NHL, Fanatics unveil on-ice player uniforms for 2024-25 season

The NHL and Fanatics officially introduced the Fanatics Authentic Pro NHL on-ice uniforms on Wednesday, marking the first Fanatics-branded and designed NHL uniforms that will be worn for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Fanatics has been extensively involved in the design and creation of merchandise and apparel for professional sports leagues around the world, but this is the first time the global sports leader will see its logo on game-worn uniforms.

Since 2018, Fanatics has designed and manufactured performance and training apparel for NHL players, coaches and staff members, and last year announced it would extend its partnership on the ice by becoming the official outfitter of the NHL’s uniforms for the next 10 seasons. Is expanding. ,

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“I couldn’t be more proud to unveil the first-ever Fanatics branded NHL uniforms,” ​​Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin said in an official statement. “These jerseys were carefully crafted in collaboration with NHL players, the NHLPA, equipment managers, teams, and the NHL itself. Their feedback on what they were looking for in their next uniforms completely influenced our design, which was then Validated when we went back to all 32 teams last season and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“We are excited to launch the jerseys we have developed that will not only be worn by the best hockey players in the world, but for the first time in a decade, these same jerseys will be able to be purchased by avid fans of the NHL, too.”

Fanatics is replacing Adidas as the league’s official uniform partner, but the company is working with the same apparel company, SP Apparel, that has been producing jerseys for the NHL for decades.

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As Rubin noted in his statement, Fanatics did not take the responsibility of putting their logo on a jersey for the first time lightly. They wanted to make sure they were creating the jerseys for all 32 teams to the best of their ability.

Keith Leach, VP/GM of the NHL and Canada for Fanatics, discussed the “super important” process of going back and forth with players and their equipment managers to ensure the jerseys are up to their standards.

They also made some small changes to the uniforms, while still maintaining the integrity and tradition that each sweater is known for.

“We didn’t want to start with change for the sake of change.” Leach said.

“(We said) let’s figure out what’s working for the players in uniform. If there are opportunities to improve, we will. But it was really important that we didn’t come out and say, ‘We’re just going to ‘Make change for the sake of change.’ One, for our brand, because we wanted to create that story of authenticity and credibility and two, we ultimately wanted to make sure it worked for the athlete.”

That strategy for Leach and his team included a trip to the annual equipment managers’ meeting, where Fanatics had to sit down with all 32 equipment heads from each team and discuss what they wanted to see from the new jerseys.

one change? Increasing durability in the elbow area to avoid “board burn”.

“They were like, ‘Look, they fit great. They wear well. The fabric is breathable. We’re having some durability issues,'” Leach recalled. “We were like, ‘Actually, tell us about it.’ And they started showing up, and it constantly appeared in this arm area. It’s like cigarette burns – once it’s gone, what does it mean for the jersey? They can’t even throw them away.

“We came back to the annual equipment managers meeting in June ’23, and we got a chance to see all of them. We did a session virtually and sat down with all 32 equipment managers, showed them the prototype, talked. They touched it and Felt it and said, ‘This is great,’ and, ‘Could be a little better here,’ or how do we want to improve it here, we quickly went and pressure tested them on summer ice with some NHL teams. They were like, ‘Seamless.’ After all, that’s what we were looking for.”

New shoulder fabrics also exist to replace the debossed pattern fabric previously used on the shoulders. Additionally, a new NHL Shield execution will include a hologram finish on the front neck of the jersey.

Finally, Fanatics branding will be embroidered on the back neck of each jersey.

“Fanatics did a great job designing these jerseys,” said Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews.

New Jersey Devils phenom Jack Hughes said, “The Fanatics have made a really good-looking jersey. It feels great, the Devils crest looks amazing, and I’m looking forward to wearing it on the ice next season.”

The fanatics thought equally about the players in the new jerseys as well as the fans. For the first time in a decade, fans will be able to purchase authentic on-ice jerseys, a uniform made in Canada with “fight strap” and all, as well as Fanatics’ other portfolio of authentic and replica jerseys.

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The jerseys will first be seen by NHL players at the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, which begins June 28 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Fans will be able to purchase retail versions and additional team apparel, including a new line of fan gear made in Canada, starting with the hockey season in September.

“NHL uniforms are considered by many to be the best in sports and the history, tradition and respect associated 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 serve our players and fans, and Fanatics We’re proud of what we have.” Our new uniforms have been delivered.”

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