Fanatics Games and featured on multiple panels, was in the house right as things kicked off.
Look who just got to @FanaticsFest ???????????? pic.twitter.com/Ylnjwfktq7
— Fanatics (@Fanatics) June 20, 2025