Trend Watch: Sports Merch is Having its Moment

Marketing Trends
Written By Ksenia Denisova
Trend Watch: Sports Merch is Having its Moment

The sports industry has long been a pillar of entertainment, and with it comes a significant aspect of the promotional industry: sports swag. We will explore some of the most exciting sports merchandise campaigns that have made lasting impacts. Join us as we uncover how they have shaped the industry, showcasing the power of merch by forging deep connections between teams, players, and their devoted fans.

NFL

When it comes to sports merchandise, the NFL knows how to score big with its fans. From iconic jerseys to coveted collectibles, the league has mastered the art of winning hearts (and wallets) with creative merch campaigns. However, like any industry, it faces challenges, such as merchandise waste. We'll explore some exciting NFL merch while addressing efforts for a more sustainable future. Get ready for a touchdown of creativity, fan engagement, and sustainability!

Exclusive Pop-Up Shops

The 2023 NFL Draft brings an abundance of merchandise options to commemorate the event. With six pop-up shops within the NFL Draft Experience footprint, plus two more outside, fans have plenty of chances to score some awesome and exclusive gear. 

With these pop-up shops, the NFL is giving fans an opportunity to get one-of-a-kind gear from a unique event. By doing this, they are creating a sense of urgency with their fans and giving them an extra nudge to support their team with exclusive gear.

With commonsku, you can create your own virtual pop-up shop, just like the Seahawks at the 2023 NFL draft. Our platform lets you build an online store that captures the excitement and exclusivity of a pop-up shop experience. Showcase your unique merchandise, engage customers, and create a buzz with limited-time offerings. Whether you're selling NFL gear or any other products, commonsku empowers you to bring the pop-up shop experience directly to your audience. Get ready to unleash your creativity and start building your own virtual pop-up shop today!

How To Deal With Obsolete Merch

What Happens to the Losing Team’s Pre-Printed Championship Shirts? After a thrilling Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA Finals, fans rush to get their hands on championship merchandise. To meet the demand, manufacturers and retailers stock up on two sets of gear, declaring each team the champ. 

But what happens to the losing team's clothing? It doesn't go to waste. It's destined for a good cause through charitable donations. So, when the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Kanas City Chiefs at Superbowl LVll, know that the Eagles merch still made a positive impact and found a new home.

Check out this episode of skucast, where we explore what happens to unwanted merch and how it finds a purpose through charitable donations.

MLB

Gear up and show off your love for the game with MLB merch that hits it out of the park. From jerseys to collectibles, it's all about repping your team with style.

Record-setting

The Astros-Phillies World Series Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park was a merchandise sensation. Minute Maid Park's Game 1 merch sales set a new record, surpassing the 2018 World Series mark. Fans clamored for exclusive World Series Patch Jerseys of Jeremy Pena, Jose Altuve, and Yordan Alvarez, along with T-shirts, caps, and Mitchell & Ness Rainbow cardigans. The merchandise craze added an electrifying element to the World Series atmosphere at Minute Maid Park (MLB).

The Best-Selling MLB Hats In America, Visualized

Here's a fascinating piece from Lids: a map revealing the best-selling MLB gear by state. It's no surprise that the New York Yankees dominate most of the country, but it's great to see other states representing their teams too. Arizona proudly supports the Diamondbacks, Texas cheers for the Astros, and the Midwest teams hold their own. Did anything catch you off guard on this map?

Bobble Heads Prominence in Baseball

Merchandise in MLB goes beyond the usual t-shirts and hats. It's all about the fun and quirky world of bobbleheads. In 2023, fans can expect around 200 different bobbleheads to be given away at MLB stadiums. From current stars to legendary players and even surprise guests like Elmo and Frank Sinatra from Sesame Street, there's something for everyone to chase and collect. While most giveaways are simple "first-come, first-serve" promotions, some teams offer special ticket upgrades for themed events. So, whether you're a dedicated collector or just looking for a cool keepsake, keep an eye out for these hilarious bobbleheads at MLB games.


Bobbleheads have had an interesting history. They first appeared in the 1960s as souvenirs for sale at baseball stadiums. The popularity of player-specific bobbleheads grew, but eventually waned, leading to their disappearance from ballparks. However, in 1999, the San Francisco Giants revived the trend with a Willie Mays bobblehead giveaway. Since then, bobbleheads have become a staple at sporting events, with numerous teams offering them as fan giveaways.

The resurgence of bobblehead popularity shows no signs of slowing down, with hundreds of MLB promotion nights featuring bobblehead giveaways each season.

NBA Playoffs Swag

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the Phoenix Suns are making a statement with their exclusive merchandise line for the postseason. As they compete against teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference, the Suns have unveiled a special collection of jerseys, T-shirts, and accessories. Collaborating with the local brand Sportique Apparel, the team has created stylish designs in black, white, and purple. From shirts to hats to sandals, fans can show their support for the Suns in style throughout their playoff run.

Sky High Basketball Shops

A commonsku distributor, Sky High Marketing, is making waves in the world of basketball merch. With their dedicated commonsku shop, they offer an extensive range of basketball-themed merchandise, including jerseys, hats, accessories, and collectibles. But their impact goes beyond the shop. Sky High Marketing recently made a remarkable merch campaign, in partnership with Milwaukee Bucks'. They created a stunning replica of the famous ring that features an impressive display of 400 diamonds and a unique removable top, adding an extra touch of elegance to celebrate the team's victory.

APC Marketing’s Customer Growth Journey

On the commonsku platform, we are proud to feature distributors who specialize in sports merchandise, such as APC Marketing. With their expertise in the field, APC Marketing offers a wide range of high-quality sports merch for fans and enthusiasts. Read their story here!

NHL

As puck drops and the ice rinks come alive, the NHL captures the hearts of hockey fans around the world. Alongside the thrilling action on the ice, the NHL also boasts a vibrant world of merchandise that allows fans to proudly support their favorite teams.

Record Chasing Jersey Sales

During the 2022-23 NHL season, the Washington Capitals' captain Alex Ovechkin dominated not only on the ice but also in merchandise sales. Fanatics reported that Ovechkin's jersey was the top-selling NHL jersey, reflecting his record-breaking performances.

The top-selling NHL jerseys in the 2022-23 season featured the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Colorado Avalanche. The Bruins, Rangers and Avalanche all had strong seasons and Stanley Cup aspirations, which encouraged their passionate supporters to purchase jerseys. 

However, the Penguins and Capitals we’re out of the playoffs for most of the season. The presence of stars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin pushed sales higher, along with their new and exclusive jersey designs from outdoor games.

Rally towels’ history traced

Ever wondered where did rally towels come from? The answer lies in a memorable moment from 1982 when Vancouver Canucks coach Roger Neilson waved a white towel in mock surrender during a playoff game against the Blackhawks. This act of defiance sparked a tradition known as "Towel Power," and 25 years later, rally towels have become a popular and iconic merchandise item for fans, symbolizing their unwavering support for their teams.

Ted Lasso’s Impact on MLS

The rise of "Ted Lasso" has been a game-changer for soccer fans. The show's authentic portrayal of the sport has resonated with viewers, fueling a surge of interest in the MLS and Premier League. As fans immerse themselves in the world of "Ted Lasso," the demand for merchandise has skyrocketed, offering supporters a chance to showcase their love for the show and their favorite teams.

Sports merch is the coolest way to showcase your love for the game. Whether you're rocking a team jersey or collecting bobbleheads like a boss, it's all about embracing your inner fan and joining the tribe. So, grab your favorite gear, wave those rally towels, and let the world know that you're part of the winning team. Game on, merch enthusiasts!

commonsku is software specifically designed for the promotional products industry. It's a CRM, Order Management, and eCommerce platform wrapped up in one sophisticated hub. With software that intuitively connects distributors and suppliers, commonsku is like a breath of fresh air for your team. Learn more at commonsku.com

Ksenia Denisova
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