• Loading stock data...
Monday, March 9, 2026

Pat Riley Strikes Deal With NFL for ‘Three-Peat’ As Chiefs Eye History

The Chiefs could accomplish the first “three-peat” in the NFL’s Super Bowl era. A trademark case has made celebratory merchandise complicated.

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fan in the crowd holds a three peat sign against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After the Chiefs and Eagles punched their tickets to Super Bowl LIX, one of the first commercials following each game was an ad from Fanatics promoting AFC and NFC champions–branded hats, shirts, and other celebratory merchandise.

That will be the case following Sunday night’s game, with the league’s official e-commerce partner looking to sell Super Bowl champion gear to jubilant fans in either Kansas City or Philadelphia.

How Many Pro Teams Have Three-Peated?

If the Chiefs win, it will mark the first time an NFL team will claim three consecutive Super Bowl victories. The Packers were the most recent NFL team to complete the trifecta—but they won three straight NFL championships from 1965 to 1967 (the NFL and AFL completed a merger in 1970). 

  • MLB: Yankees (1936–1939)
  • NFL: Browns (1946–1949)
  • NHL: Maple Leafs (1947–1949)
  • MLB: Yankees (1949–1953)
  • NBA: Lakers (1952–1954)
  • NHL: Canadiens (1956–1960)
  • NBA: Celtics (1959–1966), 8 straight
  • NHL: Maple Leafs (1962–1964)
  • NFL: Packers (1965–1967)
  • MLB: Athletics (1972–1974)
  • NHL: Canadiens (1976–1979)
  • NHL: Islanders (1980–1983)
  • NBA: Bulls (1991–1993)
  • NBA: Bulls (1996–1998)
  • WNBA: Comets (1997–2000)
  • MLB: Yankees (1998–2000)
  • NBA: Lakers (2000–2002)

While capitalizing on phrases like “three-peat” might seem like a no-brainer, the NFL actually had to strike a deal with a storied sports figure to make that happen.

Inside Pat Riley’s Deal 

For more than 30 years, Basketball Hall of Famer Pat Riley has held trademark rights to several variations of the phrase “three-peat,” even though he never accomplished the feat as a player, coach, or executive. Still, he’s been able to rake in royalties from previous “three-peaters” like the Bulls, Lakers, and Yankees who wanted to use the phrase after winning a trio of consecutive championships.

Now, Riley has an agreement in place with the NFL to use “three-peat” if the Chiefs win, according to sports collectibles news outlet Cllct. It’s unclear how much revenue Riley could make.

If the Chiefs, NFL, or licenses like Fanatics wanted to avoid paying out Riley a percentage of what they earn, there could be another option. 

“If there’s no commercial activity around the trademark, theoretically, if somebody wants to challenge it, somebody can,” trademark attorney Josh Gerben tells Front Office Sports. “And they’d likely win the challenge and they’d likely cancel your registration.”

Riley has obviously not been selling three-peat-branded merchandise in recent years, so Gerben is surprised that he has been able to keep those trademarks active.

“Folks may try to keep the registration active by filing renewals that are required at the [U.S. Patent and Trademark Office] because the filing of renewal keeps something active without requiring a lot of evidence,” Gerben says. “They shouldn’t make those filings, but they sometimes will.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive

ESPN Scoops Up Ex–Washington Post Reporters

The Post shuttered its sports section on Feb. 4.

Dolphins Move On from Tua With Record $99.2M Dead Cap Hit 

The NFL franchise changes course, despite the hefty financial consequences.

NFL Teams Armed With Record Cap Space Enter Free Agency

An elevated salary cap and available talent will fuel robust spending.

Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart Push for Marathon CBA Session

The WNBA stars want to “iron it out” and “get it done.”

Featured Today

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
Jun 9, 2021; Paris, France; The racket of Coco Gauff (USA) after she smashed it during her match against Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) on day 11 of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros
March 6, 2026

The ‘Rage Room’ Is the Hottest Place in Tennis

The idea came from a player podcast.
March 5, 2026

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.
Nicole Silveira
March 3, 2026

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”
Feb 22, 2026; Hampton, Georgia, USA; Michael Jordan at EchoPark Speedway.
March 2, 2026

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Presence Increasing Amid 23XI Streak

23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick has won the first three races of the season.
March 2, 2026

Another Young Pirates Phenom, Another High-Stakes Decision

The Pittsburgh teenage phenom is turning heads despite his young age.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.
February 27, 2026

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
Sep 28, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13), left, and Jackson Merrill (3) celebrate after scoring during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park.
February 27, 2026

Drew Brees, Joe Lacob Among Interested Padres Suitors

A record-setting deal could be in place by Opening Day.
Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Magic Johnson at unveiling of statue of former Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley at the Crypto.com Arena.
February 25, 2026

Magic Johnson, Lakers Won’t Reunite Under Mark Walter

Walter and Johnson are Dodgers co-owners.
February 25, 2026

Seahawks GM Downplays Impact of Team Sale: ‘Business As Usual’

Seattle is up for sale after winning Super Bowl LX.