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The Carolina Cougars Collection — Royal Retros Carolina Cougars Fan Shop

Authentic Carolina Cougars Throwbacks. Custom Names & Numbers. Sizes S–5XL.

The Carolina Cougars were the ABA's bold experiment in regional pro basketball — the first major-league team to call itself "Carolina" and split home games among Greensboro, Charlotte, and Raleigh. The Royal Retros Cougars collection brings that 1969–1974 franchise back with throwback jerseys, hats, and tees in the powder-blue ABA palette Tobacco Road still loves. Free name and number on most styles. Sizes S–5XL.

What You Can Shop

Carolina Cougars Jerseys, Hats, T-Shirts, Hoodies and Sweatshirts — ABA-style mesh and twill basketball jerseys, snapback and unstructured Cougars caps, soft cotton tees, and pullover hoodies. Free name and number customization on most jerseys. Sizes S–5XL.

Why Royal Retros Is the Home of Carolina Cougars Gear

• Officially licensed ABA throwback apparel.
• Free name and number customization on most jerseys.
• Period-correct powder-blue colorway and Carolina-script detailing.
• Sizes S–5XL.

Quick Buying Questions

What sizes are available?

Small through 5XL on most styles.

Can I customize?

Yes — most jerseys include free name and number. Custom items are final sale.

Is this officially licensed?

Yes. Royal Retros holds the licensing required to make ABA throwbacks.

How long will my order take?

Stock items ship within a few business days. Custom jerseys typically take 2–3 weeks.

About the Carolina Cougars

Originally the Houston Mavericks (1967–1969), the franchise relocated to North Carolina for the 1969–70 ABA season and rebranded as the Cougars — the first "regional" pro sports franchise in major American sports, splitting their home dates among the Greensboro Coliseum, Charlotte Coliseum, and Raleigh's Dorton Arena to capitalize on the entire Carolinas market.

Larry Brown took over as head coach for 1972–73 and guided the Cougars to a 57–27 record, the best in the Eastern Division, behind ABA MVP Billy Cunningham, Mack Calvin's playmaking, Joe Caldwell's wing scoring, and a young Ed Manning at forward. They reached the conference finals before losing to the Kentucky Colonels. Despite Cunningham, Brown, and a strong product, the regional model never quite worked financially — the Cougars never found a true home arena — and after the 1973–74 season the franchise was sold and relocated to St. Louis as the Spirits. The Cougars left a permanent mark, though: they proved Tobacco Road would support pro basketball, paving the way for the Charlotte Hornets fifteen years later.

Carolina Cougars at Royal Retros — Authentic Throwbacks. Custom Names & Numbers. Sizes S–5XL.