University of Arizona Warns Fans About Counterfeit Merchandise Ahead of Final Four

Campus store sees overwhelming demand for official gear as Wildcats make first semifinal appearance in 25 years.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:33am

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The University of Arizona has received its first shipments of official Final Four merchandise, but the campus store is struggling to keep up with overwhelming demand from fans. This has led to a surge in unauthorized retailers selling counterfeit products, prompting the university to work with law enforcement to crack down on the illegal activity.

Why it matters

The university's licensing program ensures that all officially licensed merchandise meets quality and safety standards, and that royalties from sales go back to support student programs and athletics. Purchasing counterfeit goods not only puts consumers at risk, but also deprives the university of much-needed funding.

The details

Workers at the campus store say demand has been 'overwhelming,' with many items already sold out. This has driven fans to seek merchandise from unauthorized retailers and online stores. The university's Trademarks and Licensing Program Manager, Cat Hanson, said the number of unauthorized retailers has doubled since March Madness began. Authorized retailers must go through a strict licensing process to sell University of Arizona gear, which ensures quality, safety, and ethical sourcing.

  • The university received its first shipments of official Final Four merchandise this week.
  • Pop-up hours for authorized retailers will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. from Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 9, with extended hours (8 a.m.- 6 p.m.) beginning Monday, April 6, at Hi Corbett and the football stadium parking lot.

The players

Felix Bonha

A campus store employee.

Cat Hanson

Trademarks and Licensing Program Manager at the University of Arizona.

Kelly Sauer

General manager of a pop-up store who has been selling University of Arizona merchandise for several decades.

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What they’re saying

“There's been people who are trying every which way to get it, I don't blame them.”

— Felix Bonha, Campus store employee

“You can imagine right now, we're pretty packed with finding things that are counterfeit products and illegal products.”

— Cat Hanson, Trademarks and Licensing Program Manager at the University of Arizona

“The licensees are, they're vetted, they're audited from time to time, we know their supply chain, they're using countries that source ethically, they're not involved in child labor.”

— Cat Hanson, Trademarks and Licensing Program Manager at the University of Arizona

“They have to stamp a hologram sticker on every shirt, you have to have the trademark logos on everything from the block A to the Final Four logo to the March Madness logo.”

— Kelly Sauer, General manager of a pop-up store

What’s next

The university is working with local law enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the National Intellectual Property Rights Center to identify and shut down counterfeit businesses in person and online.

The takeaway

Purchasing authentic University of Arizona merchandise not only supports the local community and student programs, but also ensures consumers are protected from fraud and that the university's intellectual property rights are respected.