A new study by custom apparel site RushOrderTees shows the San Francisco 49ers are among the NFL’s most in-demand teams for sports merchandise, ranking sixth with an average of 249,605 monthly searches for team apparel. That figure is 80.5% higher than the NFL average of 138,269 searches per team, placing the 49ers ahead of many longtime merchandising powerhouses.

The research combined each NFL team name with 20 apparel-related search terms — from “jersey” and “pro shop” to “shirt” and “apparel” — to estimate monthly consumer interest. Detroit led the league with 488,378 searches, while the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers followed. Indianapolis ranked last, with just 22,115 monthly searches.

What the demand means for the team

High search volume reflects both fan engagement and commercial opportunity. RushOrderTees CEO Mike Nemeroff said merchandising now plays a central role in modern sports business because it builds loyalty and extends a team’s visibility. Nemeroff pointed to the recent pop-culture boost for the Kansas City Chiefs, noting that major public attention can drive new audiences to team apparel and merchandise.

For the 49ers, sustained interest in jerseys, hats and related gear helps translate passionate fan support into tangible revenue streams and broader brand reach. That matters not only to retail partners and the team’s pro shop but also to sponsors and broadcasters who value measurable fan engagement. Local factors — a deep regional fan base, recent on-field competitiveness and iconic team branding — likely contribute to the club’s strong showing in search data.

Why the 49ers remain strong sellers

Several dynamics help explain the 49ers’ position. The team’s historic identity and frequent national exposure offer ongoing relevance in pop culture. Successful roster narratives and playoff competitiveness keep interest high, and classic designs (red-and-gold jerseys, throwback logos) often resurface in fashion cycles. In addition, secondary markets, collector interest and international streaming of NFL games extend demand beyond the Bay Area.

The RushOrderTees data offers a snapshot of discovery and intent: searches often precede purchases, restocks and retail campaigns. For teams and retail partners, the metric can inform inventory decisions, limited-edition drops and targeted marketing that leverages peak interest moments.