Discover the Best Places to Buy Blank Basketball Jerseys for Your Team
As I was watching that thrilling basketball game last week where Kianna Dy and Jovy Prado each scored 15 points, Baron and Kiesha Bedonia posted 14 apiece, and Mika Reyes pitched in 10, I couldn't help but notice how their uniforms really brought the team together. There's something about matching jerseys that transforms individual players into a cohesive unit, and that's exactly why I'm writing this piece today. Having worked with amateur and semi-pro teams for over a decade, I've learned that finding the right blank basketball jerseys can make or break your team's identity and budget. Let me walk you through what I've discovered about sourcing quality jerseys that won't break the bank but will still make your team look professional.
When I first started coaching my nephew's youth basketball team about eight years ago, I made the classic mistake of ordering the cheapest jerseys I could find online. Big mistake. The fabric felt like plastic wrap, the colors faded after two washes, and let's not even talk about how they handled sweat - let's just say they became transparent when wet. Since then, I've probably ordered from at least 15 different suppliers, testing everything from basic cotton-poly blends to premium moisture-wicking fabrics. What I've found is that the sweet spot for most amateur teams is in the $18-25 per jersey range, where you get decent quality without professional-level prices. My personal favorite right now is a supplier called JerseyPro - their custom basketball jerseys have held up remarkably well through an entire season of middle school games and practices.
The market for blank basketball jerseys has exploded in recent years, with online retailers offering everything from basic reversible practice jerseys to premium game-day uniforms. From my experience, teams typically need between 12-15 jerseys depending on their roster size, and I always recommend ordering at least two extras for new players or replacements. The best suppliers I've worked with usually ship within 3-5 business days for standard orders, though custom printing can take up to two weeks. What many coaches don't realize is that buying in bulk often gets you better pricing - most suppliers start offering discounts at quantities of 10 or more. I recently helped a local women's league order 45 jerseys across three teams and we saved nearly 22% compared to individual team orders.
Material choice really matters more than most people think. Early in my coaching days, I underestimated how much difference fabric makes until we played an outdoor tournament in 85-degree weather. The cheap polyester jerseys we wore literally stuck to players' skin, while the opposing team's moisture-wicking uniforms kept them comfortable throughout the game. Since that humbling experience, I've become somewhat obsessed with fabric technology. The best jerseys I've found use a blend of about 88% polyester and 12% spandex - this combination provides the right balance of breathability, stretch, and durability. For teams on a tighter budget, a 60/40 cotton-poly blend works reasonably well, though they tend to be heavier and less forgiving during intense activity.
One aspect that often gets overlooked is the actual purchasing process itself. Many coaches I've mentored simply Google "blank basketball jerseys" and click the first result, which is how you end up with inconsistent sizing and questionable quality. Through trial and error, I've developed a system for vetting suppliers that has served me well. First, I always order a single sample jersey before committing to a bulk order - this costs a bit extra upfront but saves headaches later. Second, I carefully examine the stitching around the armholes and neckline, as these are the first areas to show wear. Third, I actually wash the sample jersey three times to see how it holds up. You'd be surprised how many jerseys look great initially but shrink or fade significantly after just a few washes.
Color selection is another area where my preferences have evolved over time. When I started, I thought dark colors like navy blue and black were practical because they "hid stains better." What I've learned is that lighter colors actually work better for most teams because they don't show sweat as dramatically during games. My go-to colors now are typically royal blue, scarlet red, or forest green - they're vibrant enough to look professional but dark enough to be practical. I've also become a big believer in having contrasting trim colors, which adds visual interest without significantly increasing costs. Most suppliers charge about $2-3 extra for additional color elements, which I think is well worth it for the improved appearance.
The business side of jersey purchasing has some nuances worth understanding. From my records of working with various teams, the average budget for jerseys ranges from $320-500 per team, depending on quality and customization. Teams typically replace jerseys every two seasons, though higher-quality options can last three or even four seasons with proper care. What many people don't realize is that timing your purchase can save money - I've found that ordering in the off-season (typically April-June for most basketball leagues) often comes with 10-15% discounts as suppliers try to maintain production volume. Also, don't be afraid to negotiate, especially if you're ordering for multiple teams or planning to become a repeat customer.
Looking back at that game that inspired this article, what struck me wasn't just the impressive scoring from players like Dy, Prado, and the Bedonia siblings, but how their uniforms contributed to their professional appearance and team cohesion. Finding the right blank basketball jerseys involves balancing cost, quality, and aesthetics, but the effort pays dividends in team morale and presentation. Based on my experience, I'd recommend starting your search 6-8 weeks before you need the jerseys, sampling from 2-3 suppliers, and really thinking about your color scheme in terms of both appearance and practicality. The right jerseys won't improve your shooting percentage like Kiana Dy's 15 points, but they will make your team look and feel more united - and sometimes that psychological boost is almost as valuable as points on the scoreboard.