Banijay vs Fanatics

ZDF rejects Sebastian Lege's accusations

German public broadcaster ZDF has publicly rejected accusations made by food expert Sebastian Lege, who criticized the network in a podcast for blocking format innovations and allegedly demanding a more aggressive presentation style. Lege, who hosted the show 'Die Tricks...' on ZDF for over 13 years, claims his proposals for new formats were dismissed, leading him to not extend his contract. ZDF countered, citing a 'successful collaboration' and pointing to format developments like 'Lege packt aus' and 'besseresser goes Schule'. The network expressed a desire to continue the partnership under fair terms. Starting in 2027, Lege will work exclusively for RTL, producing his content with his own newly founded production company.

• ZDF has rejected accusations made by Sebastian Lege regarding format development.
• Sebastian Lege claims his proposals for new formats were dismissed by ZDF.
• ZDF cites 'successful collaboration' and points to format developments.

Banijay Eyes Further Acquisitions, Executives Signal

Banijay, now the world's largest independent production company after acquiring All3Media, held its first major joint appearance by CEO Marco Bassetti and Chairman Jeff Zucker at MIPCOM. They emphasized that Banijay is more than a producer, positioning as a global entertainment group across digital, live, and sports. While focusing on the completed integration, they openly stated further acquisitions are not excluded. The strategy centers on scale, IP retention, and expanding formats like The Traitors into more markets. They see US scripted as a new opportunity, but caution on talent and IP. Key execs noted small producers may seek refuge with larger players.

• Banijay acquired All3Media, becoming the world's largest independent production company.
• At MIPCOM 2026, CEO Marco Bassetti and Chairman Jeff Zucker hinted at possible further acquisitions.
• Banijay is active in 25 countries with numerous subsidiaries.

Banijay Germany integrates All3Media units under new Filmpool United structure

Following the global merger of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media, Banijay Germany, led by Marcus Wolter, is integrating the German All3Media subsidiaries Filmpool Entertainment, Filmpool Fiction, South & Browse, and a 50% stake in Magic Connection. The combined German operations generated a pro-forma revenue of €407 million in 2025, with Banijay Germany contributing €312 million and All3Media Deutschland €95 million. The All3 units are bundled under a new brand, Filmpool United, led by Vittorio Valente, who reports directly to Wolter but is not on the board. Wolter emphasizes leveraging synergies and maintaining strong brands, while the future of the separate digital agency Little Dot Studios remains unclear. Banijay Germany is also expanding beyond traditional TV production into branded content and live entertainment, with over 20% of revenue now coming from non-classical production.

• Banijay Germany and All3Media Deutschland had a combined pro-forma revenue of €407 million in 2025.
• Banijay Germany contributed €312 million, while All3Media Deutschland contributed €95 million.
• Filmpool Entertainment, Filmpool Fiction, South & Browse, and 50% of Magic Connection are integrated into Banijay Germany.

Fanatics designs NHL Hometown Remix jerseys for all 32 teams

Fanatics and the NHL launched Hometown Remix, a new league-wide uniform and apparel program covering all 32 NHL teams. This marks the first time Fanatics has designed and developed a jersey program for an entire league, taking on full responsibility for design and execution alongside the NHL and its clubs. The collection, inspired by each team's city and fan base, will be worn during select games this season. Fanatics has been an NHL partner since 2005, expanding to on-ice uniforms in 2023 when the Adidas deal ended. The launch comes ahead of the holiday season and includes premium and authentic jerseys priced at $275 and $500. Fanatics' CEO of Commerce Andrew Low Ah Kee and NHL's Brian Jennings highlight the milestone and potential for future league-wide programs based on fan insights.

• Fanatics and NHL launched Hometown Remix, a uniform and apparel program covering all 32 NHL teams.
• This is the first league-wide jersey design and development program by Fanatics for a professional sports league.
• The jerseys will be worn by teams during select games in the 2026-27 season.

Fanatics Uses OpenAI for Shop the Look

Fanatics has partnered with OpenAI to launch an AI-powered 'Shop the Look' feature on its website and official NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL online stores. The tool, built using OpenAI's Codex, analyzes product and catalog data to recommend coordinated, in-stock team merchandise based on style and team affiliation, helping shoppers navigate over 1.5 million SKUs. In a pilot across 30,000 MLB products, the feature boosted engagement and views of recommended items by 10% compared to the previous version. Fanatics' Chief Product Officer noted that shopping sessions previously averaged over 30 minutes. The partnership reflects OpenAI's broader retail push, following integrations with Walmart and the adoption of its Agentic Commerce Protocol. Meanwhile, OpenAI is discontinuing Instant Checkout to focus on dedicated ChatGPT apps for retailers.

• Fanatics partners with OpenAI to launch 'Shop the Look', using Codex to recommend coordinated merchandise.
• Feature is live on Fanatics.com and official NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL online stores, covering 1.5 million SKUs.
• Pilot on 30,000 MLB products showed 10% higher engagement and views.

Fanatics Collectibles to Open Its Second Global Flagship Store in Paris, Building on Record London Success

Fanatics Collectibles to open its second global flagship store in Paris, building on record London success. Also, Fanatics introduces Fanatics Sports & Casino: One App for fans to bet, trade or play, and renews trading card deal for UEFA Champions League.