Taking over the Javits Center from June 20–22, Fanatics Fest 2025 resurrected the energy and exclusivity of Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s legendary 40/40 Club — this time as a fully reimagined lounge experience in partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook and Casino. For three bustling days, Hov’s iconic sports bar and nightlife staple was transformed into an invite-only cultural hub that seamlessly fused sports legacy with Hip-Hop and pop culture’s elite.
Guests walked the blue carpet into a space that paid homage to the 40/40 Club’s rich history, with framed jerseys from the original club’s archives lining the walls, grand chandeliers glimmering overhead, and plush lounge seating inviting guests to relax and party in luxury.
Jay-Z, the club’s founder and co-owner of Fanatics Betting & Gaming, was more than a figurehead this weekend — he was a presence. Alongside fellow mogul and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, he welcomed a carefully-curated guest list of sports legends, entertainment voices, and Fanatics Sportsbook VIPs. This wasn’t your typical influencer crowd — it was a gathering of true power players and cultural heavyweights.
From Kevin Durant and Tiffany Haddish to French Montana, Druski, and Davante Adams, the lounge was buzzing with a variety of recognizable faces and magnetic personalities. JuJu Watkins, Suni Lee, and Olivia “Livvy” Dunne represented the next generation of elite women athletes, while Taylor Rooks and Ryan Clark brought their signature polish from the sports media world. Jalen Rose and Darrelle Revis held it down for the OGs, while pro-boxers like Lamont Roach brought the energy outside the ring.
Still, no moment landed quite like the arrival of LeBron James. When the four-time NBA champion and global icon stepped into the space on Saturday (June 21), the atmosphere shifted. All eyes were on him as fans, VIPs, and media scrambled to catch a glimpse or snap a photo. His presence alone reminded everyone why he’s still the undisputed King.
Though the pop-up ran all weekend, the exclusivity was real. This wasn’t just another fan zone like the others throughout the three-leveled event. The 40/40 Club’s doors stayed tight, with eager fans posted outside hoping to get a peek at the magic unfolding inside. Athletes and artists moved freely inside the four black walls, as they enjoyed bites and bubbly, music and legacy.
The 40/40 Club at Fanatics Fest NYC wasn’t just a pop-up, it was the mecca of the convention that proved, yet again, why Jay-Z’s vision still holds weight years later.
Check out the star-studded roster of attendees from the 40/40 Club pop-up below.
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