Beckham-mania has swept through America.
More than 200,000 David Beckham Los Angeles Galaxy jersey have been ordered worldwide since the English star joined Major League Soccer in the United States last month, said Evan Wiener, a spokesman for adidas.
Beckham boasts the best-selling jersey in America, topping sales of jerseys belonging to Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter and Peyton Manning.
“We expect to see that number increase as the season continues,” Wiener said. “Obviously, there?s been a very strong response for David Beckham in his first few weeks in the U.S.”
Beckham jerseys are being sold at sports retail stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick?s Sporting Goods and Modell?s, Wiener said. The jersey, which costs $80, is also the first MLS jersey to be sold outside of the United States.
Regional soccer fans will sport their No. 23 shirts tonight when Beckham?s L.A. Galaxy play D.C. United at RFK Stadium in Washington.
“David Beckham is the most well-known soccer player in the world, and he?s now in a market with great growth potential,” Wiener said.
Professional sports team jerseys are big sellers across the county, especially in Baltimore, where Orioles fans wear orange and Ravens fans don purple on game days.
“They?re popular items, and it?s a growing industry, because everyone wants to show their team spirit, and you always have new players joining the team,” said Larry Grimaldi, general manager of the Orioles? team store at Camden Yards.
Jerseys of Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts and left fielder Nick Markakis are the top sellers in Baltimore, Grimaldi said. Authentic jerseys cost about $200, and replica shirts run about $140.
“Player performance is one reason, and they?ve both become fan favorites, particularly with women,” Grimaldi said. “Their good looks have helped sales.”
Ravens defensive stars Ray Lewis and Ed Reed have always been popular jersey selections for fans. A team spokesman said the jersey for new running back Willis McGahee is the team?s current top seller. Authentic football jerseys go for about $300, and replicas cost about $80.
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