The Indian Premier League is one of the most attractive sports leagues, where freaks from all over the country come and join together to cheer up the fans. But do you think that the IPL is just about cricket alone? No, it is a vast business that contributes hugely to the country.
You may think that the players make money only during playing. But not actually; these players make an even huge sum off the field. Surprised right? And do you know that merchandising is one of the primary sources through which they make this money?
But what is this merchandising? Are you wondering? Let’s have a clear and detailed analysis of that here in this blog, where I have shared the different ways in which the teams profit from the fans. Let’s do more to know more.
What is Merchandising?
Merchandising refers to the sales team’s branded products like jerseys, caps, mugs, and even phone covers. Fans love these products so much, and they buy them to show their support for their favourite teams. In return, these products hugely benefit the team and help them make a lot of money from the sales. In simple terms, merchandising means making the products appealing and easy to buy using persuasive styles like attractive displays, promotions, and also pricing to encourage the customers to purchase them. Even if you look at the IPL winners list, their primary sources won’t be just prize money alone; merchandising has a significant role in it.
Why do the IPL Teams Sell Merchandise?
Merchandising is also a source of income for the IPL players. Merchandising is one of the ways how IPL teams earn money. This process means that they do not completely rely on the cash generated from ticket sales and sponsorships, but instead, they have many other ways through which they make money. But do you know why these teams sell merchandise? So here is why.
Connection with Fans
Wearing a team’s jersey makes fans feel connected with their favourite players and team. These products help build a connection among the players and the fans.
Additional Income Source
Selling these merchandise products, like jerseys, mugs, caps, etc, can bring extra money for the teams. Hence, it also becomes an additional source of money for the players.
Promotes Brands
The fans wear more products, and the more popular the franchise and the products become.
What are Some Popular IPL Merchandise Items?
There are several products sold by the IPL players that are bought by the fans and are used by them.
Jerseys and T-Shirts
The jerseys and the T-shirts are the most famous merchandise items sold by the IPL players. The fans buy them to wear while watching the matches in the game. Several T-shirts have players’ names and numbers.
Caps and Hats
Caps and Hats are also a type of merchandise product sold by the IPL players. These are easy to wear and show team spirit and are often worn by the teams at the stadiums.
Accessories
There are other different types of accessories sold by the IPL players, such as watches, wristbands, and keychains. Though they are small, they are popular among the fans, affordable, and easy to carry.
Home and Lifestyle Products
Even several home and lifestyle products are merchandise products on behalf of the players. Fans use it daily to show their love for the team, and it is also great for gifting.
Personal Entities
Apart from these ready-made products, several players are more interested in collecting things related to their sentiments, such as the signed bats and balls from their favourite players. And also sometimes their posters, which are rare and expensive. Hardcore fans and collectors usually buy it up.
How do players promote these products?
You call it advertising or brand promotion, but players use certain smart tricks to promote the products.
Star Players
Several star players, such as Virat Kohli or Mahendra Dhoni, wear them to persuade fans to buy them. No matter if it is a jersey, a cap, or anything else. If the fans are influenced by the players’ getting up, they will buy it.
Ads
Ads on social media about the merchandise, such as on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, are some of the best ways to promote the products.
Discounts and Offers
Teams offer special discounts on the products during the matches or the festivals, attracting the fans with their unique pricing strategy.
Online Stores and Apps
Fans can easily buy merchandise from the team’s websites and apps, such as Amazon and Flipkart.
Why do fans buy this merchandise?
It is not that the teams buy the merchandise just because they like the team; there are several other factors as well.
Sentiments
People are so far associated with their sentiments while buying these merchandise, rather than just buying it as a leisure product. It helps them feel closer to the players they admire.
Fashion Trend
Fashion and trends also have a significant role in why these people have been influenced. In short, these jerseys have just become a style statement. They portray the fashion sense of the person.
Gifting Purpose
For sports freaks, there could be no other expensive gift than these sports accessories. Henceforth, if any of your close ones are interested in sports, this could be the best gift for them.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Are the IPL Jerseys Expensive?
The answer to this question depends. The average rate of these jerseys varies from ₹800 and goes up to ₹3000 and even more.
Which IPL Team Sells the Most Merchandise?
All the teams are involved in selling the merchandise, but teams like the Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians are some of the teams that sell the most merchandise.
Where Can I Buy These Merchandise From?
You can buy this merchandise from the team’s websites, online stores, and shops at the stadiums.
I hope that the blog was a helpful one.
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