How it started
Since my first day with the Merlins, the quality and design of our jerseys has been something I have been deeply passionate about. To me, a jersey is the most important piece of fan merchandise — a garment worn with pride that represents the identity of the club both on and off the court.
With that vision in mind, I took the initiative in 2023 to take over the jersey design process independently, aiming to create a product that could match the visual and material standards of the top clubs in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).
In spring 2025, this ambition evolved into a collaboration between myself, the Berlin-based agency betternicecool, and textile designer Ned Sadikaj. Together, we rethought every aspect of the jerseys — from cuts, fabrics, and detailing to the selection of production partners. The project was ambitious, demanding, and filled with challenges, but it also provided me with valuable insight into the textile industry and product development process. In the end, we are proud of what we were able to achieve together as a team.
The final result
A custom fabric pattern not used by any other club worldwide.
A performance-driven fit designed to provide players with maximum freedom of movement.
Premium transfer applications for all elements and logos.
A more sustainable production process based in Portugal.
A performance-driven fit designed to provide players with maximum freedom of movement.
Premium transfer applications for all elements and logos.
A more sustainable production process based in Portugal.
In short: a unique jersey that sets new standards in quality, functionality, and identity.
Final drawings
Logo placement for the production
Visiting the manufacturer in Portugal
Fan-Jersey
We understand that not every fan feels comfortable wearing a traditional basketball jersey. To make our merchandise more accessible to a wider audience, we introduced a new “fan jersey” concept this season.
Made from the same high-quality materials and featuring the same premium details as our official game jersey, the fan jersey differs through its T-shirt-inspired fit — offering a more versatile and comfortable option for everyday wear.
For us, this product represents an exciting experiment, and we are looking forward to gathering feedback throughout the season. If the response is positive, our goal is to establish the fan jersey as a permanent part of the Merlins fan shop collection.
