For any professional sports team, proper branding is essential to grow and maintain an engaged fan base. While winning championships can increase the revenue of a professional sports team, so can a strong team brand.
For example, the New York Knicks placed at the bottom of their division during the 2014-2015 NBA season. However, the Knicks was the only team from its division to make it to the list of Most Valuable Sports Teams of Forbes in both 2014 and 2015.
In 2015, the New York Knicks ranked eight in the World’s Top 10 Most Valuable Sports Teams list, five spots higher it did the previous year. Currently valued at $2.5 billion, the Knicks show how a a professional sports team can make a profit by not putting limits to branded item opportunities. From collectible balls to branded office items to catering & party supplies, virtually no product is off limits!
The following infographic shows the business value of branded team merchandise. By branding a wide range of products, a professional sports team can reach untapped audiences, engender brand loyalty, leverage low cost per impression, and capitalize on a new revenue stream.
