The New York Knicks are experiencing a historic surge in merchandise sales, fueled by their deep playoff run and the electrifying performances of Jalen Brunson. According to Fanatics, the Knicks have been the top-selling team in the NBA since the start of their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, and Brunson’s jersey has become the best-selling jersey across all sports, outselling global superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Stephen Curry.
Brunson’s impact on the Knicks has been undeniable. Since joining the team in 2022, he has transformed into an All-Star and the undisputed leader of a franchise that hadn’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years. His clutch performances, including a dominant showing against the Celtics, have made him a fan favorite, leading to an explosion in jersey sales.
New York’s passionate fanbase has embraced the team’s success, with Knicks merchandise sales up 80% compared to last year’s playoffs. The demand for Brunson’s jersey has skyrocketed, with some sizes and editions selling out quickly. Retailers like Nike, Fanatics, and Dick’s Sporting Goods have struggled to keep up with the demand, especially for the 2024-25 City Edition jersey, which has become one of the hardest-to-find items.
Brunson’s jersey sales have surpassed those of Ohtani, the two-way baseball phenom who recently signed a record-breaking deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Curry, the four-time NBA champion and one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. This unexpected rise speaks to the Knicks’ resurgence and the New York market’s influence on sports merchandise.
With the Knicks facing the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the hype surrounding Brunson and the team is only expected to grow. If the Knicks continue their playoff success, Brunson’s jersey could remain the top-selling item in sports, further cementing his status as a New York icon.
