Making It Happen with Merch
March Madness isn’t just about basketball—it’s about taking your shot and making it count. As Michael Jordan put it, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” The same goes for brands looking to capitalize on the tournament’s energy. The right branded merch doesn’t just show up—it stands out. That’s why we’ve assembled the Elite 8—our top picks for giveaways that will keep the excitement going all tournament long.
1. Custom Basketballs
Nothing says March Madness like mini or full-size branded basketballs. They’re a great keepsake for sports fans and add a fun, interactive touch to any promotional campaign.
2. Branded Apparel
From t-shirts to hoodies and quarter-zips, branded apparel is always a slam dunk. Whether it’s a bold statement or a subtle nod to the season, this gear keeps your logo in rotation long after the final buzzer. To maximize impact, consider using popular school colors like red, blue, gold, and black to align with fans’ favorite teams.
3. Stadium Cups & Tumblers
Game day isn’t complete without a drink in hand. Branded stadium cups or insulated tumblers make sure your logo is front and center whether at home, at an event, or at a watch party.
4. Foam Fingers & Rally Towels
Get the crowd going with classic game-day essentials. Foam fingers and rally towels add energy to any watch party or event while keeping your brand top of mind.
5. Stress Relievers
With last-second shots and Cinderella stories, March Madness is full of tense moments. Basketball-shaped stress relievers are a fun, functional giveaway that people will keep on their desks all year.
6. Connected Swag
Want to take your March Madness promotions to the next level? QR codes and NFC tap products let fans engage beyond the game, linking them to exclusive content, bracket challenges, or social media activations. When done right, your giveaways don’t just get used—they get shared, extending your brand’s reach throughout the tournament.
7. Drawstring Bags & Backpacks
Many arenas limit the size of bags that can be brought in, making drawstring bags and compact backpacks a perfect game-day essential. With your branding on them, they’re useful long after the tournament ends.
8. Coolers and Drink Holders
What’s a watch party without a cold drink? Branded coolers and drink holders keep beverages chilled and hands free for high-fives during game-winning shots. A practical and long-lasting giveaway, these items keep your brand in play well beyond the tournament.
Make Your Merch Madness Campaign Unforgettable
March Madness— or should we say Merch Madness— is the perfect time to get creative with promotional giveaways that energize fans and amplify brand visibility. Whether activating a sponsorship, running a social media contest, or hosting an in-person event, these giveaways can help drive engagement all tournament long.
If your giveaways include college team names or logos, proper licensing is required. Working with a trusted partner ensures compliance and helps avoid delays, so you can focus on making an impact.
Ready to make your brand a tournament champion? Let’s make it happen!