Lotta Good Sports Merch Out There Today!

…That is the question. NBA storylines are always among the most intriguing in all sports. So what if a professor compared them to Shakespeare’s tragedies? Also, “The Bard Knows Ball” is a headline I could not resist including in the newsletter. 

Everyone's fave French designer, Simone Porte Jacquemus, is getting into the business of sports team sponsorship. AS Charleval will carry the name of his eponymous luxury label on the front of its jerseys. Mr. Jacquemus: ball-knower. 

Still in a food coma? Why not delve into the diverse diets of The Phillies? Bryce Harper’s eating raw milk and no seed oils, Zach Wheeler’s more into the “Buddy the Elf” diet. 

The Phoenix Mercury unveiled a new logo this week (to mixed reviews), and it pays homage to the WNBA in a few of its very intricate design details. Defector ponders why it doesn’t pay homage to the planet Mercury. Do you think they did a retrograde version? 

Covering sports is not for the weak. And if you love your family and friends? Forget about it! It requires someone being ok with missing every holiday and wedding, and living out of a suitcase. Mad props to Erin Andrews. Talk about married to the game.

Today (and, let’s be honest, through Monday) is the one day of the year when you, the consumer, have the pleasure of feeling in control. Hop on any website or social media platform, and you’re greeted, nay, overwhelmed with pop-up after pop-up, begging you to pay half price for something you’ve wanted for months. Your favorite stores are finally at the mercy of you, as you sit comfortably in the driver’s seat of the American economy. 

Let’s get the big names out of the way:

Nike at 50% off? Twiddles fingers Don’t mind if you do. I am kinda mad these freakish (positive) Air Rifts aren’t on sale, but my wallet is happy. 

Adidas will do you one better, though. They’re offering 60% off. 

Beginning on Monday (ok, contrarian!), Alo’s offering 30% off sitewide.  Everyone on Reddit is really excited. To me, 30% isn’t technically a Black Friday-level deal, but I’ll allow it. 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Abercrombie is a good place to get sports merch these days. Sue me! 

And now for the medium and smaller guys: 

Local Hoops gear? Sign you up.

Hear me out: giant but tasteful mousepads for your desk. 

This is not sports merch, but imagine how these Cristian Zerotre pants would elevate a gameday fit. And at that price??? 

Bomber jackets are usually pretty spendy, but at 40% off, Pro Standard is begging your sticky little fingers to add to cart. 

Please, please, please, buy this Rocco smart fridge for your gameday brewskis or sodie pops! It’s $400 off and if you don’t buy it, I have to buy it. Don’t make me do that! 

For my art lovers, there are some really fun sports prints on sale at PSTR Studio. And some decorative basketballs and soccer balls from Berlin-based Comrade Berlin. Need this one. 

Ok, enough spending! Put your wallet in the microwave and erase your credit card number from your memory with that “Men in Black” tool.

Hi friends, it’s me, Dan, the editor of this newsletter, back for the second time this week! You may remember me from “A Brit Tries the Las Vegas Grand Prix” and other episodes. I hope everyone spent a great Thanksgiving with their loved ones (as we’ve already established, I’m a Brit, so I hope I said that right). 

I’m here today to talk about Ashtyn, the talented writer of this newsletter, who just two days ago was named as part of Awful Announcing's Top Sports Influencers & Creators of 2025 cohort for her work in “crafting the snappy and curious tone of OffBall’s newsletter and editorial content,” along with the continued passion she brings to her own platform, Flagrant Mag. She was in great company on the list, alongside many creators whom we admire greatly here at OffBall, including Mariah Rose, IsoMaddy, Coach Jackie J, and Kofie Yeboah. Ashtyn took it all in her stride with a measured, calm response when the news was announced on our team Slack. 

Not only is it a joy to edit her work on a daily basis, but Ashtyn is one of the reasons why OffBall has been able to be literally everywhere in our first full calendar year as a platform dedicated to all things sports culture. 

Popping up at Sport Beach in Cannes and talking it up with Blake Griffin and Melo? Yep, that’s her. WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis? Best believe she’s there too, getting the tea from Paige Bueckers, Stewie, and Rae Burrell on the Orange Carpet. Athos NYC? You guessed it. Ashtyn’s all over it. 

She does all this while ensuring this here newsletter reaches your inboxes every single day of the week, and I know from the feedback I get from many of you that it’s a welcome arrival each time. It’s been a fun year for all of us here at OffBall so far, and we’re far from done yet. Stay tuned for more excitement next week!