Step Up Your Game: Learn How to Make, Market, and Sell Sports-Themed Rugs

By: Russell Webb

Turn your passion for your favorite team into a profitable business. One way to do this is by marketing and selling sport-themed rugs made using our custom inlay method. These custom rugs are a unique and personalized way for fans to show their love for their team and can be sold online, at local markets, or through custom orders.

Here are some tips to help you market and sell sport-themed rugs made using the custom inlay method:

Create a variety of designs:
To appeal to a wider audience, create a variety of designs that cater to different teams and sports. You can also offer custom designs for customers who want something specific.

Showcase your work on social media –
Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your work and attract potential customers. Share photos of your rugs, the process of making them, and satisfied customers who have purchased your products.

Attend local markets and events –
Attending local markets and events is a great way to reach potential customers and build a local following. Set up a booth with your rugs on display and offer custom orders on the spot.

Build an online presence –
Create a website or online store where customers can browse and purchase your rugs. Make sure to include clear photos of your products, pricing information, and customer reviews.

Offer personalized customer service –
To set yourself apart from competitors, offer personalized customer service. Respond to inquiries promptly and make sure to follow up with customers after they have made a purchase.

Collaborate with local sports teams and organizations –
Collaborating with local sports teams and organizations can help you reach a wider audience and build brand awareness. Offer custom rugs for team fundraisers or create a special design for a local sports event.

Marketing and selling sport-themed rugs made using our custom inlay method can be a profitable business for sports fans with creative skills. By creating a variety of designs, showcasing your work on social media, attending local markets and events, building an online presence, offering personalized customer service, and collaborating with local sports teams and organizations, you can attract a loyal following and turn your passion into a profitable business.

Game On: The Business of Sports Merchandising and Licensing Deals

The following data provides estimated annual revenues for the top 10 sports in the world, based on various sources including Forbes and Statista as of 2021:

Soccer/Football: $30 billion

American Football: $15 billion

Basketball: $7.4 billion

Baseball: $4.4 billion

Ice Hockey: $4 billion

Tennis: $2.5 billion

Golf: $2.3 billion

Motor Sports: $2 billion

Boxing: $1.8 billion

Rugby: $1.7 billion

It’s worth noting that these figures can vary depending on the source and how revenue is defined. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the sports industry, with many leagues and teams experiencing significant financial losses due to canceled or postponed games and reduced attendance.

Lets Take a Closer Look at Merchandise Marketing Sales

Here’s a broad view on estimated merchandising sales for a few of these sports based on various sources, including Forbes and Statista.

Soccer/Football: According to Forbes, the top soccer club in the world, Real Madrid, generated over $121 million in merchandise sales in 2020. Other top soccer clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United are estimated to generate over $100 million in merchandise sales each year.

American Football: The NFL is estimated to generate over $3 billion in merchandise sales annually, according to Forbes. The league’s top-selling merchandise items include jerseys, hats, and other apparel.

Basketball: The NBA is estimated to generate over $4 billion in merchandise sales annually, according to Statista. The league’s top-selling merchandise items include jerseys, hats, and sneakers.

Baseball: According to Forbes, Major League Baseball (MLB) generated over $1.5 billion in merchandise sales in 2019. The New York Yankees are estimated to be the top-selling team in the league, with annual merchandise sales exceeding $500 million.

Ice Hockey: According to Forbes, the NHL generated over $300 million in merchandise sales in 2020. The league’s top-selling merchandise items include jerseys, hats, and other apparel.

Next up, let’s take a look at the granular details of how licensing deals are structured.

How Licensing Deals are Structured for Merchandising Sports Brands

Licensing deals for sports brands are structured in a way that allows third-party companies to use the sports brand’s name, logos, and other intellectual property in exchange for payment. This enables the third-party companies to produce and sell merchandise that bears the sports brand’s name and logo, while the sports brand earns royalties on sales.

In our case, as a custom rug-maker, we would be considered a third-party company.

Here are some of the key components that are typically included in licensing deals for merchandising sports brands:

A) Licensing fee: The third-party company pays a licensing fee to the sports brand for the right to use its intellectual property on merchandise.

B) Royalties: The sports brand earns a percentage of the revenue from the sales of merchandise that bears its name and logo. This percentage is negotiated between the parties and can range from 5% to 15% or more.

C) Territory: The licensing deal will specify the geographic territory where the third-party company can sell merchandise bearing the sports brand’s name and logo. This can be a country, region, or even a specific retail channel like online or brick-and-mortar stores.

D) Duration: The licensing deal will also specify the length of time that the third-party company can use the sports brand’s intellectual property for merchandise. This can range from a few months to several years, depending on the negotiation between the parties.

E) Quality control: The licensing deal may also include requirements for the quality of the merchandise produced by the third-party company. This ensures that the merchandise meets certain standards and reflects positively on the sports brand.

F) Marketing and promotion: The licensing deal may also include provisions for how the third-party company can market and promote the merchandise bearing the sports brand’s name and logo. This includes requirements for advertising, social media, and other promotional activities.

Overall, licensing deals provide sports brands with a way to earn revenue from the sale of merchandise bearing their name and logo, and third-party companies benefit from the recognition and popularity of the sports brand. By working together, both parties can maximize their profits and create a strong brand identity in the marketplace.

Learn How to Make Sports Themed Rugs with the Pros at Mastercraft Carpet Makers

Learn more about our Pro Rug Making School.

Russell Webb

Russell has been designing & fabricating premium custom rugs since 1991. He has helped 100’s of companies, gov agencies, & private clients with their custom rug needs. And he has made sports themed rugs for pro teams, college teams, individuals and their MAN CAVES. Learn more about Mastercraft on our about page.