Report: NBA's sleeved jerseys 'are not selling well'
It's unbelievable. The unsightly, tight-fitting sleeved NBA jerseys are not selling well. Who could have seen this coming?
Jest aside, the league was surely hopeful that the sleeved jerseys would be a big mover, giving teams an additional merchandising option and giving fans who may shy from a sleeveless wardrobe piece a chance to sport some official team gear.
Unfortunately, most fans don't seem to like the jerseys, plenty of players have complained about them (though there's no statistical evidence that it hurt shooting percentages), and a report from Paul Lukas of Uni Watch indicates "the NBA's sleeved jerseys are not selling well."
Lukas, generally the go-to source for jersey-related information, got this tidbit from a "buyer for a well-known chain of sporting goods stores" who remained anonymous.
It's not surprising, really, but it has to be disappointing for the league. The NBA will probably give the sleeved jerseys at least another season or two before making a firm evaluation on the numbers. Even then, they'll probably continue to sell them as long as they're profitable, they may just eventually back off on making players wear them as a means of moving units.
[Dap BDL]