Per nhl.com
On September 21st, Fanatics and the National Hockey League (NHL) in a press release from fanaticsinc.com announcing the new Fanatics-produced player and fan jerseys, including four levels of jerseys. Although some fans are concerned with the quality and price of these new uniforms going forward.
This news comes from when it was announced in March of 2023, that the NHL decided to partner with Fanatics, which has been the official retailer of off-ice NHL merchandise since 2018 when they released the “Authentic Pro” line.
Fanatics was selected following the news in 2022, it was announced that Adidas would no longer be the official jersey provider of the NHL after deciding not to renew the contract, which started in 2017.
Many sports enthusiasts have been concerned with quality across the Fanatics company, but most importantly, the Fanatics produced Major League Baseball (MLB) jerseys, which debuted at the beginning of the 2024 season, facing backlash for quality and style choices.
Photo Courtesy: FoxSports.com, images show San Francisco Giants Infielder Casey Schmitt and Los Angeles Dodgers Designated Hitter Shohei Ohtani from Media Day 2024 wearing the new fanatics uniforms, showcasing see-through pants.
On multiple forms of social media, fans have voiced their reactions and concerns about how Fanatics produce and distribute team apparel. Most recently was controversy the Major League Baseball (MLB) transitioning to Fanatics for their on-field uniforms in 2024, with many notable issues voiced by both fans and players.
Per espn.com, in February of 2024 MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark had this to say: "A lot of the rhetoric is confirmation that the pants are see-through," Clark said.
Fans were instantly disappointed in the look of the new “Limited” jerseys available for sale, with the numbers and name on the back of the jersey being shrunken significantly. In addition to this was a concern with the fabric used for the players' pants, most notably being that they appeared to be see-through.
Another topic of concern would be the changes in direct reference to Adidas, as fans were on average very content with the brand producing NHL jerseys. With popular lines such as the “Reverse Retros” which gave every NHL team a new spin on a classic jersey. The Adidas era of NHL jerseys was one filled with plenty of progress in design and functionality.
The press release also featured claims of feedback from the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA), including quotes from notable NHL stars such as Connor Bedard.
“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.” Said Connor.
Fanatics has four new selections of jerseys available for fans to purchase, starting this year.
The first highest level of jersey is the “Fanatics Authentic Pro," priced at $425, and is a one-for-one replica of the jerseys worn on the ice by NHL players, produced in the very same factory located in Canada, which has been producing ice player jerseys for over 50 years.
Innovated with updates from the previous jersey format from Adidas, with updated sleeves with a more durable and dense fabric. In addition to sleeker shoulders and a holographic emblem on the collar.
The second level of the jersey is called the “Fanatics Premium,” which serves as a cross between comfort and on-ice feel in its details and sewing yet is a lighter material for comfort. The jersey costs $180 without the player's name and numbers and $250 with them.
The third level of jersey released is not new for fans, as this is the “Fanatics Breakaway." This has been available to fans since the partnership with the NHL began in 2018. This level is made for comfort and style, priced at $135 for a blank and $175 to have a play name and number added. this is also the only level tailored to both men’s and women’s sizes. Priced at $135 for a blank and $175 to have a play name and number added.
“Fanatics Practice” jerseys are now available for fans for the first time since Reebok was the provider of NHL jerseys. Featuring a new crest design proudly displaying “Property of (insert city name).” It is priced at $120.
Per x.com
Fans of hockey have often had to pay high prices to show support for their teams, but some fans are concerned with Fanatics' high price points, due to Fanatics' track record involving the quality of their products.
As the 2024-2025 NHL season starts, Fanatics uniforms will be tested with more fan and athlete input, and will hopefully be seen and provide fans with the best quality products.
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