In which decade did major sports leagues first establish dedicated retail operations for team-branded merchandise as a significant revenue stream?

The sports retail landscape has transformed dramatically over the decades. What began as basic equipment sales has evolved into a multi-billion dollar merchandise industry where fans proudly wear their team's colors. This poll tests your knowledge about a pivotal moment in sports retail history that changed how teams approach merchandise and created entirely new revenue streams. Do you know when professional sports teams first recognized the potential of branded merchandise as a significant income source?

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1950s - During the post-war economic boom and rise of television sports broadcasts
1960s - Coinciding with the rise of color television and expanded sports coverage
1980s - When licensing programs expanded dramatically with new retail partnerships
2000s - With the emergence of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales models