The NBA Champion Miami HEAT have been named the 2006 Team Retailer of the Year by the National Basketball Association for their successful merchandise sales during the 2005-2006 NBA season. The HEAT is the first two-time winner of the award, which has been given annually since 2002 to highlight the accomplishments of team merchandise sales and operations.

By adding two additional stores away from the American Airlines Arena, the team saw sales increase 175% over the prior season.

Sales success was attributed to creative fan apparel items in both men’s and women’s styles, as well as a broad selection of non-apparel and hardgood items.