Top-Selling Sports Jerseys 2026 Across Major Leagues

Sports jerseys are among the top-selling products, driven by demand from fans, collectors, and print-on-demand sellers alike. It’s a space where passion meets real business opportunity.

With global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, along with high-demand leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, jersey sales continue to surge across the board.

In this guide, we break down the hottest-selling jerseys across major leagues, backed by official data and retail insights. Use these trends to tap into demand and maximize revenue for your sports product store.

Why are sports jerseys booming in 2026?

The sports apparel market is seeing strong growth, with jerseys leading demand. By 2026, the global soccer jersey market alone is expected to reach $8.3 billion, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2026 to 2030.

This growth is driven by major sports events throughout the year:

• World Cup 2026: June 11 to July 19, featuring 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico
• NFL: September to February, with peak demand around the Super Bowl
• NBA: October to June, with strong influence on streetwear and fan culture
• MLB: March to November, driven by global interest in top teams and star players

This consistent, event-driven fan demand creates a clear opportunity for print on demand sellers to capture apparel sales throughout 2026.

Best selling NFL jerseys 2026

The NFL continues to dominate American sports merchandise, with jersey sales reflecting both team success and individual player popularity. 

1. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

Josh Allen is one of the league’s most complete quarterbacks, combining a powerful arm with fearless rushing to deliver weekly highlight plays. His consistent playoff runs and MVP-level performances have built a massive following, while his personality and community presence in Buffalo deepen fan loyalty beyond the game.

Jersey Appeal: The Bills’ royal blue and red jersey is a standout both in the stadium and as casual wear. Allen’s #17 jersey is instantly recognizable and resonates with fans across the nation, especially given the team’s underdog story.

Sales Drivers: Allen’s brand partnerships and cultural moments, such as “Josh Allen for America," have expanded his appeal beyond football fans. Women’s and youth sizes are among the top-selling options.

2. Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)

Saquon Barkley’s move from the New York Giants to the Philadelphia Eagles became one of the most compelling storylines in the NFC East. His breakout season in Philadelphia drove strong jersey demand, with the NFLPA and ESPN reporting him among the top-selling players in retail sales. The Eagles’ strong merchandise culture, combined with Barkley’s Penn State roots, further amplified that demand.

Market dynamics: Eagles’ green jerseys consistently rank among top sellers, but adding a high-profile talent like Barkley creates a perfect storm for sales.

Dual fanbase appeal: Penn State alumni and fans continue to support Barkley, expanding his reach beyond a single NFL fanbase.

3. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)

Patrick Mahomes is widely regarded as the face of the NFL. He has already won three Super Bowl rings and three Super Bowl MVP awards.

Crossover star power: A global sports and fashion icon, comparable to LeBron James in the NBA or Lionel Messi in soccer.

Sales performance: His No. 15 jersey has consistently ranked in the top 3 in league-wide sales for five consecutive years, across both U.S. and international markets such as Germany, the UK, and Mexico.

Color options: The Chiefs offer multiple jersey variations—red, white, and alternate designs

4. Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns)

From the moment he entered the NFL in 2025, Shedeur immediately ranked among the top-selling jerseys in the rookie class (Rookie Class 2025), despite being a fifth-round pick.

• Sales characteristics: His jersey (No. 2 – Cleveland Browns) sells strongly thanks to the combination of football fans and fans of the Deion Sanders legacy. This is a “hype-driven” type of demand, attracting even those who don’t regularly watch the NFL but want to own a “Prime”-style fashion item.
• Market reach: Strong sales across the U.S. and internationally through online platforms.

Top selling NBA jerseys 2026

Beyond being sports memorabilia, basketball jerseys have become a staple in streetwear fashion. The NBA’s global reach allows these jerseys to sell across continents. The top 3 players driving jersey sales in the 2025–26 season are:

1. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

Despite being past his peak, Stephen Curry’s jersey sales remain among the highest in the NBA during the 2025–26 season, according to NBA and NBPA data. Each time he sets a new three-point record, demand for his No. 30 jersey surges as fans look to own a piece of history from one of the greatest players at his position.

Global icon status: Curry’s influence extends far beyond the U.S., with especially strong demand in Asian markets where his jerseys outsell most other NBA players.

Fashion versatility: The Warriors’ blue-and-gold colorway translates well into everyday fashion, with Curry jerseys frequently appearing in streetwear, music videos, and celebrity outfits.

2. Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)

The biggest boost comes from Luka’s move to the Lakers. A global superstar joining one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises in its largest market has triggered an unprecedented surge in jersey demand.

His highlight-reel plays and rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ make him must-watch for fans.

Luka Dončić’s international draw: Luka Dončić’s appeal extends far beyond the U.S. His No. 77 Purple and Gold jersey has seen explosive demand across Europe, making him one of the top-selling international players in league history. Backed by a loyal fanbase from Slovenia to Spain, Dončić demonstrates how strong international support can drive global revenue at scale.

3. Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)

In the 2025–26 season, Jalen Brunson climbed to No. 3 in jersey sales while becoming the face of the New York Knicks. Leading the team back into contention in the Eastern Conference has made his No. 11 jersey a go-to choice among fans in New York.

“King of New York” effect: After years without a clear leader, the Knicks fanbase—known for its loyalty and strong spending power—has fully rallied behind Brunson as the team’s new symbol.

Market dominance: Backed by the New York market and the Knicks’ brand value, Brunson’s jersey has spread from city streets to the global basketball community, showing how a star combined with a major market can drive exceptional demand.

Most popular MLB jerseys 2026

Baseball jersey culture differs from other sports, as fans collect not only current stars but also retired legends. This reflects the lasting value players hold in fans’ eyes and explains why the 2026 sales rankings don’t strictly follow on-field performance.

1. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Leading MLB jersey sales for the third consecutive year, Shohei Ohtani continues to prove his global appeal as a once-in-a-generation talent. After guiding the Dodgers to a second straight World Series title and delivering a standout performance at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, his No. 17 jersey has become one of the most sought-after sports items worldwide, from the U.S. to Japan.

Japanese market dominance: Ohtani’s jerseys outsell all other players combined in Japan, with a level of demand few MLB players can match.

The “50/50” legacy: Becoming the first player to reach historic milestones like 50 HR / 50 SB has turned his Dodgers jersey into a highly collectible item.

Collector’s gold: Special editions such as the “Gold Collection” or Kanji jerseys consistently sell out at launch, fueling sustained demand throughout the season.

2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Ranking No. 2 behind Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto stands out as a rare case of a pitcher breaking into the top jersey sales. His 2025 World Series MVP and dominant performance on Opening Day 2026 have pushed his No. 18 jersey to the top of sales charts on Nike and Fanatics.

Double Japan effect: Playing alongside Ohtani creates a strong bundle-buying effect, boosting Yamamoto’s sales and helping the Dodgers lead in merchandise revenue.

Performance & narrative: His MVP title and consistent performance sustain demand, proving that even a pitcher can drive strong jersey sales with the right story and fan trust.

3. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)

Holding the No. 3 spot and ranking as the top-selling American player, Aaron Judge remains the face of the “Bronx Bombers.” With his 2025 AL MVP title and early 2026 home run performances, the iconic No. 99 pinstripe Yankees jersey continues to stand as a staple in American sports.

• Home run mystique: Judge’s towering home runs create viral moments that attract casual fans.
• Contract loyalty: His decision to re-sign with the Yankees strengthens fan trust, translating into consistent jersey demand.
• World Baseball Classic impact: His strong performance with Team USA at the 2026 WBC expands his international fanbase, especially among those drawn to power hitting.

Trending NHL hockey jerseys 2026

Hockey jerseys have a devoted following, with fans particularly passionate about team colors and designs. The NHL’s marketing efforts have expanded the sport’s reach beyond traditional markets. 

1. Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

Maintaining his status as the world’s top superstar, Connor McDavid continues to dominate NHL jersey sales in the 2025–26 season. Leading the Oilers deep into the Playoffs and serving as the centerpiece of Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics, his No. 97 jersey has become a symbol of speed and elite performance in the sport.

Olympic effect: His first Olympic appearance drives demand for both Oilers and Team Canada jerseys, boosting his overall merchandise revenue.

Canadian Heritage: In Canada, McDavid’s jersey consistently performs well thanks to a large and loyal domestic fanbase, especially during holidays and the Stanley Cup race.

2. Sidney Crosby / Nathan MacKinnon

This duo represents a balance between legacy and peak performance. Sidney Crosby—“Sid the Kid”—may be in the later stage of his career, but he continues to rank among the top in jersey sales thanks to his lasting legacy, while Nathan MacKinnon closely follows as one of the league’s most dominant offensive forces.

Legacy vs. Prime Power: Crosby’s No. 87 jersey remains a top choice for longtime fans and those who value tradition, while MacKinnon’s No. 29 surges with his MVP-level performance and championship success with the Avalanche, attracting a younger, more dynamic fanbase.

The Nova Scotia Connection: Their joint appearance for Team Canada in 2026 drives a significant boost in jersey sales for both players across North America.

Consistency in Markets: Strong and loyal fanbases in Pittsburgh and Colorado help both Crosby and MacKinnon maintain steady top-tier sales.

3. Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs—one of the league’s largest and most passionate fanbases—Matthews’ No. 34 jersey remains a top-selling item across sports stores in North America.

Goal-scoring appeal: His consistent scoring ability (multiple 60+ goal seasons) creates constant highlight moments, attracting casual fans and explaining why goal scorers typically outsell defensive players in merchandise.

American hockey’s face: As the top American player today, Matthews has a massive domestic fanbase. His jersey sales across the U.S. surge when he represents Team USA in international competitions like 2026.

Maple Leafs market size: Toronto represents Canada’s largest market and one of hockey’s most merchandise-hungry fanbases. Maple Leafs jerseys consistently rank among the NHL’s top sellers regardless of player.

Top selling football jerseys 2026

2026 marks a historic milestone as the FIFA World Cup 2026 returns to North America after more than three decades. With an expanded format of 48 teams, the event is expected to push global jersey revenue to around $8.5 billion.

1. Traditional appeal group: Legacy and superstars

Based on data from the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, countries like Germany, Brazil, Argentina, England, France, and Portugal consistently dominate jersey sales rankings due to:

• Brand value: These teams have loyal fanbases spanning across multiple continents.
• Superstar effect: Players like Kylian Mbappé (France), Vinícius Júnior (Brazil), and the final World Cup appearances of Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) drive fans to spend on what feels like a piece of history.

2. World Cup 2026: The power of host nations

This World Cup is projected to generate an economic impact of up to $80.1 billion across North America. The merchandise market stands out as a key driver, fueled by:

• Host nation advantage: The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are expected to welcome over 6.5 million attendees. Demand for jerseys as souvenirs, combined with strong local fan enthusiasm, will push sales in these markets to record levels.
• U.S. market surge: In the U.S. alone (contributing $30.5 billion to the total impact), soccer is rapidly becoming a mainstream sport.

How to capitalize on sports jersey trends for your POD business

Sports jersey trends represent tremendous opportunities for print-on-demand entrepreneurs. Tuy nhiên tuân thủ pháp luật vẫn cần được ưu tiên hàng đầu vì để tránh sản phẩm được thiết kế ra bị dính trademark.

Inspired designs: Create designs that celebrate players/teams without using official logos or trademarks. “Buffalo’s #17" rather than “Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills"

Fan culture merchandise: Design t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories that reference fan culture, city pride, or sports concepts without infringing trademarks

Vintage and retro aesthetics: Create vintage-style sports graphics that evoke eras rather than copying specific jerseys

Timing your releases

• Trade deadline: When players switch teams, demand for their new team’s colors spikes immediately
• Draft picks: Rookie sensation jerseys become hot immediately after impressive debuts
• Playoff runs: Deep playoff runs create multi-week engagement opportunities
• Award announcements: MVP, Rookie of the Year, and championship wins create purchase triggers

Design differentiation

• Lifestyle integration: Create designs that work as everyday fashion, not just game day wear
• Artistic interpretations: Offer artistic, stylized versions of player silhouettes or iconic moments
• Combination products: “Greatest of All Time" designs featuring multiple era-spanning legends

Product diversification

Don’t limit yourself to traditional jerseys. Consider:

• Tank tops and crop tops for female fans
• Hoodies and sweatshirts for cold-weather markets
• Phone cases, tote bags, and accessories
• Kids and baby clothing (huge market)
• Pet clothing (growing niche)

Beyond attracting customers to add products to their cart, product quality plays a critical role in earning positive reviews, referrals, and long-term trust. To achieve this, you need to work with a print-on-demand provider that can consistently meet these standards.

Why choose Merchize for custom sports jerseys

Merchize offers high-quality blanks that meet sports fans’ expectations. The fabrics feel comfortable for all-day wear, and printing technology ensures designs remain vibrant through repeated washing.

Fast production and shipping: Production takes 2–3 days, helping you keep up with fast-moving trends

Base cost: From $12.5

Shipping range 118+ countries

Merchize’s Jersey catalog:

• Baseball Jersey: unisex baseball jersey, simple baseball jersey (no piping), crop top baseball jersey
• Football/Soccer Jersey: soccer jersey (set/single), football jersey (american football), hybrid mesh football jersey, crewneck hybrid mesh crop top football jersey
• Hockey Jersey: Lace neck hockey jersey, hockey jersey with shoulder yoke, youth hockey jersey, embroidered hockey jersey
• Basketball/Tank Tops: Sleeveless jersey tank top, v-neck sleeveless jersey tank top
• Bowling Jersey: Bowling jersey, women’s bowling jersey
• Other specialized lines: tennis dress/skirt, rash guard (swimwear/training), Cricket Jersey (customizable from polo/V-neck)

FAQs

1. Are retro jerseys worth buying for resale?

Yes, if you choose carefully. Retro jerseys resell well when they’re authentic, tied to legendary players, and in good condition. For POD, go with retro-inspired designs to tap demand without licensing risks.

2. Can I sell custom jerseys with player names legally?

No, not without proper licensing. Using official team logos, player names, or numbers can violate IP rights. A safer approach is to create inspired designs (city themes, numbers, fan culture) that avoid protected trademarks.

3. How do I choose the right sports jersey for my POD store?

Focus on trends, audience, and differentiation. Choose players or teams with strong performance, large fanbases, and upcoming events driving demand. Prioritize niches you understand, and create unique designs instead of copying saturated ideas.

4. What makes a sports jersey design sell well?

Good design, strong fan appeal, and the right timing. A sports jersey sells well when it looks visually appealing, connects with what fans care about, and aligns with current trends or events. In POD, designs that can be worn casually often perform better than traditional replicas.