PLAYERS, the culture-driven publication at the intersection of sports, style, and entertainment, celebrated the launch of its recently released Issue 3: Power to Fandom with an exclusive event co-hosted by Calvin Klein in New York City.
The evening drew a notable crowd of athletes, models, creators, and cultural figures, including Shaun White, Simone Ashley, Sara Sampaio, Tessa Brooks, Emma Brooks, Davis Burleson, Delilah Belle Hamlin, Cindy Bruna, Lauren Chan, François Arnaud, Maria Borges, Elias Becker, Beca Michie, Gage Gomez, Ashtin Earle, Alioune Badara Fall, Yvesmark Cherry, Tanner Reese, Luca Apple, Young Emperors, and many more.
Held at the newly opened upscale sports bar One4One on the Lower East Side, the event brought together athletes, creators, tastemakers, and industry leaders to celebrate the publication's biggest issue to date.
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with specialty cocktails and passed appetizers before settling in to watch live sports throughout the evening. The celebration continued with music from DJs Kazi and Tjani, creating an energetic atmosphere that reflected PLAYERS' unique intersection of sport, culture, and fashion.
Issue 3, titled Power to Fandom, examines the role of fans in shaping modern sports culture against the backdrop of the upcoming summer of international soccer. Through original reporting, cultural analysis, and exclusive profiles, the issue explores topics ranging from the evolution of soccer fandom and the future of stadiums to grassroots soccer movements, fashion's influence on the game, and the growing cultural impact of women's soccer.
Featured throughout the issue are stories and profiles spotlighting Vinícius Júnior, Alisha Lehmann, Ronaldinho, Duckens Nazon, Becky G, Rhuigi Villaseñor, Raphinha, and the enduring legacy of Diego Maradona. The issue also introduces Intelligence, a new editorial vertical dedicated to exploring the trends and cultural forces shaping contemporary sports fandom.
As PLAYERS continues to expand its influence across print, digital, and social platforms, the launch event served as a celebration of the publication's mission: documenting the people, stories, and communities defining the future of sport and culture.
Image credit: Julia D'Ambola/BFA
