LeBron James Breaks Shohei Ohtani’s Jersey Sales Record
LeBron James has added another milestone to his legendary career—this time off the court. Just days after announcing his move to the Philadelphia 76ers, the NBA superstar’s new jersey has become the best-selling debut jersey for an athlete joining a new team across all sports, surpassing the previous record held by MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani following his move to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023.
Record-Breaking Sales in Just 48 Hours
According to Fanatics, LeBron’s No. 23 Philadelphia 76ers jersey recorded the highest sales ever for a player switching teams during the first 48 hours after the announcement.
The previous benchmark was set by Shohei Ohtani when he signed with the Dodgers, but LeBron’s move generated even greater demand among fans.
LeBron Merchandise Dominates Sales
Fanatics also revealed that:
- LeBron merchandise accounted for eight of the top 10 best-selling products across its network after his signing.
- More LeBron merchandise was sold in the first 24 hours after joining the 76ers than during the entire first week following his move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
Philadelphia Fans Embrace Their New Superstar
LeBron’s arrival has created enormous excitement in Philadelphia. Fans have rushed to buy jerseys and other merchandise, while ticket demand for 76ers games has also surged ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season. The signing has instantly transformed the franchise into one of the league’s biggest attractions.
Another Record for LeBron
Although LeBron has already broken countless NBA records during his Hall of Fame career, this achievement highlights his unmatched global popularity. Even at 41, he continues to drive unprecedented fan interest and commercial success wherever he plays.
The Bottom Line
LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers has already made history before he has played a single game. His new jersey has set the all-time sales record for an athlete joining a new team, eclipsing the mark previously held by Shohei Ohtani and proving that LeBron remains one of the biggest global icons in sports.