NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 26, 2024--
The National Hockey League (NHL) and Fanatics today officially debuted the Fanatics Authentic Pro NHL on-ice uniforms, the first Fanatics-branded and designed NHL player uniforms that will be worn during the upcoming 2024-25 season. Today’s unveiling builds anticipation for the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft on June 28-29 at Sphere in Las Vegas, where the League’s next generation of players will receive the official Fanatics jersey of their new team after their name is called on stage.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240626295207/en/
Since 2018, Fanatics has designed and manufactured performance and training apparel for the NHL’s players, coaches and team staff. Last year, the NHL and Fanatics announced an expanded partnership which, beginning with the 2024-25 season, sees Fanatics become the official outfitter of the NHL’s on-ice uniforms for the next 10 seasons. The new uniforms are being manufactured by Quebec-based SP Apparel, the same company whose elite craftsmanship has provided the NHL’s on-ice uniforms for nearly 50 years.
“I couldn’t be prouder to unveil the first-ever Fanatics branded NHL uniforms,” said Fanatics CEO, Michael Rubin. “These jerseys were meticulously crafted in lockstep with NHL players, the NHLPA, equipment managers, teams and the NHL. Their feedback on what they were looking for in their next uniform completely drove our design, which was validated when we went back to all 32 teams during the past season to the show players and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. We’re excited to debut the jersey we’ve developed that will not only be worn by the best hockey players in the world, but also, for the first time in a decade, these same jerseys can be purchased by the NHL’s passionate fans as well.”
Fanatics’ design and development process, in collaboration with the NHL, also included active participation by a number of critical stakeholders, including NHL players, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), and executives and locker room personnel from every NHL Club, thereby resulting in a high-quality jersey engineered for the modern hockey player.
“NHL uniforms are considered by many to be the best in sports, and the history, tradition and respect that goes with our NHL sweaters is paramount to both the NHL and Fanatics,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Fanatics listened to our players and Clubs, and preserved the quality, performance and design of our uniforms to serve our world-class athletes. We have a shared commitment with Fanatics to serving our Players and fans, and we are proud of what Fanatics has delivered to our new uniforms.”
While the jersey’s base construction remains similar to the current jersey standard, new features of the Fanatics Authentic Pro uniform, which is made in Canada with domestic and imported content, include:
Fanatics has also introduced a redesigned on-ice player practice jersey, which now features an embroidered lightweight crest.
Over the past several months, Fanatics worked with the NHL and NHLPA to visit all 32 Clubs, where players – including Connor McDavid, Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Brady Tkachuk and many more – had the opportunity to see, feel and try on the new uniforms. Throughout these visits, the Fanatics Authentic Pro on-ice uniforms received positive feedback. The players were glad to see that Fanatics kept the base construction similar to what they were comfortable playing in, and also that some slight design and performance adjustments have been made to the uniform. Additional player comments included:
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs: “Fanatics did a great job designing these jerseys. They feel comfortable and look breathable, which is important during games. Any little detail that can help us perform at our best makes a difference.”
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks: “The Fanatics jersey looks good. I like that there is not a lot of change from the older version, and I also like the design of the new practice jersey.”
John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs: “I think the fabric is fantastic. It feels nice and will fit really good with our gear on. On the inside of our jerseys, it reads ‘Honour, Pride, and Courage.’ It’s that type of attention to detail and quality that will hold true through the jerseys too. Wearing the Maple Leaf is incredibly special, and I look forward to putting the new jerseys on for this upcoming season.”
Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils: “Fanatics made a really good-looking jersey. It feels great, the Devils crest looks amazing, and I look forward to wearing it on the ice next season.”
Luke Hughes, New Jersey Devils: “The material of the Fanatics on-ice jerseys feels really comfortable, and the new design makes them look clean too.”
Cole Caufield, Montreal Canadiens: “I’m lucky to wear one of the most iconic jerseys [Montreal Canadiens] in sports, and any time you put it on is really special. Fanatics’ design of the jersey looks amazing, feels great and I can’t wait to wear them next season.”
Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks: “I love the jerseys. The Canucks logo really pops on them, and the fabric feels airy and breathable. They’re really just beautiful jerseys.”
“From very early in this process, Fanatics has kept their commitment to partnering with the players in the transition to the new on-ice jersey,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “I am very thankful to Michael Rubin and the staff in Fanatics’ hockey department, for taking the time and expense to travel to NHL rinks to get players’ first-hand input on the fit and feel of their most iconic piece of equipment.”
Fanatics has also created an elevated and enhanced retail portfolio of authentic and replica jerseys. For the first time in a decade, fans can now purchase the authentic on-ice jersey, the identical jersey made in Canada and worn by their favorite teams and players every game. Fans will now be able to shop four distinct Fanatics jersey categories – Authentic Pro, Premium (equivalent to the highest level of retail jersey that exists now), Breakaway (the existing Fanatics fan jersey) and a new retail version of the Practice jersey.
While the new Fanatics NHL jerseys will be given to players selected at the 2024 NHL Draft, the retail versions and additional apparel – including a new line of NHL fan gear that is meticulously crafted in Canada – will be available across online and physical retail locations starting in September closer to the start of the 2024-25 NHL season.
Additional Executive Quotes
Andrew Low Ah Kee, Fanatics Commerce CEO
“We are honored to be the official uniform partner of the NHL. We take seriously our responsibility to outfit these world-class athletes with the highest quality products and drive innovation in response to their needs. We are also excited that, for the first time in a decade, fans will be able to own the authentic, on-ice jerseys which are made in Canada and worn by their favorite teams and players."
Brian Jennings, NHL Chief Branding Officer and Senior Executive Vice President
“Our firm intention is to maintain our uniforms as the best uniforms in all of sports, and we are in good hands with Fanatics. We’re excited to unveil our new uniforms and showcase Fanatics’ design capabilities when we unveil the uniforms for next season’s marquee events including the Winter Classic, Stadium Series and 4 Nations Face-Off. With Fanatics as both the official outfitter of our on-ice uniforms and the engine behind our e-commerce and retail operations, licensed fan merchandise and performance gear, we can serve our players and fans better than ever before.”
For additional photo and video assets accompanying today’s announcement, please visit the linkhere.
NHL, the NHL Shield and the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © NHL 2023. All Rights Reserved
NHLPA, National Hockey League Players’ Association and the NHLPA logo are registered trademarks of the NHLPA and are used under license. © NHLPA. All Rights Reserved.
About the NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers - league, team and player accounts combined - across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rights holders including ESPN, TNT Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; Viaplay in the Nordics, Baltics, and Poland; YLE in Finland; Nova in Czech Republic and Slovakia; Sky Sports and ProSieben in Germany; MySports in Switzerland; and CCTV5+ in China; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in every country. Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP. NHL Original Productions and NHL Studios produce compelling original programming featuring unprecedented access to players, coaches and League and team personnel for distribution across the NHL’s social and digital platforms.
The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. The NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone™ initiative reinforces that the official policy of the sport is one of inclusion on the ice, in locker rooms, boardrooms and stands. The NHL is expanding access and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities to play hockey, fostering more inclusive environments and growing the game through a greater diversity of participants. To date, the NHL has invested more than $100 million in youth hockey and grassroots programs, with a commitment to invest an additional $5 million.
About Fanatics
Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.
The new Fanatics Authentic Pro NHL on-ice uniforms are made in Canada with domestic and imported components by Quebec-based SP Apparel.
(Graphic: Business Wire)
(Graphic: Business Wire)
