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Michael Rubin is an American businessman and philanthropist, known for being the founder and CEO of Fanatics, a global digital sports platform.
He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in Lafayette Hill, where he started a ski-tuning shop in his parents’ basement at the age of 12.
In addition to his business ventures, Rubin is also a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specializes in Iran, Turkey, and the broader Middle East.
He has lived in post-revolution Iran, Yemen, and both pre- and postwar Iraq, and has spent time with the Taliban before 9/11.
Rubin has authored several books on diplomacy, Iranian history, Arab culture, Kurdish studies and Shi’ite politics.
Net worth | $11.47 billion |
Profession | Businessman, philanthropist |
Date of birth | July 21, 1972 |
Nationality | American |
Background
Rubin’s parents, Paulette and Ken Rubin, were a psychiatrist and a veterinarian, respectively.
Paulette has been a constant support system for him, even during his most challenging times.
Rubin’s parents have professional backgrounds in psychiatry and veterinary medicine likely influenced his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
Net worth
Rubin’s net worth of $11.47 billion is primarily attributed to his successful business ventures, particularly as the founder and CEO of Fanatics, a leading global digital sports platform.
Fanatics has experienced significant growth and success, becoming a major player in the sports merchandise industry.
Rubin’s entrepreneurial skills, strategic vision and leadership have played a crucial role in the company’s expansion and financial success.
Additionally, his involvement in various other ventures, investments, and his position as a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute have likely contributed to his overall wealth.
Rubin’s diverse interests and expertise in areas such as diplomacy, Middle Eastern politics, and business have likely provided him with opportunities for financial growth and success.
Annual income
Rubin earns an estimated salary of $950 million per year, with a monthly income of $120 million.
His earnings primarily come from salary, bonuses, and dividends from his various business ventures, including his role as the founder and former CEO of Fanatics, Inc.
Real estate
Rubin’s real estate portfolio includes luxurious properties in Los Angeles and the Hamptons.
In Los Angeles, he acquired a mansion in the prestigious Hollywood Hills for a record-breaking $70 million in September 2022.
This mansion, located in the Bird Streets district, spans 15,000 square feet, featuring seven bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, a movie theater, library, wine cellar, tennis court and a Balinese-inspired swimming pool.
The property’s historical significance lies in its connection to former President Ronald Reagan, adding a unique charm to Rubin’s real estate holdings.
In the Hamptons, Rubin owns a mansion that hosted an extravagant Fourth of July party attended by A-list celebrities, with a budget of $50 million.
This Long Island paradise boasts over 8,000 square feet, four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a pool, spa, sauna, tennis court and jacuzzi, reflecting his commitment to luxury living and opulence.
Entrepreneurial ventures
Rubin’s entrepreneurial ventures span a diverse range of industries and have been instrumental in his success and wealth accumulation.
His first significant venture, KPR Sports, was founded at the age of 21, focusing on sporting goods closeouts.
This venture showcased his ability to identify opportunities in niche markets and capitalize on them.
In 1995, Rubin founded Global Sports Inc., which focused on online retail and assisted traditional sporting goods retailers in transitioning to online sales.
This venture established Rubin as an industry leader in the emerging digital retail landscape.
Later, Rubin merged three consumer divisions acquired from eBay to form Kynetic, which included Fanatics, Inc., Rue La La and ShopRunner.
He later sold ShopRunner to FedEx in 2020.
As the co-founder and former CEO of Fanatics, Inc., Rubin has played a pivotal role in building this global digital sports platform, contributing significantly to his overall business success.
In addition to his ventures, he has stakes in sports teams, real estate, and startups, showcasing his diverse investment portfolio and strategic financial acumen.
These ventures highlight Rubin’s entrepreneurial spirit, innovative approach to business and ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the business world.
Accolades
Rubin has received several awards and accolades for his contributions to the business world.
In 2011, he was honored at the Philadelphia Visionary Gala by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) for his entrepreneurial success.
Rubin was also included in Forbes’ 20 Most Powerful CEOs 40 and Under list, recognizing his influence and impact in the business world.
In 2018, he was featured on Bleacher Report’s Power 50 list, highlighting his significance in the sports industry.
From 2015 to 2019, Rubin was included in the Top 50 Most Influential People in Sports Business list by Sports Business Journal.
He was named the Most Influential Person in Sports Business in 2021 and Sports Executive of the Year in 2022, showcasing his leadership and impact in the sports business sector.
These recognitions underscore Rubin’s entrepreneurial spirit, innovative approach to business and his significant contributions to the sports industry and the broader business world.
Philanthropic efforts
Rubin has made substantial donations to various charitable causes, demonstrating his commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact on society.
He is a founding member of the REFORM Alliance, an organization aimed at transforming the criminal justice system in the United States.
Through Rubin’s philanthropic endeavors, he not only contributes to personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose but also fosters a deeper connection with the community.
Incorporating a sense of purpose into business practices can resonate with employees and stakeholders, creating a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
Rubin’s philanthropy plays a vital role in his life, reflecting his dedication to social causes.
His commitment to criminal justice reform and education, as well as his founding of the REFORM Alliance, highlights his dedication to making a positive impact on society.
Rubin’s philanthropic efforts extend to various other areas, emphasizing a commitment to community development and social betterment.
Hamptons White Party
Rubin’s Hamptons White Party is a star-studded event that has attracted numerous celebrities, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Brady and many others.
The event is known for its all-white dress code and the presence of luxury watches on the wrists of attending celebrities.
For instance, Jay-Z was spotted wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph 5990/1R in rose gold, and J. Balvin wore a Richard Mille RM56-01 Brown Sapphire, which is limited to only five pieces and retails for $2,500,000.
Corey Gamble, Kris Jenner’s boyfriend, wore a Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany 5711/1A-018, which features a super interesting celestial dial with black sapphire crystal disks for sky background and moon phases.
James Harden, an American professional basketball player, also attended the event and is known for his watch collection.
Personal life
Rubin’s current girlfriend is Camille Fishel, a 32-year-old American model and social media personality.
They have been together since 2016 and share two daughters, Romi Eloise Rubin and Gema Rubin.