In the bustling landscape of sports merchandise, one woman saw an opportunity to make a difference. Meet Lauren Teague, the visionary founder of FanWagn, a marketplace with a mission to transform the way fans connect with their favorite sports apparel. Lauren spoke with the Oregon Accelerator a few weeks ago and I wanted to share her story further.
Lauren’s journey with FanWagn began three years ago when she found herself faced with a familiar dilemma: what to do with outgrown Dallas Stars merchandise that her children had once cherished? Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t find a suitable platform to sell these items. It was this frustration that sparked the idea for FanWagn—an innovative marketplace that not only provides fans with a platform to buy and sell used sports apparel, but also prioritizes sustainability and community.
At the heart of FanWagn’s ethos lies the belief that “We are what we wear.” This mantra underscores the company’s commitment to creating a marketplace where every piece of sports apparel tells a story. Lauren recognized that beyond tickets, sports fans invest significant amounts of money in merchandise, and she set out to create a space that celebrates this passion.
Unlike traditional resale platforms, FanWagn welcomes fans at every level, whether they’re looking to purchase a new jersey or sell a cherished piece of memorabilia. Central to the FanWagn experience is the art of storytelling. Product listings on the platform are infused with personal anecdotes, connecting buyers to the history and sentiment behind each item. This not only enhances the value of the merchandise but also fosters a sense of attachment and community among fans.
Looking ahead, FanWagn has ambitious goals on the horizon. With a current inventory of 100 items, Lauren aims to increase this number to 1,000, offering fans a diverse selection of apparel to choose from. Additionally, she plans to launch a college ambassadors program, further expanding FanWagn’s reach and impact.
In making the case for creators, FanWagn recognizes the immense value of user-generated content. According to recent data, earned media value (EMV) from creators has generated a staggering $62.3 billion for brands. While platforms like Youtube Shorts lead in engagement, Instagram proves to be a driving force in returns of investment (ROI). FanWagn understands that user-generated content extends beyond social media and aims to leverage email and other channels to create even more value for the brand.
At its core, FanWagn is driven by a simple yet powerful mantra: “Jerseys belong in stadiums, not landfills.” Through its innovative approach to sports merchandise and unwavering commitment to sustainability, FanWagn is not just revolutionizing the way fans buy and sell apparel—it’s shaping the future of fandom itself. Join the movement, and let your story be heard at FanWagn.
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