With so many players changing uniforms during the past few weeks thanks NBA free agency, it’s been a pretty busy few days at the NBA store in New York City. But no move made a bigger impact in sales than that of LeBron James when he decided to leave the Miami Heat and return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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When the move was announced it was expected that merchandise sales would shoot through the roof, but I’m not even sure the league expected what was to come.
According to ESPN’s Darren Rovell, 8 out of every 10 items sold at the NBA Store this past week were related to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Keep in mind, that was just the official league store so you have to figure there were similar numbers at other popular shopping destinations as well.
The sales were so high in fact, the store actually sold out of home, away and alternate replica jerseys of LeBron James according to Rovell, though he didn’t if there were still swingman or authentic available.
Whatever the case, 80 percent of all merchandise sold being related to one thing is an absurd number and a clear indication of just how much of an economical impact and power LeBron James brings with him.
Along with that, Rovell noted that blank Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys are also in short supply. Though I have to think there might be a few reasons for that, one being able to put James official (and yet to be determined number) on the jersey and/or not getting stuck with a Andrew Wiggins jersey if he gets traded. If not, you can always go have his name and number added. You could also always add the name and number of the incoming player (*cough*Kevin Love*cough*) if such a trade is made.