Lindsey Bethel on Powering Topps Social

Powering Topps Socials Behind the Scenes

Date: Feb 27, 2026

Topics: Black History Month, Cards and Culture, Trending

Length: 1154 Words

Reading Time: ~6 Minutes

At 31, Lindsey Bethel is helping power the moments fans experience every day across Topps social channels. A Washington, D.C. native and proud Howard University graduate, Lindsey brings intention, creativity, and leadership to her role as Production Coordinator at Fanatics Collectibles.

From helping execute Topps Rip Night to capturing the energy of Fanatics Fest, she works behind the scenes to bring major campaigns to life.

Lindsey Bethel is a Production Coordinator on the Social Team at Fanatics Collectibles, helping bring Topps campaigns like Topps Rip Night and Fanatics Fest to life. From crewing and scheduling to real-time content execution, she powers the moments fans experience every day across Topps social channels.

Ripped: As a Production Coordinator on the Social Team at Fanatics, what does your role look like day-to-day, and how do you help bring campaigns to life?

Lindsey Bethel: “I handle everything from onboarding and invoicing to crewing and scheduling for all of our content needs. I provide the foundation for our team to produce high-quality content for our Topps social channels.”

How did you get to where you are today, and what inspired you to pursue this path?

“I grew up loving sports more than anything in the world. I went to THE illustrious Howard University to pursue a career in sports journalism, following the legacies of Pam Oliver, Lisa Salters, and more. I just wanted to talk about sports all day long. Midway through school, I gained an even stronger interest in the world behind the camera and all of the work that goes into what we see as fans at home. I felt that I would be even better in front of the camera if I learned more about the other side, and the rest is history!”

Was there a specific moment or opportunity that helped open the door for you in sports and entertainment?

“Moving to LA in my 20s with nothing lined up actually ended up changing the entire trajectory of my career. As DC’s entertainment industry was deeply rooted in news and politics, I knew I needed to make a change, and it has paid off tenfold. I don’t recommend it now though! Get that job first!”

What’s a recent social project or campaign you worked on that you’re especially proud of and why?

“I’m especially proud of Topps Rip Night, an annual day to celebrate and showcase the art of collecting. When I first started at Fanatics, I don’t think I had ever even seen a trading card in my life. However, over the last 3 years I have truly grown as not only a fan of The Hobby, but a collector myself. Rip Night highlights how collecting can build community, change lives, and most importantly, connect generations for a lifetime.”

You’ve played a role in Fanatics Fest — what went into bringing that experience to life from a production and social standpoint?

“There is absolutely no place like Fanatics Fest. I have worked countless Super Bowls and award shows and major events and nothing compares. It’s important for our team to capture all of the moments, no matter how big or how small. It’s our duty to show the essence of the event so that viewers feel like they were there.

“There were long days and even longer nights of filming, editing, and uploading, all in real time to truly capture the power of the weekend’s festivities.”

What was the most rewarding or memorable moment for you during Fanatics Fest?

“I was unintentionally featured in our NBA teaser commercial for our official NBA launch this past October. I ended up filling in as an extra body and made the final piece. I tend to find myself back in front of the camera every now and then. My clip has since been submitted for an Oscar.”

As a Black creative and a Black woman in sports and entertainment, how has your identity shaped the way you approach your work?

“I lead with my identity in every room I walk into. I have had a long career of being the ‘only’ or ‘few’ on the calls or in the meetings but have never doubted my presence at any point. Whether it’s being intentional with crewing or pitching in creative concepts, I strive to ensure that Black people are seen, Black voices are heard, and Black stories are told across all platforms.”

As Co-Chair of the Global Black Alliance at Fanatics, what does that leadership role mean to you personally and professionally?

“As a co-chair for the Global Black Alliance, it is my relentless passion to ensure that Black employees are comfortable and represented within the Fanatics ecosystem. I have always lead with intention when it comes to creating opportunities or opening doors for my community.

“I believe there’s no greater service than being a positive, powerful voice for the Black community, especially in large, professional spaces such as Fanatics. We are our greatest resource, and we must never forget that. This role comes with a level of representation and power that I do not take lightly.”

What advice would you give to young Black creatives who want to break into sports, media, or entertainment?

“Be yourself. So often, we feel the need to approach the workplace with a certain presence, when we truly are enough just as we are. The sports industry can be extremely scary, but the undeniable truth is that we are well-equipped to take on any and every challenge set in front of us. We come from kings and queens, slaves and ancestors, who defined courage and strength for us all. It’s already within us. See it. Own it. Succeed.”

Topps Black History Month Spotlight FAQs

What does Lindsey Bethel do at Fanatics Collectibles?
- Lindsey Bethel serves as a Production Coordinator on the Social Team at Fanatics Collectibles, managing onboarding, crewing, scheduling, and logistics to ensure Topps social campaigns run smoothly and efficiently.
What is Topps Rip Night?
- Topps Rip Night is an annual celebration of trading card collecting, bringing together hobby shops and collectors to open packs, share stories, and build community across generations.
What is the Global Black Alliance at Fanatics?
- The Global Black Alliance is an employee-led initiative focused on representation, community, and advocacy for Black employees across the Fanatics organization.
Why is representation important in sports marketing leadership?
- Representation ensures authentic storytelling, especially in sports where many athletes and audiences are diverse. Leadership perspective directly influences how brands show up culturally.