NFL Disney collab debuts Champion merch at Fanatics Fest
Disney, Champion, the NFL, and Fanatics unveiled the first-of-its-kind Disney | Champion NFL Collection at Fanatics Fest NYC on July 16, 2026. The NFL Disney collab pairs all 32 teams with Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar characters, with the first eight picks revealed live in a Disney Fan Draft.
The launch is part of Disney and ESPN’s “Year of the Super Bowl,” building toward ESPN’s first Super Bowl production. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and sports journalist Taylor Rooks hosted the Disney Fan Draft, turning the reveal into a draft-day-style moment for fans.
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Key Takeaways
- Disney, Champion, the NFL, and Fanatics debuted a collection pairing all 32 NFL teams with Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar characters.
- The first eight matchups were revealed July 16, 2026, at Fanatics Fest NYC through a live Disney Fan Draft.
- The line includes tees, crewnecks, and sweatshirts, with early access in the festival’s Disney | Champion Fan Zone.
- Remaining pairings land in August, with full merch at Fanatics.com, NFLShop.com, DisneyStore.com, and select Lids stores.
What was revealed in the NFL Disney collab?
Per The Walt Disney Company, the first eight Fan Draft picks were: Buffalo Bills–Beast; Dallas Cowboys–Woody; Las Vegas Raiders–Darth Vader; New England Patriots–Captain America; New York Giants–Wreck-It Ralph; New York Jets–Buzz Lightyear; Tampa Bay Buccaneers–Captain Hook; and Washington Commanders–Hamm.
Disney said each pairing drew on team history, fan traditions, visual identity, and city culture. Stage appearances included Tom Brady, Fernando Mendoza, Rob Gronkowski, Dion Dawkins, CJ Mosley, and WWE’s Alexa Bliss. KSNV reported Brady and Mendoza unveiled the Raiders’ Darth Vader pick, echoing Las Vegas’ “Death Star” stadium nickname.
When can fans buy the new merch?
Good Morning America said the first eight styles were available to Fanatics Fest NYC attendees. Disney said the rest of the team-character pairings will be revealed in August, when merchandise for all 32 teams goes on sale at Fanatics.com, NFLShop.com, DisneyStore.com, and select Lids locations nationwide. Fans can also join an NFL waitlist for team updates.
Why does this collab matter for Disney and ESPN fans?
Disney framed the collection as the first chapter of a broader partnership with the NFL, Champion, and Fanatics, and another step into sports culture. GMA noted the timing ahead of Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium, set for ABC and ESPN. Disney also linked the Fanatics Fest reveal to ESPN’s Take Back Sports initiative, including a donation supporting youth sports access in New York City.