The NHL has announced that Fanatics will be their official on-ice uniform partner starting in the 2024-25 season, with the deal running for 10 seasons.
Adidas has made the on-ice uniforms since 2017 while Fanatics served as the official manufacturer for NHL apparel, including replica jerseys. It was reported over the summer in 2022 that Adidas wouldn’t pursue an extension of their seven-year deal with the league.
“This expansion of our partnership with Fanatics is a reflection of our shared commitment to innovation, performance, and serving our players and fans,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement. “Fanatics is a sports industry market leader and with its proven track-record in e-commerce and retail operations, licensed fan merchandise and performance gear, our players and fans should look forward to what Fanatics will bring to the best uniforms in all of sports.”
Fanatics has had a partnership with the league for over two decades, slowly evolving to include NHL e-commerce and retail operations, fan apparel and headwear, replica jerseys, licensed memorabilia, performance and training products, on-ice Stanley Cup champions apparel and headwear, and now official on-ice uniforms for players and authentic jerseys for fans.
Fanatics has also been the official outfitter for the MLB, making game uniforms with the Nike logo since 2017. They also do similar work for the NFL, creating jerseys with the Nike logo that are sold online and in-stores.
“The Fanatics brand is fairly well known to fans, but we’re often thought of as more of an e-commerce company,” said Doug Mack, CEO of Fanatics Commerce, to ESPN. “This isn’t the first time we’ve done performance product, but this will be the most visible we’ve ever been in making that performance product.”
According to the NHL, significant changes to the on-ice jerseys won’t be made until at least 2026-27. Potential changes could include different fabric options for players and player safety innovation like protection against skate laceration.
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