​The ‘V’ in Victor Wembanyama stands for villain in New York City after the Knicks’ NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.But on Saturday at Manhattan’s Javits Center, ‘Wemby’ will be back in the belly of the beast, face to face with thousands of fans at Fanatics Fest, participating in games against the general public and appearing on a live podcast.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis is the most unique element of the biggest sports convention in the world, hosted annually here in the Big Apple: Humanizing, interactive access between the biggest stars in sports and entertainment and the general public — regardless of what’s happening on the field or court.“Wemby had a great time last year,” Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, said in a phone interview Tuesday. “He got to play chess with 100 fans last year. Each fan did a chess move. We think carefully about engaging in a thoughtful way. And he is a thoughtful guy.”“To some of these fans he’ll be a villain,” Fensterman acknowledged with a laugh, “but he recognizes everything he’s doing is about having a long impactful career. And investing in fans is never a bad idea.”Fanatics founder Michael Rubin has built his mega-company by doing exactly that: Investing in the passion of fans. So access to this kind of event obviously comes at a price.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt’s $70 per adult ticket on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and $80 on Saturday. It’s $30 per child per day all weekend. And autographs or photos with star entertainers and athletes cost more inside.But the access to fan activations, live shows and podcasts and exclusive experiences across a million square feet of space and 12 stages basically creates a mini city of unforgettable moments.That’s why there was fan demand to add a fourth day this year to the convention, which ran for three days in 2025. And that’s why Fensterman, who oversaw Comic-Con for years, is proud that every daily ticket to Fanatics Fest is more than just a gateway to more vendors.“There’s more to do,” Fensterman said, “than just to buy.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe confluence of a Knicks NBA Championship and Sunday’s World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium across the river is creating a perfect storm.“The World Cup is coming to a head, and the Final is happening here, so we’re bringing the final teams to the show for Friday,” Fensterman said. “That’s huge.”So look for Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Fanatics Fest will even host a massive watch party for the Final on Sunday, with the Men in Blazers podcast and other guest analysts on hand.“Four of the Knicks’ starting five will be in the building signing and parading through the show floor with the trophy,” Fensterman said.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJalen Brunson will appear on a King of New York panel. His autograph signing is already sold out. And the Fanatics Games, which were a huge hit in last y