The NBA is one of the biggest sporting brands in the world with games broadcast to homes in over 200 countries around the globe. With over 100 international players in the league, the sport has never been more popular worldwide.
In October 2022, StubHub, the ticket marketplace, saw an increase in demand for the new NBA season, reporting a 65% increase in ticket sales compared to this time last year. But it’s not only ticket sales that are growing, team merchandise is booming too.
NBA teams with the biggest merchandise sales
In January, NBAStore.com released merchandise sales figures based on the first half of the season.
- L.A. Lakers
- Golden State Warriors
- Boston Celtics
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Chicago Bulls
- Philadelphia 76ers
L.A Lakers
Founded: 1947
The Lakers LeBron James sells a lot of jerseys, so it’s no surprise to see them at the top of the list. The 38-year-old forward has held the title for the most popular basketball jersey since the 2018/19 season.
Los Angeles is a basketball city and fan engagement is huge thanks to the Lakers success and their record equalling 17 titles, which means that no matter how bad the Lakers are, they will always be one of the most popular teams around. Former star players Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal also account for a lot of merchandise sales and the team’s popularity.
Golden State Warriors
Founded: 1946
Last year’s NBA champions added a fourth title in eight years with victory over Boston Celtics, putting them third in the all-time list with seven. Superstar Guard Stephen Curry has sold the most jerseys at the halfway stage of the current season and looks set to take the number one spot for the first time since 2017-2018.
Boston Celtics
Founded: 1946
One of the most iconic and famous names in basketball, the Celtics have a huge worldwide fanbase so it’s no surprise to see them near the top of this list, especially with star player Jayson Tatum on their team.
With 17 titles to their name, they share the all-time record with the Lakers. After losing the 2022 finals to the Warriors, the Celtics are this year’s favorites according to the latest NBA odds, as they look to add a record-breaking 18 title and only their second in 34 years.
Milwaukee Bucks
Founded: 1968
While they may lack the history of the Celtics and others, having only been founded in 1968 as an expansion team, the Bucks have recent success with their 2021 championship, and are among the favorites for this year’s title. With superstar Greek Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo on their roster, success and jersey sales are almost guaranteed.
Chicago Bulls
Founded: 1966
The Bulls popularity peaked in the 90’s, when one of the greatest teams to have ever graced a court won all six of the franchise’s championships between 1991 and 1998 – including two three-peats – a feat which has only been achieved five times.
Not one current player makes the top ten list when it comes to shirt sales, but former all-time greats such as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen continue to sell, such is their fame and popularity.
The recent Netflix documentary ‘The Last Dance’, detailing Michael Jordan and the Bulls last championship win, has seen interest in the team peak again, resulting in a huge growth in merchandise sales.
Philadelphia 76ers
Founded: 1946
With only three championships to their name, the last one way back in 1983, the Phillies owe their popularity to the city of Philadelphia and their loyal sports mad fans. Center-Forward and Star player Joel Embiid, sits at number nine in the list of jersey sales for the season, helping push the 76ers up the merchandise table.
What is the biggest selling basketball merchandise?
With basketball, it’s all about the jersey. Every NBA team offers fans a whole host of merchandise to choose from, including headwear, T-shirts, hoodies, shoes, novelties and accessories. But the biggest selling item every time, is a jersey.
In January, the NBA released the fifteen most popular jerseys by sales at their NBAStore.com.
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
- Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)
- Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
- LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)
- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets)
This year’s NBA championship starts on Thursday, Jun 1, and runs through to Sunday, Jun 18. Yet again it looks like it’s too close to call, but whoever wins they’ll be taking home more than an NBA ring, they’ll also be guaranteed a huge bump in merchandise sales.