Every country in the world has its national sports and there are many countries where national sports is different from popular sports. The popular sports attract a major portion of the population and it can be seen that people are adopting the culture given by the sports. But one thing is certain, no sports can exist without its player and most importantly its fans or followers. Because sports have now become the strong entertainment industry also, where the fans play an important role in its sustainability and growth. The involvement of fans is not limited to buying tickets and watching in the game in the arena or watching it on television. Yes, the tickets are the prime source of income for every sport. But there is also another equally important source, like merchandises. The merchandise business is the backbone of any sports and its league. This business only runs because of the loyal fans or follower of the sports league or team. In Australia, the AFL is a huge deal and people are eccentric to it. The AFL official merchandise is the major source of income for the league and its teams. There are some reasons that why fans buy official merchandises;
Attachment:
The first reason that fans buy merchandise to show their attachment to the league or their favourite team. For example, people like to wear the shirt of their team when they go to see their game in the stadium. Also, they like to show their attachment by buying other kinds of stuff like bags, mugs etc. Buying merchandises is one of the loud ways to show loyalty to your team.
Fan Meter:
Only showing the attachment will not be enough for every fan. People like to be surrounded by things that remind them of their favourite sports or team. A fan of Geelong Cats will prefer that their attire or surrounding will show how much they are attached to their Team? This is one way of people to show that they are a top follower of their team and will always support them. Buying the Geelong Cats merchandise for the loyal fan is to satisfy their selves, that they are on the top of Fan meter.
Revenue:
Every league or team needs money to maintain their performance. Fans always knew that if they will not be going to see the matches or buying the official merchandise, this will reduce the revenue. The revenue stream from tickets is always limited which might not be enough to cover all the expenses. But the official merchandise gives more options to widen the income source. Leagues like AFL is also getting popular and strong with help of AFL official merchandise sale. The team in AFLW Geelong Cats or Carlton, need the same revenue to strengthen their position.