Inde Navarrette joins Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 panel at Fanatics Fest

Activision brings Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 to Fanatics Fest with demos, celebrity events and Inde Navarrette

Activision is bringing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 to Fanatics Fest 2026, marking the franchise's first major appearance at the sports-focused convention as it prepares for the game's release on October 23.

The event, taking place at the Javits Center in New York City, is expected to welcome around 150,000 attendees across four days.

Alongside sports brands including Formula One, FIFA and the NBA, Modern Warfare 4 will become the first video game to headline the event.

Activision chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl said the decision was driven by the overlap between Call of Duty players and sports fans.

"It started with an insight: A lot of people that buy our game, they usually buy one or two games a year; us and maybe a sports game," Bahl told Variety.

He added that athletes have also spoken about playing the game together and how it helps with communication.

After two consecutive Black Ops releases, Activision wanted to give players early hands-on access before launch.

Bahl said the company wanted to return to showcasing the game at live events rather than relying only on beta tests.

The Fanatics Fest presence will feature playable demos, collaborations with Aston Martin and Polaris, celebrity matches involving NBA, WWE and MLB figures, giveaways and a live panel featuring Bahl, NBA star Kevin Durant, Infinity Ward director Mark Grigsby and actress Inde Navarrette.

Bahl said Navarrette was invited because she is a longtime Call of Duty player who previously streamed the game. "We just want to celebrate her and the amazing success of 'Obsession' and to see her blow up," he said.

Navarrette recalled first playing Modern Warfare 2 with her older brother. "For me, 'Call of Duty' completely overtakes my mind," she said. "It's also such a nostalgic part of my childhood that I love to return to."