Chasing Grizzlies and Wildcats
All retailers and licensees alike will focus their attention on the NCAAź Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) championship game between The University of Montana and Villanova University slated for this Friday in Chattanooga, Tenn. Both institutions have fast rising licensing programs, and while product sales are likely to continue to soar for both programs regardless of which team wins, the winner is sure to benefit from a significant hot market.
The University of Montana licensing program, which is currently the highest royalty-producing licensing program among FCS institutions (not in a “Big Six” conference in basketball), stands to experience an unprecedented hot market which could cement the Griz as a regional retail icon. Should the Grizzlies beat Villanova, the UM program should top its previous royalty records among FCS institutions.
All major retailers with a presence in the state of Montana, as well as online retailers, are preparing to meet a high level of demand from Griz fans that have seen their teams nearly claim this opportunity a few times since their last championship in 2001. The Griz are also converting fans throughout the country with no previous tie to the institution by winning in dramatic fashion on national television, culminating this weekend in a victory won with a cold, snowy, and mountainous backdrop, complete with thousands of maroon and silver clad fans. Montana hopes to claim its third FCS national championship (1995, 2001).
Should the Griz win, many retailers are expected to take advantage of the relatively early start (in the Mountain time zone) by staying open into the evening on Friday and opening early Saturday morning to cater to Griz fans seeking what would be perfect holiday gifts for fans and supporters of The University.
Those who follow college sports are well aware of the hot start of the storied Villanova Wildcat basketball program (currently 9-1 and ranked #8 nationally), but the Wildcat football team is providing another reason for fans and supporters to buy and proudly wear Villanova gear. The 13-1 Wildcat football team will attempt to follow up a dramatic nationally televised victory over William & Mary with its first-ever FCS national championship.
Villanova students, fans, and supporters, including nearly 100,000 alumni, will want to commemorate the University’s first FCS championship. Coming off of a record royalty year in 2008-09, a football championship will ensure another great year for the Villanova licensing program by creating strong demand for products throughout the holiday season and into March Madness. Demand for national championship product is expected to be high at key retailers in the Philadelphia area and on the internet.