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.

There is an ever-growing demand for college basketball apparel, memorabilia and footwear.  Fans of all ages purchase autographed caps to promote their favorite players.  Older fans are taking a nostalgic turn and buying basketball jerseys of their own college teams. The younger set, meanwhile, is raised in the fashions launched by their favorite basketball stars.

When the NCAA tournament begins in March, the demand for college basketball merchandise goes through the roof.  Suddenly, everyone is in the market for college caps, jerseys, shorts, logos, headbands, wristbands and team logo merchandise.

Basketball shoes are in particular demand, as all fans want to sport the shoes endorsed by their favorite athletes.  Nike, Reebok and Adidas have all fueled this fire by marketing shoes named for popular basketball starts.  Ever since Chuck Taylor endorsed his first pair of Converse sneakers back in 1923, children have been tirelessly pleading with parents to buy shoes carrying the name of their favorite athletes.  The high voltage advertising that accompanies basketball game telecasts only fuels the "gotta-have" basketball fever.

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.

With the Internet it's now extremely easy to find basketball merchandise associated with your choice of college.  There are some sites that offer custom-made basketball uniforms, so all that you have to do is enter your size requirements to get a "regulation" jackets, shorts or jersey.

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, right through Christmas, college basketball memorabilia means big bucks for marketers.  If you have a college basketball fan on your shopping list, you'll never be short of great gift ideas.