• Loading stock data...
Sunday, January 12, 2025

Fanatics Is the NHL’s Jersey Partner Now. What’s Changing?

  • The sports merchandising giant rolls out four tiers of its redesigned NHL jerseys.
  • The company’s more conservative approach to the NHL rights differs materially from the large-scale redesign of MLB uniforms.
Fanatics

Already having assumed control of the NHL’s jersey program, Fanatics is now overhauling how that effort reaches fans. 

Nearly three months after officially starting as the league’s official uniform supplier and introducing its tradition-oriented approach to the rights, the sports merchandising giant is beginning retail sales of the jerseys, departing in several key respects from the prior strategy of Adidas.

Beginning Saturday, Fanatics will have four tiers of jerseys that will be sold to fans:

  • Authentic Pro: This product is made to the exact specifications used by NHL players, including additional fabric now included in the lower jersey sleeves. This level of jersey, costing $425, has not been made available to fans over the past decade, including the entirety of the seven years that Adidas held the NHL’s on-ice uniform rights. The Authentic Pro jerseys will only be sold with blank backs initially, but customization options will be rolled out in the coming weeks. 
  • Premium: Featuring a lighter, more comfortable fit, this level is most consistent with the highest level of jersey previously available to fans. This model will cost $180 for blank jerseys and $230 pre-decorated with player names and numbers, and features embroidered elements.
  • Breakaway: A less-expensive, more lightweight model featuring flexible crests will cost $135 for blank jerseys and $175 pre-decorated with player names and numbers. This level includes some heat-pressed elements.
  • Practice: This will be a redesigned retail version of practice jerseys worn by all 32 NHL teams. Costing $120, it will resemble what teams also use in training camp.

Unlike the large-scale, and much-maligned, shifts this year in the Nike-led redesign of MLB uniforms, Fanatics’ approach to the NHL jersey rights stressed continuity much more. Overall, year-to-year changes in the hockey jersey designs and construction are less dramatic, and Fanatics sought to receive significant input from players and teams as it began its involvement. 

Fanatics, meanwhile, retained Quebec-based SP Apparel as a manufacturing partner, a role that company has played with multiple league uniform licensees over nearly 50 years. 

The uniform design and retooling of the retail program mark the first major elements of Fanatics’ 10-year contract with the NHL signed last year. Those moves were made against the backdrop of established hockey culture in which there is arguably no deeper connection between fans and team uniforms than in this sport. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Breaking the Ice: NHL Plans Outdoor Games for Florida, Defying the Heat

Special events are planned for early next year in Miami and Tampa.

RSN Owner DSG Emerges From Bankruptcy With New Name and Plan

The regional sports network operator completes its bankruptcy reorganization.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) knocks the ball out of the hands of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) and returns the fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January, 10, 2025.

College Football Is Closer Than Ever to Perfecting the Championship Process

Despite valid criticisms, the first expanded Playoff is working.
Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman (R) reacts on the sidelines in the final minute against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome.
January 9, 2025

Amid Realignment Mania, Notre Dame Stayed Independent. It Paid Off

How the CFP semifinal-bound Fighting Irish made their business model work.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first-down catch against Oregon during the 2025 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
January 3, 2025

The Biggest Changes to College Sports Are Coming in 2025

Sweeping developments could affect the college sports foundation this year.
Dec 31, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) walks out to the rink before the Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field
January 1, 2025

Glitzy NHL New Year’s Eve Winter Classic Showcased Connor Bedard’s Star Power

The business of Bedard—on full display—is crucial for the NHL.

Super Bowl Ads Sell Out Three Months Early, at Record Price

Ad units are believed to be selling at more than $7 million per 30 seconds.
October 17, 2024

Netflix Shares Rise on Strong Earnings As Christmas NFL Games Lie Ahead

The next two months will include the Tyson-Paul fight and the NFL Christmas Day games.
October 18, 2024

Skechers Wasn’t Cool. Then NBA Stars Started Wearing Them

The brand is not traditionally cool. Embiid, Randle, and others don’t care.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
A view of a Nike retail store in New York City.
August 15, 2024

Nike Shares Surge As Bill Ackman Invests, Igniting Turnaround Hopes

The billionaire hedge-fund executive holds significant influence in the market.
Topgolf
August 7, 2024

Callaway ‘Disappointed’ With Topgolf, Exploring Spin-Off

Callaway announced a strategic review of Topgolf during its Q2 report.
June 25, 2024

Mets Owner Buys Chunk of Knicks Owner’s Las Vegas Sphere

Cohen made the investment through his hedge fund, Point72.