In a bid to move into New York’s mobile sports betting business, superstar rapper and founder of entertainment/management company Roc Nation LLC, Jay-Z has joined sports-merchandise giant Fanatics Inc.
Though representatives from Fanatics and Roc Nation declined to comment on the move, included in his deal, the musician/entrepreneur born Shawn Cory Carter will also serve as vice chairman of Fanatics Betting & Gaming’s new board of directors.
As the company undergoes a reorganization under Michael Rubin, the founder and executive chairman, sports betting is a high priority for Fanatics. Looking to expand beyond the core business of selling sports apparel and collectibles, the now CEO has brought on executives to gain entry into new industries such as gambling, ticketing and media.
According to a filing with New York’s gaming commission, Fanatics management plans to use Jay-Z and Roc Nation to “help attract new customers, engage existing sports bettors and expand the overall footprint of the Fanatics sportsbook.”
With forays into such businesses as fintech, cannabis and fitness, Jay-Z has entered in a variety of ventures over recent years and in February, LVMH acquired 50% of his champagne brand Armand de Brignac for an undisclosed sum. Mr Carter is also on the board of Square Inc.
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Author: Bad LeBeau
Photo: Neomusicstore