There was a time when only a handful of countries outside the US liked basketball. Thanks to the Dream Team and the NBA, it is now one of the biggest sports in the world, second only to soccer. The gap is steadily closing, with basketball becoming a more permanent fixture in the international market. In some countries, you could not throw a stone with your eyes closed and not hit a basketball shop.
Merchandising is one of the biggest revenue generators for any sport, especially in basketball. Here are some of the highly sought-after merchandising items that any basketball fan should have, wherever you are in the world:
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Basketball Jerseys
Nothing screams fandom louder than the basketball jersey. It has the team logo at the front and player name at the back, which you can wear proudly for all the world to see. Most jerseys are fashionable and can be worn as casual apparel. Others, especially those with player signature or some connection with a historic basketball event, are collectible and are better kept in protective cases.
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Jackets and Hoodies
Wearing a team jacket or hoodie is a good way for a fan to show support for the sport. Aside from being functional and stylish, you could also make a statement with them. Most team jackets and hoodies have an embroidered logo on the chest and the team colours on the sleeves, which would be hard to miss when worn outside. Along with the jerseys, jackets and hoodies are prominently displayed in every basketball shop.
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Headwear
If the basketball jersey or the team jacket is too much for you, then you can go with the more modest team cap. Team caps have the team logo prominently displayed at the front panel or also at the brim. It comes in the team or neutral colours.
A team cap looks simple, but choosing one could take some decision-making. You have the choice between a flat or curved visor. For closure, you can get the strap back, snapback, or stretch fit. You could also choose from the high crown, mid crown, or low crown profile and structured, unstructured, or pinched design.
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Collectibles
Funko is a pop-culture company that is known for its bobblehead toys and figurines. They are constantly coming up with new designs, including the likeness of famous basketball players. These are among the most sought-after collectibles for basketball fans. You can find bobblehead figurines of NBA players like LeBron James and Steph Curry in any basketball shop. Other collectibles are player plaques, posters and photographs, signed basketballs, and replica trophies.
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Home and Office Items
For those who live and breathe basketball, all the merchandise already mentioned are just appetizers. There are many more items that can remind you of your favourite teams while at home or during work. For the bedroom, comforter and bed sets adorned with team design and colours are popular among fanatics. Sports-themed sofa protectors are common options for the living room. You can fill your walls with life-size player decals. You can also bring your team along to your office with your travel tumbler or water bottle. The possibilities are endless for the truly loyal basketball fans.
Global basketball is getting bigger, and it still has much room to grow. As more international players join prominent leagues such as FIBA and the NBA, more countries will gain a better appreciation for the sport.
