Marketplace Roundup

USA TODAY’s Robert Klemko notes 2K Sports is "using Facebook to build one of the Internet's fastest-growing gaming communities" around its NBA video game franchise. “NBA2K” is “second to FIFA's 1.9 million fans” with more than 800,000 "likes" on Facebook, about “600,000 more than it had at this time a year ago.” GamrReview reports "NBA 2K11" has sold 1.71 million U.S. copies for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and “is on pace to become the best-selling basketball game in the history of the systems by the end of this month.” The October release of the Michael Jordan-themed game “fueled the Facebook fan surge” (USA TODAY, 2/17).

HOT ON THE MARKET: In Calgary, Sean Myers noted the NHL said that 15,000 Heritage Classic jerseys “have already been sold with expectations for a busy week ahead,” and retailers in the city also “report brisk sales” of merchandise for Sunday's Canadiens-Flames outdoor game. Calgary-based Jersey City has “sold a lot of the limited edition Calgary jerseys in the store along with all the other memorabilia including T-shirts, caps, scarves and toques” (CALGARY HERALD, 2/15).

GEOGRAPHY REPORT: In California, Jeff Miller noted Nike is "marketing a T-shirt that reads 'The Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles,'" a play on the Angels' name. Miller wrote the slogan is "so six years ago," and wondered, "Who, exactly, is going to buy this shirt?" But he added, "We're guessing these shirts will pop up -- especially during interleague time -- around Chavez Ravine" (OCREGISTER.com, 2/15).