Print on Demand for Sports Teams: Custom Jerseys, Fan Gear, and Merch Ideas for 2025

 

Print on Demand for Sports Teams: Custom Jerseys, Fan Gear, and Winning Merch Ideas [2025]

Print on demand lets sports teams of any size order custom jerseys, fan gear, and accessories without a huge upfront investment. With just a click, you can design team uniforms, hats, water bottles, and banners to show off your club’s spirit or rally your fans for the big game. 

Everything is made to order, so there’s no need for inventory or worrying about leftover stock.

This approach works for pro teams and local clubs alike. Whether you're supporting a youth league or gearing up for a regional tournament, print on demand makes custom gear fast, simple, and affordable. 

Teams get unique merch, fans stay excited, and no one gets stuck with boxes of unused t-shirts. If you want even more tips to grow your merch business, check out the guide on how to start a print on demand business.

How Print on Demand Works for Sports Teams

Print on demand (POD) flips the script on traditional merchandise. No big upfront spends, no guessing which size will sell, and zero stress over leftover boxes in your garage. 

For sports teams of all kinds, POD keeps merch sharp, personal, and just-in-time. You pick your look, customize what matters most, and let your supplier handle the rest.

From Design to Delivery: The POD Process

Photo by HANUMAN PHOTO STUDIO🏕️📸

Setting up custom sports gear with a print on demand partner is easier than organizing warm-ups before a game. Here’s how a typical order goes from idea to delivery:

1. Design Creation
   Start by uploading your team logo, mascot, player names, or even a catchy slogan to the POD platform. Many sites have built-in design tools, so you don’t need graphic design chops.
2. Product Selection
   Choose what you want to customize—jerseys, hoodies, hats, water bottles, and more. You’ll often see mockups of your design on each item before you commit.
3. Set Up Your Shop or Preorder Page
   Most POD platforms let you list items online in a team store or provide a private ordering link for your club or fan base.
4. Orders Are Placed
   Fans, players, or parents submit orders directly, choosing sizes and any personal tweaks (like a favorite number).
5. On-Demand Production
   Each product is printed as needed—not before. No bulk commitments, no massive upfront spend.
6. Direct Shipping
   Once ready, each order ships straight to the customer’s door, so team staff never have to do the heavy lifting or distribution.

This process keeps things streamlined, leaving coaches and admins free to actually coach and manage, instead of running a mini-warehouse. 

If you want inspiration for different product lines you can sell right now, you might like the guide on how to make stickers online.

Customization Options for Teams and Fans

Customization is where POD shines—think of it as giving every player and fan their own MVP jersey. No stale, one-style-fits-all gear here.

• Names and Numbers: Add player or fan names, numbers, nicknames, or even a shoutout to a coach.
• Colors: Match team colors exactly, or even let fans pick their favorites from preset palettes.
• Logos and Graphics: Place logos front and center, or add extra graphics, mascots, or commemorative patches.
• Limited Runs and Special Editions: Mark a championship, a senior night, or a special rivalry with one-off prints.

Both athletes and supporters want to show off their pride with something unique. 

Offering custom options gives everyone a chance to stand out in the crowd, making each purchase feel special—not generic. 

And for merchandise like stickers, magnets, or banners, POD platforms are perfect for running small batches or weird ideas that might not fly at the big box stores.

Advantages for Teams and Organizations

POD isn’t just about cool gear; it brings real benefits for teams and clubs chasing results on and off the field:

• No Inventory Headaches: All items are made to order, so there’s no guessing about which sizes or styles will actually sell.
• Low Upfront Costs: There’s no need to buy 100 shirts hoping you’ll move them. You pay only when a fan or player places an order.
• Better Fan Engagement: Offering personal touches (like custom player shirts or family member gear) gives fans a reason to buy and stay connected.
• Easy Fundraising: Teams can mark up prices to generate funds for travel, equipment, or events without logistical hassle.
• Broad Selection: With print on demand, you aren’t locked into a narrow product line. Expand into hats, socks, bags, or even home decor—all at no extra risk.

This model is a win for busy coaches, volunteers, and league organizers who need to keep costs controlled and satisfaction high. Embracing POD means you can spend more time on the field and less worrying about unsold gear. 

For those interested in branching out into other merch types, such as creating and selling custom stickers, there are plenty of resources like this guide to selling stickers for profit that can help boost your team shop offerings and fan excitement.

Popular Print on Demand Products for Sports Teams

Sports fans want to show their pride, and teams are always looking for ways to keep everyone looking sharp. 

Thanks to print on demand, it's now easier than ever to offer gear for every supporter — from the die-hard players to the parents in the stands. 

With just a click, your team store can go way beyond the basics. Let’s break down some of the most popular print on demand products that help teams and fans stand out at every event.

Custom Jerseys: Showcasing Team Spirit

Photo by Simon Reza

No piece of gear says “teamwork” like a custom jersey. Print on demand makes it painless to design jerseys that players are proud to wear — and fans want to grab too.

Start with the basics:

• Upload your logo, pick your team colors, and get creative with number styles.
• Many POD platforms support adding individual player names and numbers, so every athlete gets a jersey built just for them.
• You can even run special editions for tournaments or championships. These limited drops drive excitement since fans know they’re getting something unique.

Best practices for designing jerseys that everyone loves:

1. Use bold, readable fonts for names and numbers. That way, nobody in the stands squints trying to spot their favorite player.
2. Stick to high-contrast color combos so branding pops from a distance.
3. Test your design on mockups before launching. Most platforms offer 3D previews, so you’ll see exactly how the finished product looks from every angle.
4. Don’t forget size inclusivity. Go beyond standard sizing so everyone — players, coaches, and even little fans — gets a perfect fit.

Try partnering with a reputable POD supplier that specializes in activewear, like FITPRINT or check out Shopify’s list of bestselling print-on-demand products for inspiration.

Fan Gear: Hats, Hoodies, Bags, and Beyond

Jerseys are just the beginning. For fans (and parents, alumni, siblings), gear like hats, hoodies, and bags makes team pride wearable anywhere.

Here’s a sampling of crowd-pleasers:

• T-shirts: Great for both fans and practice squads. Lightweight shirts can feature the mascot, a rally phrase, or bold team graphics.
• Hats and caps: Think classic snapbacks, fitted baseball caps, or even beanies for chilly days. These work especially well for booster sales and give your merch table variety.
• Hoodies and sweatshirts: Perfect for layering up on game night. Add a logo to the chest or sleeves, or use creative slogans for extra flair.
• Tote bags and backpacks: Useful for game days, groceries, or everyday errands. Printing on both sides gives tons of room for custom graphics or player rosters.

Some sports teams get creative with:

• All-over print leggings for cheer squads or fitness fundraisers
• Drawstring bags for team practices and tournaments

When you offer a wide range of print on demand gear, you make it easier for every fan (no matter their age or style) to support the team. 

According to Prodigi’s sports accessories catalog, options even extend to skateboards and yoga mats if your audience likes to branch out.

If you're curious about starting with apparel, check out the options at Apliiq’s print on demand activewear.

Unique Merch: Beyond the Basics

Team favorites are just a starting line. Fans love when you surprise them with unique gear that isn’t found in every school store. Thanks to print on demand, you can go way beyond t-shirts and water bottles.

Think about adding items like:

• Custom water bottles: Essential for athletes and a hot seller for fundraising.
• Stickers and magnets: Small, affordable, and easy to customize. Try mascots, slogans, or season schedules.
• Wall art: Posters and canvas prints of the team logo, championship photos, or action shots. Great for locker rooms or fan caves.
• Phone cases: Let every supporter carry their team pride in their pocket. All sorts of sizes are available for different phone models.

You can even test out newer merch ideas without risk, thanks to the no-inventory nature of print on demand. The flexibility means you can try seasonal plushies, mugs, foam fingers, or championship towels.

For even more product ideas, don’t miss Printify’s Super Bowl print-on-demand strategies and products, which highlight bestselling options during big sports events.

Whether you’re focused on just jerseys or want a whole line of team-themed merch, print on demand gives you an entire catalog at your fingertips. 

If you're interested in other ways to expand your merch lineup, especially for smaller items, have a look at the tips for making and selling custom stickers online.

Growing a Print on Demand Sports Merch Business

Running a print on demand (POD) sports merch business doesn’t stop at throwing a logo on a few t-shirts and hoping folks buy. 

The difference between a few sales and a season-long sellout comes down to how well you market, deliver, and protect your products. Here’s how to turn your POD sports gear shop into a true team MVP.

Marketing Strategies for Sports Team Merchandise

Photo by Chris F

You want your team gear on everyone from players to proud grandmas. That means thinking beyond the basics and showing up where your fans (and potential buyers) already hang out.

Start with schools, clubs, and pro teams in your area:

• Build relationships with athletic directors, coaches, and PTO boards. Offer sample packs so they see your quality firsthand.
• Pitch fundraisers that reward the team for every item sold. Local groups love low-risk ways to earn money.
• Personalized calls or emails to club managers get results. Lead with how easy POD is for them: no order minimums, no storage, home delivery.

Don’t skip social media and email. Sports merch is a visual business—fans want to see it in action.

• Post player photos in new jerseys or fans at the game. People love sharing pics when they’re featured.
• Run “limited drop” campaigns for rivalry games or playoffs to drive urgency.
• Use stories, polls, and highlights to connect with your followers directly. Feature behind-the-scenes design choices or a quick poll for your next design idea.
• Send targeted emails when new products hit your shop or when old favorites restock.

Want more on how to squeeze every sale from your social channels? Check the strategies on maximizing social media for print on demand sales.

Managing Orders, Fulfillment, and Customer Service

It’s not enough to make sharp-looking gear. Fans want stuff that feels good, fits right, and shows up on time.

Here’s how to keep your operation tight:

• Set clear expectations up front. List fulfillment times, shipping windows, and sizing details in your store. Most headaches happen when folks feel left in the dark.
• Choose POD partners known for quality. Check reviews and order samples. Nothing kills repeat business like scratchy tees or wonky prints.
• Streamline order tracking. Use platforms that send automatic shipping updates and tracking links so customers don't bombard your inbox.
• Handle returns like a pro. Offer straightforward exchange or refund policies. Fast problem-solving keeps buyers loyal, even if their first order isn’t perfect.
• Monitor your supplier’s performance. If you notice a dip in quality or a spike in delivery issues, switch vendors—no hesitation.

If you’re comparing shipping options or figuring out profit margins, take a look at the guide to Print on Demand vs Dropshipping and the deep-dive on What Is Print on Demand and How To Start a Business (2025).

Legal Considerations: Licensing and Trademarks

Original art isn’t just a creative choice—it’s a legal must. When you sell sports merch, especially for established teams, you’ve got to stay sharp on licensing and trademark rules.

• Only use your own artwork or graphics cleared for commercial use. If a pro team already owns a logo or mascot, don’t use it unless you’ve got written permission or a licensing agreement.
• Avoid recreating famous color schemes or jersey patterns that could be seen as copying.
• Register your own designs with a copyright office if you want extra protection. That way, nobody can come after your unique artwork.
• For school and club teams, confirm with league directors if you need special permission to use their logos or names in your shop.

Violating trademarks can mean takedowns or even expensive lawsuits, so play offense, not defense, with your POD business. 

Running a print on demand sports merch shop takes hustle, but with the right outreach, solid fulfillment, and smart legal thinking, you’ll keep your fans coming back—and your brand growing every season.

Conclusion

Print on demand gives sports teams a smart, low-risk way to keep fans excited and boost revenue. No matter the size of your club, you can offer custom jerseys and fresh fan gear without big upfront costs or inventory stress. Flexible options for personalization turn every supporter into part of the team story.

Whether you’re looking to raise funds, unify your squad, or bring your community together, print on demand delivers both profit and pride in one shot. 

Want to level up your merch game even more? You'll find step-by-step guides and tips for growing your POD business over at the PathToMillions blog.

Thanks for reading. What unique gear will your team create next? Dive into more resources to keep your club ahead of the curve.