The NBA’s latest merchandise sales rankings are out, and the Denver Nuggets have landed in the top 10-coming in at No. 10 among all franchises. That’s no small feat for a team that doesn’t call a major media market home.
The usual heavyweights led the way-Lakers, Knicks, Warriors-no surprises there. Big brands with global followings and deep-rooted histories tend to dominate these lists.
Boston and Philly rounded out the top six, keeping the East Coast well-represented.
But the real disruptors this year? The San Antonio Spurs, who surged into fourth place.
That’s what happens when you’ve got Victor Wembanyama on your roster. The French phenom has become a global sensation, and his impact is being felt far beyond the court-he’s moving merchandise like a seasoned superstar.
Add in the Spurs’ exciting young backcourt, and you’ve got a recipe for fan engagement that’s clearly working.
Minnesota followed at No. 7, riding the wave of Anthony Edwards’ rising stardom. The Timberwolves are turning heads this season, and Edwards is at the heart of it all-his charisma, highlight-reel plays, and growing profile have made him a fan favorite.
Coming in at No. 8 were the defending champs, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Mavericks at No. 9, boosted by the arrival of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. Both teams have strong narratives and fresh energy that are clearly resonating with fans.
That brings us to the Denver Nuggets, quietly holding down the 10th spot. On the surface, that’s a strong showing for a team that doesn’t have the glitz of L.A. or the massive media reach of New York. Denver isn’t often in the national spotlight unless it’s playoff time, and yet here they are, cracking the top 10 in league-wide merch sales.
But dig a little deeper, and there’s a case to be made that the Nuggets could-and maybe should-be even higher.
This is a franchise with one of the best records in the league and a recent championship banner hanging in the rafters. They’ve got Nikola Jokic, arguably the best player in the world, and a two-time MVP who continues to redefine what a center can be.
Jamal Murray, one of Canada’s brightest stars, is as clutch as they come. Aaron Gordon has become a perfect complement to the core.
This is a team built on chemistry, consistency, and high-level execution.
And ironically, that continuity might be part of what’s holding them back in the merchandising game.
Jokic and Murray have been in Denver for years now. They’re familiar faces, not the shiny new toys that often drive jersey sales.
The Nuggets made some smart additions this offseason-Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr.-but those aren’t exactly blockbuster names that fans rush to the team store for. There hasn’t been a headline-grabbing acquisition or a breakout rookie to shake things up.
That’s not a knock-it’s actually a testament to how well the Nuggets have built this roster. They’ve found their formula and stuck with it. But in a league where novelty often sells, that stability can come at a cost when it comes to merchandise numbers.
Sure, the team rolls out new City Edition jerseys every year, but without a new face of the franchise or a viral moment to latch onto, those sales can only carry you so far. Meanwhile, teams with major-market appeal or fresh superstar buzz are climbing the charts.
Still, let’s not lose sight of what this really means. Denver cracking the top 10 in merch sales is a reflection of a passionate, loyal fan base.
This isn’t a team riding a trend-they’re earning every bit of attention through sustained excellence. And while jersey sales don’t win championships, they do offer a glimpse into how a team is resonating with fans across the league.
For the Nuggets, the message is clear: even without the flash, they’ve built something fans believe in. And when you’ve got the best player on the planet and a title-contending roster, that belief is only going to grow.