College Basketball Merchandise

By: Nadia Eshott


College basketball is a popular sport and big business. Countless dollars are spent within the industry, and the money isn't only going into the pockets of overpaid pro athletes.

The demand for college basketball apparel, memorabilia and footwear continues to grow. Fans of all ages purchase autographed caps to promote their favorite players, and they're taking a nostalgic turn and buying basketball jerseys of their own college teams. This demand is met by the modern generation of kids that live on the fashions launched by their favorite basketball stars.

As soon as the NCAA tournament begins in March, the demand for college basketball merchandise goes through the roof. Suddenly, everyone is looking for college basketball jerseys, shorts, caps, headbands, wristbands and practically anything emblazoned with a team logo.

Basketball shoes never go out of style, and every fan wants to sport the shoes endorsed by their favorite athletes. Adidas, Nike and Reebok and Adidas have all fueled this fire by marketing shoes endorsed by popular basketball starts. Since 1923 when Chuck Taylor endorsed his first pair of Converse sneakers, kids have been pleading with parents to buy shoes carrying the name of their favorite athletes. Fueling the merchandising fire is the high voltage advertising that accompanies every basketball game telecast.

Since the arrival of the Internet, college basketball merchandise has become even more widely accessible. Buyers can now purchase anything and everything online, from college flags, hats, banners, helmets and jackets to shoes, shorts, jewelry, watches and more. Autographed photographs of favorite college basketball athletes and photos from historic matches are easily found and purchased online. You can even buy a watch that was previously worn by your favorite coach or star player.

The Internet has made it extremely easy for fans to find basketball merchandise particularly associated with their choice of college. Some sites offer custom-made basketball uniforms, so a fan merely enters his or her size requirements to get a "regulation" jersey, jacket or shorts.

You can buy folding chairs available in college colors, stainless steel and pewter travel mugs, thermoses, helmets, and just about anything that you could want emblazoned with a college basketball logo. Even desktops can be personalized for the college basketball fan, with new merchandise like an optical in his or her choice of college colors.

Online auction sites are great sources for college basketball merchandise. Hundreds of retailers put up basketball memorabilia on the auction sites, and wait for the fans' best bids. If you're in the market for memorabilia you'll need to bid with caution, as there is an influx of fake memorabilia on the market. Check the seller's return policy and feedback rating before agreeing to make your purchase.

From the day the big tourney kicks off in March, and right through Christmas, college basketball merchandise means big money for marketers. If you have a college basketball fan in your life, you'll never be short of great gift ideas.

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Information about the Author:

Author Nadia Eshott is a contributor to several popular Internet magazines, on sports recreation and leisure guide themes.