I don’t want to say that this very cool, nationwide, minute-by-minute heat map illustrates what bandwagon fans Americans are, but…damn, this very cool, nationwide, minute-by-minute heat map illustrates what bandwagon fans Americans.
Prior to 2012, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Golden State Warriors fan outside the Bay Area. But, you throw a transcendent 2nd generation light-skinned sharpshooter with MVP skills, and an Under Armour hype machine and championship behind him, and white suburban tweens started falling over each other to wear blue and gold 30s with their fancy high socks.
However, just like LeBron and the Cavs did to Curry and the Ws in the Finals, Cleveland’s bangwagon fans simply humbled Golden State’s.
Today, Fanatics released record-breaking sales stats following the 2016 NBA Finals across Fanatics.com and partner sites, NBAStore.com and the flagship NBA Store in NYC.
Highlights Include:
- In the first 24 hours following Game 7, Cavaliers championship merchandise was up 100% compared to the record set last year during the first 24 hours after the Warriors clinched
- Cavaliers fans have purchased more gear to-date following the championship (less than 48 hours) than Warriors fans did in a full week’s time in 2015
- Cavs fans purchased more gear on their phones alone following the win than Warriors fans did across ALL mobile platforms in 2015 during the same time – Fanatics has already reported a championship record for mobile sales, eclipsing the College Football Playoff title game earlier this year (73% vs. 68%)
It’s as if Cavs “fans” were hearing this voice inside their heads, eating at them, saying, “They said u lost a step, wasn’t explosive as once was, the best days was in the real view, questioned your drive, your leadership, your commitment, you don’t have killer instinct…”