Basketball enthusiasts have a particular place in their hearts for NBA jerseys. NBA supporters are showing off their jersey collections and ginning up their teams. It’s never too early to start collecting more keepsakes.
Though plenty of excellent options exist, who has the most sold shirts in the NBA? The numbers from the first half of the 2023–24 season are broken down here.
Who Has The Most Sold Shirts In The NBA?
During the second half of the 2023–24 NBA season, a well-known figure leads the shirt sales leaderboard. Regarding NBA store sales, the Lakers, Celtics, and Warriors are the most well-liked teams in the league.
Michael Jordan
Jordan played his career before the NBA started tracking jersey sales. However, according to a 2008 story, Michael Jordan’s jersey was the best-selling item when the NBA Store unveiled its top 10 all-time greatest sellers.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the iconic Chicago Bulls #23 jersey in red or white had to have topped the best-selling rankings. Considering how many contemporary NBA players still credit Jordan as their basketball inspiration, it’s likely safe to say that a sizable section of the population ranks his jersey as the best.
According to Sotheby’s, Jordan’s jerseys are rare, especially from his final championship run, which raises the price. The greatest thing that fans with less than $10 million to spare can do is see Jordan wear this jersey during The Last Dance.
Kobe Bryant
Undoubtedly, Kobe is among the most well-liked players in the league and among the greatest players of all time. His changing jersey number from #8 to #24 in 2005, playing in the second-largest market in the league, selling the most jerseys in five seasons, and winning five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers all contribute to his reputation.
The Lakers’ #24 jersey honors the late Kobe Bryant’s contributions both on and off the court. With almost 2.5 million sales, it is now the second-highest-selling NBA jersey, thanks to the outpouring of support from fans worldwide following his untimely loss.
LeBron James
LeBron James, the King of the modern NBA era, has excelled both on the court and in jersey sales. Over 3 million of his Lakers #23 best basketball shirts have been sold in the past year alone, making it a desirable commodity.
In 2011, LeBron made a Kobe impression by changing his shirt number from #23 to #6, citing Michael Jordan as the inspiration. He encouraged other players wearing #23 to follow suit at that period.
Even though he hasn’t always been the most popular person, and his signing with the Los Angeles Lakers probably hasn’t helped in some parts of the world, LBJ is still among the most popular NBA jersey sellers.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson, who played his whole NBA career for the Lakers, was the greatest point guard ever. He is among the greatest players ever because he guided the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles in seven NBA Finals appearances.
In the 1980s, every Lakers fan, especially during his MVP years, owned a Magic Johnson jersey. Additionally, many began to support Magic Johnson once he came forward with his HIV diagnosis and educated the public about the virus, which increased sales of his jerseys.
Larry Bird
Larry Bird enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime NBA career in the 1980s. He was more than just a good white player; he was a basketball expert. He won three consecutive NBA MVP awards and three NBA championships.
His #33 Celtics jersey was unquestionably popular during his NBA MVP years. The Celtics were highly powerful at the time and had a fierce rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers until Michael Jordan came along. Even now, people admire Larry Bird and buy his jerseys.
Steph Curry
The basketball world is heavily influenced by notable brands such as Nike and Adidas—the brands that basketball players wear. Not only are Chef Curry’s three-pointers shattering records, but his Warriors Nike #30 jersey is also a best-seller. More than 1.8 million jerseys have been sold, demonstrating his prowess in the kitchen and beyond.
Curry would use his abilities to win four NBA titles and the first-ever unanimous MVP award. The fact that he leads the league in jersey sales is evidence of his popularity, success, and good-guy image.
Do NBA Players Make Money From Jerseys?
Yes, they do. However, NBA players’ earnings from jersey sales might differ significantly. The NBA’s marketing and licensing branch, NBA Properties, Inc., is a private firm that must sign the licensing deal.
The amount of money obtained via licensing agreements that permitted other manufacturers to produce and market jerseys, sneakers, basketballs, warm-up jackets, sweatshirts, and non-sports items was negotiated in a collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the players’ union.
The arrangement with NBA properties is distinctive because their pay determines most players’ sales commissions. The payout from the collected distribution is better if the payscale is higher.
Conclusion
Within the dynamic realm of the NBA, the question of “Who has the most sold shirts in the NBA?” continues to captivate fans. Not only have these athletes made a lasting impression on the court, but their jerseys are flying off the shelves, making them fashion icons as well. When you wear your favorite player’s jersey, you’re carrying a piece of basketball history, not simply a piece of clothing.