Basketball Trading Pins
When it comes to basketball trading pins, ordering from Trading Pins Direct is a slam dunk!
Our talented graphic artists can help you craft pins to showcase your team, players or league. Our great selection of options, pin styles and sizes ensure we can meet any design need, and any budget. We offer FREE artwork and revisions, and of course, we cover everything we sell with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We can do a fast break order on stock pins and get them to you faster than a half-court pass. Trust Trading Pins Direct for all your custom basketball trading pin needs!
| Size | 100 | 200 | 300 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.25" | $3.17 | $2.62 | $1.83 | $1.27 | $1.14 | $1.01 | $0.99 |
| 1.5" | $3.40 | $2.85 | $2.05 | $1.54 | $1.46 | $1.25 | $1.15 |
| 1.75" | $3.58 | $3.20 | $2.50 | $1.90 | $1.83 | $1.54 | $1.36 |
| 2" | $4.02 | $3.35 | $2.77 | $2.17 | $2.01 | $1.78 | $1.68 |
| 2.25" | $5.64 | $4.24 | $3.58 | $2.81 | $2.60 | $2.52 | $2.23 |
| 2.5" | $6.40 | $4.70 | $4.32 | $3.58 | $3.35 | $3.27 | $2.97 |
| 2.75" | $7.16 | $5.50 | $4.91 | $4.16 | $3.93 | $3.83 | $3.51 |
| 3.00" | $7.92 | $6.31 | $5.49 | $4.72 | $4.49 | $4.37 | $4.05 |
Basketball Pins for Every Level
Basketball trading pins serve as team keepsakes and bonding tools. AAU travel teams competing in showcase tournaments use pins to build team identity. Youth rec leagues celebrate end-of-season tournaments and all-star selections with custom designs.
High school teams order pins for state tournament runs and championship appearances. Unlike sports where trading dominates, basketball pins are often treasured keepsakes displayed alongside trophies and team photos. Many families gladly purchase extras as fundraisers to support the program.
Design Elements That Score
Popular basketball pin designs feature realistic basketballs with flames, speed lines, or bursting effects. Player silhouettes in action, dribbling, shooting three-pointers, or dunking, add excitement to your design.
Team mascots holding basketballs personalize pins while showcasing school identity. Add hoops, nets, or court patterns as backgrounds. Glitter enamel in team colors creates visual impact. Special effects like epoxy domes give basketballs realistic 3D appearance.
Choosing the Right Size
For grades K-2 (rec leagues): Choose 1.25 inch pins. Simple, affordable, perfect for participation awards and season-end gifts.
For grades 3-8 (youth travel): The 1.5 inch size is most popular. Great balance of detail and cost. Accommodates team names, mascots, and player numbers when ordering 100-200 pins.
For grades 9-12 (high school): Teams often select 1.75-2 inch pins for maximum impact. Room for intricate artwork, player names, and tournament details.
Quantity guide: Most basketball teams order 100-150 pins (enough for a 10-12 player roster). Teams attending major tournaments with active trading might order 200-250 pins.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are basketball trading pins popular at AAU tournaments?
-
Yes! Trading pins have become increasingly popular at AAU basketball tournaments, especially at major showcase events where teams travel from different states. While not as universal as in baseball, many competitive youth basketball programs use pins to commemorate tournament participation, build team identity, and create memorable experiences for players. Teams attending events like the AAU National Championships, Disney Basketball Showcase, or regional invitational tournaments often order 100-200 pins for trading.
-
What size works best for youth basketball trading pins?
-
For youth basketball teams (grades 3-8), 1.5 inch pins are most popular, providing enough space for team names, basketballs, and mascots while remaining affordable. Younger rec league teams (grades K-2) often choose 1.25 inch pins for simplicity and lower costs. High school and travel teams (grades 9-12) frequently opt for 1.75-2 inch pins that allow for more intricate designs, player names, and dynamic action poses. The 1.5 inch size offers the best value for most youth basketball programs.
-
Can I add player numbers to basketball trading pins?
-
Absolutely! Player numbers are one of the most popular customization options for basketball pins. You can add numbers around the pin's border, on basketball elements within the design, or as small danglers attached below the main pin. For travel teams and tournament commemorative pins, individual player numbers personalize each pin while maintaining a cohesive team design. This option typically adds $0.25-$0.50 per pin depending on complexity.
-
How many pins should I order for a basketball tournament?
-
Most youth basketball teams order 100-200 pins for tournaments. A typical breakdown: 100 pins works well for smaller teams (8-10 players) giving each player 10-12 pins for trading; 150 pins suits average teams (10-12 players) with about 12-15 pins per player; 200 pins are ideal for larger squads (12-15 players) or active trading environments. Unlike baseball where pin trading is universal, basketball pin trading varies by region and tournament, so consider starting smaller if you're unsure about the trading culture at your event.
-
What design elements work best for basketball pins?
-
Popular basketball pin designs include basketballs with flames or motion lines, player silhouettes in action poses (dribbling, shooting, dunking), team mascots holding basketballs, and state/city outlines filled with team colors. Many teams incorporate hoops, nets, or court elements. Bold team colors with glitter enamel backgrounds create visual impact, while 3D elements like raised basketballs or epoxy domes add dimension. Action-oriented designs that convey speed and athleticism resonate well with basketball culture.
