LeBron James jersey sets new-team debut sales record

LeBron James has set a new benchmark for athlete merchandise sales, with his Philadelphia 76ers jersey becoming the fastest-selling jersey for a player joining a new team in any sport. According to data released by the e-commerce company Fanatics on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, James surpassed the previous 48-hour sales record, which was held by baseball star Shohei Ohtani from his move to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023.

The record-breaking demand followed James's announcement on July 24 that he would sign with the 76ers as a free agent, ending his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. Fanatics reported that more James 76ers merchandise was sold in the first 24 hours after his decision than in the first week after his 2018 announcement to join the Lakers. Within 72 hours of the jersey's release, multiple color variations of his No. 23 jersey were listed as out of stock on the company's website due to historic demand, prompting the team to open pre-orders with shipments expected in approximately six weeks.

The move sent a wave of excitement through Philadelphia and the broader sports world. The 41-year-old, four-time NBA champion chose the 76ers over other reported suitors, including...