Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets head the list of the most popular NBA jerseys in Europe. Four European players were among the top eight, including Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (No.3), Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns (No. 6), Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies (No. 7) and Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors (No. 8).
Gasol and Bargnani will join six other European players participating in 2007 NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS, which began on Oct. 1. The Most Popular NBA Jerseys in Europe list is based on sales from retail locations across Europe during the 2006-07 NBA season.
Sales of NBA merchandise in Europe increased 40% versus last season, with international sales accounting for 25% of the leagues overall global merchandise business. International players make up approximately 20% of NBA rosters.
As the NBA has increased in popularity around the world, international visitors to the NBA Store in New York City have increased as well. International tourists accounted for 10% of the NBA Stores traffic of more than 1 million visitors last season, helping the NBA Store achieve its most successful sales season ever, with an increase of 8 percent over last season. The European countries with the most visitors were Spain, England, Italy, and France.
Top 10 Most Popular NBA Jerseys in Europe:
1. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
2. Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets
3. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
4. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
5. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
6. Boris Diaw, Phoenix Suns
7. Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
8. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors
9. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
10. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets
