Sixers Partner Michael Rubin Steps Away From Organization

Philadelphia 76ers partner Michael Rubin plans to sell his 10 percent stake in Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment, which operated the Sixers and the NHL’s New

Justin Grasso | Jun 22, 2022

Sixers Partner Michael Rubin Steps Away From Organization /

Philadelphia 76ers partner Michael Rubin plans to sell his 10 percent stake in Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment, which operated the Sixers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.

With Rubin selling his stake in the company, he’ll officially no longer be a part of the Sixers’ organization as he looks to expand his merchandise company, Fanatics.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Rubin’s decision was inevitable as Fanatics’ growth interferes with NHL and NBA team ownership rules.

“Fanatics developed into a sports-merchandising giant and has turned into a global business, now including deals with individual players across the pro leagues within the company’s new trading card and collectibles business. Fanatics will soon launch a gambling vertical as well; another factor as to why the business became a conflict for Rubin as he served as an NBA and NHL team owner.”

Rubin joined the Sixers’ organization back in October of 2011. He linked up with the team’s Co-Managing Partners Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and several other investors to purchase the team for nearly $300 million.

Now, Rubin will focus on the expansion of Fanatics while continuing to root for the Sixers for future seasons to come.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

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Published Jun 22, 2022

JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA