Replay Sports Cards Signs First New York Franchisee Ahead of Fanatics Fest 2026

NEW YORK, July 14, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // — Replay Sports Cards (“Replay”), America’s first national franchise dedicated exclusively to the hobby, has signed a new franchise agreement with Rob Ansalone to bring the brand’s modern card shop experience to the Bellmore/Merrick area of Long Island marking Replay’s entrance into New York. This development comes as the Replay team prepares to leave its mark at the upcoming Fanatics Fest from July 16-19 in New York City.

The new shop is currently in development with a targeted fall opening and will introduce Long Island collectors, families, and sports fans to Replay’s full-service experience built around buying, selling, trading, and grading cards in a welcoming, community-first environment.

Replay’s leadership team is preparing to attend Fanatics Fest 2026, taking place July 16-19 in New York City. Co-founders Mike Weinberger and Brent Schepel, and Nashville franchisee RJ Cardente, will be on-site throughout the event, connecting with collectors, industry partners, families, and fans.

Replay will participate in the Fanatics Collect Card Combine, powered by AT&T, a curated, hands-on hobby experience designed to welcome a new generation of fans into the trading card hobby. Built around education, discovery, and community, the Card Combine gives attendees the chance to browse boxes, flip through singles, learn about grading, and talk directly with hobby experts.

Within the Card Combine footprint, Replay will operate a dedicated retail space designed to serve as one of the first hands-on card shop experiences many attendees may encounter. The Replay team will engage directly with fans by answering questions, explaining how to shop for cards, teaching how cards are priced and valued, and walking attendees through negotiation.

The activation is designed to make collecting feel accessible, especially for kids and families. Replay’s space will focus on affordable, discovery-driven inventory, including commons and singles, raw or graded cards at approachable price points, and retail boxes that allow newer collectors to experience the excitement of opening packs without the intimidation often associated with the higher-end side of the hobby.

Replay’s involvement in Fanatics Fest builds on the brand’s broader mission to grow the hobby by making it more inclusive and approachable. Through its Replay Gives Back initiative, the brand has collected more than 3 million donated trading cards, which are sorted and repackaged into 25-card packs for children nationwide. Replay has also maintained a strong presence at major card shows across the country, using those events to connect with collectors, introduce new fans to the hobby, and support community-focused initiatives.

SOURCE Replay Sports Cards