• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 10, 2025

Bleacher Report Continues Commerce Push, Adds Pedro Martinez To Its World Tour Clothing Collection

pedromartinezcollection
Photo Credit: Jasen Vinlove – USA TODAY Sports

Fresh off its World Tour Collection clothing launches for Dwayne Wade and Mariano Rivera this year, Bleacher Report has partnered with Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez, in efforts to sell apparel to fans commemorating the player’s 18-year baseball career.

The campaign is the latest for Bleacher Report’s growing e-commerce team launched last year, as the Turner-owned media company attempts to grow revenue through branded content, merchandise, and offering unique sports experiences to fans.

According to Bleacher Report’s Head of Commerce Jake Cohen, the World Tour Collection brings together sports and hip hop culture at a time when memorabilia is becoming more of a fashion statement among consumers.

“We wanted to create a collection that we could easily repeat, and tap into memories that last a lifetime,” said Cohen. “The problem with merchandise right now is people are racing to capitalize on moments that are exciting for 24 hours, but are not necessarily relevant beyond that.”

Earlier World Tour Collections, tied to Wade’s retirement and Rivera’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, were deemed successful by Bleacher Report, as items for both athletes sold out soon after release. Select items, however, do remain available following reorders by the company.

Bleacher Report declined to provide total sales for the aforementioned individual campaigns and revenue expectations for its newest World Tour Collection release. However, the company is already in discussions with athletes for 2020 editions of its growing series. In all cases, Bleacher Report and the respective athletes split revenue, according to the company.

“Our plan is to grow our e-commerce business, which launched roughly 18 months ago, while also testing and learning from everything we do,” Cohen said.

Bleacher Report has found similar success with its NBA Remix campaign, debuting in partnership with the league and retailer Mitchell & Ness in March. The campaign launched with Houston rapper Travis Scott donning customized Rockets gear in an ad campaign, and sold out in less than an hour.

Apparel for Bleacher Report’s Martinez rollout will be limited to t-shirts and sweatshirts to start, but the organization may also drop customized apparel in the near future – similar to customized bomber jackets and jerseys for its original Wade campaign, Cohen said.

One of the expected fan favorites for the new collection is a sweatshirt that pays homage to the 20th anniversary of Martinez’s game 5 performance during the 1999 American League Division Series against the Cleveland Indians. In that game, Martinez pitched six innings of no-hit baseball in relief, en route to a series win. Martinez also won the Cy Young award that season.

READ MORE: Bleacher Report Integrates Sports Betting into NBA Draft Coverage

Bleacher Report said it expects to see its largest sales spike in the early days of the launch. But the company will also use its parent company as a means to promote the new lineup and sustain demand. The collection was promoted during the pregame telecast of game 1 of the 2019 National League Championship Series – Martinez works as a baseball analyst on the program.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Faces Potential Exit from MLB Media Rights As Opt-Out Looms

A 35-year rights relationship now faces a very different media landscape.

Seidler Approved As Padres Owner; Manfred on Dodgers Spending

Manfred also defends the Tampa market and the Dodgers’ offseason conduct.

Featured Today

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.

UFC’s Vegas Sphere Fight Should Set Records

The MMA fight has big aspirations and a budget to match.
August 13, 2024

Duael’s One-On-One Racing Brackets Are Yet Another Stab at Saving Track

Duael will debut in March 2025 with the inaugural Duael 100.
September 8, 2024

Guardian Caps Make NFL Debut

Multiple NFL players wore Guardian Caps over their helmets Sunday.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
August 11, 2024

Guardian Caps Have Arrived in the NFL—Ahead of Schedule

Colts star Jonathan Taylor strapped one on for Sunday’s preseason game.
August 5, 2024

How Omega Timing Determined Noah Lyles Won Olympic Gold

Omega touches every corner of the Olympics.
The Adidas ball has changed over the years.
July 25, 2023

The Most Advanced Tech at the Women’s World Cup Might Surprise You

This year’s OCEAUNZ introduces connected ball technology to the women’s game.
Sponsored

Rewriting the Sports Media Playbook

WSC’s highlight automation improved Clemson’s content strategy and overall growth.