Ensuring fair play isn’t just a mantra observed in sports; in fact, it also permeates the business sphere of sports memorabilia. Following prolonged unease among collectors about the fairness of high-value card distributions, Fanatics, the principal sports merchandise manufacturer, has joined forces with top auditing firm, KPMG, to ensure everything is above board.
Every sports enthusiast worth his worn out catchers mitt knows Fanatics. Their name is almost synonymous with sports merchandising – the go-to guys for authentic sports memorabilia. Now, they’re throwing open the doors and welcoming scrutiny by engaging KPMG to conduct an independent audit into their card distribution process. The announcement was made by Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan, during the Industry Conference held in Atlanta. The suspicions about Fanatics playing favorites by intentionally channeling valuable cards to specific customers were finally put to rest when KPMG confirmed that the company’s procedures effectively steered clear of such manipulations.
The high-stakes world of sports memorabilia has been fraught with discussions about whether Fanatics was favoring high volume customers or famous breakers. Social media played its part in fanning these flames when videos of breakers pulling out one valuable card after another made their rounds. Crunching numbers and making sense of this melee, Greg Abovsky, CFO of Fanatics Collectibles, explained that major breakers often stumble upon a trove of high-value cards purely due to the volume they handle, ruling out any foul play at their Texas printing facility.
KPMG brought their expertise in audit and assurance to the game, delving into the specifics of the collation process at the Texas-based printing facility where these illustrious cards come to life. The audit included a thorough check of production logs for each job to ensure the promised randomness in the distribution of cards is indeed a practice upheld by Fanatics.
This strategic move by Fanatics marks a first in the industry, setting higher transparency standards for others to follow. They aim not only to retire these longstanding myths but also to assert the integrity of their distribution process, to reassure collectors and fans alike that fair play is very much their modus operandi.
Abovsky weighed in further to dismantle another common assumption among collectors, stating that Fanatics has not, at any point, seeded boxes with valuable cards for promotional gains. It seems that Fanatics is keen on fair play and is ready to double down their effort by making this randomness audit an annual spectacle. The sports memorabilia giant is putting their money where their mouth is, reaffirming their commitment to transparency with audacious steps towards fairness. Their game plan doesn’t just stop at maintaining their position at the top of the leader board but also includes fostering an atmosphere of trust and reliability among their clientele.
While the sound of a home run hitting the bleachers is the epitome of thrill and excitement for any sports fan, the real joy for the collectors comes from the randomness of pulling a high-value card from a pack. By inviting independent scrutiny, Fanatics is doing their part to ensure that the thrill remains unspoiled and beautifully random. The collaborative effort of Fanatics and KPMG serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to maintaining integrity in an industry where trust is paramount.
