Campus Ink Powers On-Demand “Hot Market” Apparel During Big Ten and March Madness
IRVINE, Calif. – Steven Farag, CEO of Campus Ink and NIL Store, continues to redefine the college sports apparel landscape through rapid, on-demand customization. A seasoned player in the industry, Farag has significantly expanded his company’s footprint since launching NIL Store in 2021, securing licensing agreements with more than 160 colleges and universities and over 30,000 student-athletes. His venture has also attracted investment from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban.
Leveraging advanced direct-to-film (DTF) printing technology from Roland DG, Farag has built a highly agile business model centered on “hot market” apparel—producing customized T-shirts and accessories on-site and in real time. Following a successful run at the Big Ten Tournament, the team has now shifted focus to the high-energy atmosphere of NCAA March Madness, including the Men’s Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and the Women’s Final Four in Phoenix.
At the core of this operation is a fully mobile production unit. Farag and his team transport a specialized trailer equipped with the Roland DG TY-300 DTF printer, enabling them to set up shop directly at event venues. This setup allows for real-time design creation and production, often in full view of fans.
“Merchandise is now becoming an experience,” said Farag. “We’re not just selling products—we’re showing customers how they’re made. From designing graphics on the spot to printing them instantly, it creates a deeper connection with fans and drives engagement.”
This immersive approach was on full display during the Big Ten Tournament. In one instance, a commentator coined the phrase “Triple Yaxel” after a standout three-pointer by a Michigan player. Within hours, Farag’s team transformed the moment into a T-shirt design, making it available inside the arena the very next day—demonstrating the company’s ability to respond instantly to trending moments.
Such responsiveness addresses a long-standing challenge for traditional stadium retailers: predicting demand. “Retailers often struggle to forecast what will sell,” Farag explained. “With our on-site DTF capabilities, we help them react in real time, reducing excess inventory while maximizing sales opportunities.”
Throughout the tournament, the Campus Ink/NIL Store mobile unit worked closely with concession operators, producing merchandise on demand based on real-time needs. The team also created limited-edition designs overnight, including player-focused apparel featuring top athletes from competing teams, all approved and ready for sale by the next morning.
To enable seamless mobile production, the trailer was engineered to maintain optimal operating conditions for the DTF printer, including insulation and temperature control systems. Additional modifications, such as an air-ride suspension system, ensure safe transportation of sensitive equipment, while a generator-powered setup allows operations to run efficiently on standard voltage.
Farag described the system’s performance during both tournaments as exceptional. “Our on-site production has been incredible,” he said. “We’ve handled high-volume runs—up to 800 pieces in just a few hours—while maintaining speed and quality.”
Over the course of March Madness, Campus Ink has supported 87 men’s and women’s teams, representing more than 1,300 athletes. The ability to create customized designs for each player in real time highlights the scale and flexibility of the operation.
“With our on-demand model and advanced DTF technology, we can go from concept to finished product in minutes,” Farag added. “It not only enhances the fan experience but also creates new revenue opportunities for teams and athletes.”