Fanatics announced the launch of the American Express (AXP) jersey Assurance program; enabling NBA fans who purchase a player jersey with an American Express card, within the Fanatics network (including Fanatics.com, NBAStore.com), to exchange said jersey if the player leaves the team (due to free agency or a trade) within 12 months of purchase. AXP has taken the initiative to back both Fanatics existing program (90 days) and to extend the protection (for those who purchase with an AMEX), offering fans the confidence required to spend $250 for a new authentic Nike (NKE) jersey; knowing unforeseen changes could occur at any time before, during or after the season. Should a player relocate (and over 100 are free agents in ’18), fans will have the option to trade their existing jersey for a model on their new team or another player on the existing team.
Howie Long-Short: The NFL bought 3% of Fanatics in May 2017 for $95 million, at a $3.17 billion valuation; which was more than 2x its revenue at the time. Noteworthy, as retailers Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS) and Hibbett Sports, Inc. (HIBB) currently have market caps ($3.72 billion, $498 million) worth roughly half of what they generated in 2017 sales ($7.92 billion, $973 million). That’s of no concern to NFL owners though, one was quoted as saying he could see the Fanatics growing “anywhere from 8-10x”.
Fan Marino: If you’re requiring usage of a jersey assurance program, you’re doing it wrong; you must take the player’s potential longevity with the team in to consideration. Look for guys that will retire with the franchise or a rookie with star potential, not a journeyman! From October-December, the league’s Top 10 most popular jerseys were; Curry, James, Durant, Antetokounmpo, Porizingis, Embiid, Westbrook, Simmons, Leonard and Harden. Only those with a recently purchased James jersey (and maybe Leonard) need to worry about holding on to their receipts. I do need to point out though, that during the ’16-’17 season, 5 players with Top 8 most popular jerseys were traded or free agents (Irving, Wade, Butler, Rose and Anthony).
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