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Team USA Jerseys: Too Pricey, Too Late?
27 Feb
Summary
- Fanatics charges $419.99 for replica jerseys that ship after the event.
- Fans are buying cheaper knockoffs due to cost and delayed shipping.
- Similar issues occurred with Team USA hockey jerseys after Olympic win.
Fans looking to purchase Team USA replica jerseys for the World Baseball Classic encountered significant issues this past week. Fanatics, the official distributor, priced the jerseys at a steep $419.99 and indicated they would not be shipped until April, well after the tournament's March 17 finale. This pricing and delay frustrated many, with one fan resorting to purchasing a less expensive knockoff from a Chinese wholesaler.
Similar frustrations were voiced regarding the inability to meet demand. Despite Fanatics replenishing its online stock, shipping times remained unchanged. Fans found cheaper alternatives on MLB's online store, with one Aaron Judge replica available for $199.99, though these also faced April shipping dates. The World Baseball Classic is scheduled to run from March 5 to March 17 across multiple cities.
This jersey controversy follows closely behind supply shortages of Team USA hockey jerseys after the men's team secured Olympic gold. Nike, the manufacturer, reportedly prioritized Team Canada jerseys, leading to high demand and limited availability for the victorious American team. Nike has stated plans to increase jersey availability online and through retail partners.
Experts suggest that manufacturers often project sales for a limited event period, and unexpected team successes, like the men's hockey gold medal win on the anniversary of the 'Miracle on Ice,' can create unforeseen demand. This challenge is reminiscent of Super Bowl LX, where Fanatics also faced criticism for jersey shortages impacting Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots fans.
