Why are NHL fans angry about the Fanatics jersey deal? Exploring the reasons why

Pittsburgh Penguins v Los Angeles Kings
NHL fans are not happy with that Fanatics jersey deal.

The NHL recently announced that Fanatics will become the exclusive provider of NHL jerseys starting in 2024, replacing its current supplier, Adidas. The announcement has left many NHL fans furious for a variety of reasons.

Here are four key reasons why fans are upset about this change:

Why NHL fans are furious over the announcement that Fanatics will be the exclusive jersey provider in 2024

#1 Lack of Quality and Authenticity

Many fans are concerned that Fanatics will not be able to provide the same level of quality and authenticity that Adidas has provided. Adidas has been the official supplier of NHL jerseys since 2017, and they have been widely praised for their attention to detail and high-quality products.

Fans worry that Fanatics, a company that specializes in mass-produced merchandise, will not be able to replicate this level of quality and authenticity.

#2 Limited Options and Availability

Another concern among fans is that Fanatics will offer a limited selection of NHL jerseys, particularly for smaller market teams. Fans worry that they will not be able to find the jersey of their favorite team or player, especially if that team or player is not as popular as others.

Additionally, fans feel that Fanatics will struggle to keep up with demand, leading to long wait times or limited availability of certain jerseys.

#3 Lack of Customization Options

Adidas has allowed fans to customize their jerseys with a variety of options, including custom names and numbers, as well as the ability to add patches and other accessories.

Fanatics might not offer the same level of customization options, limiting their ability to personalize their jerseys and show their support for their favorite teams and players.

#4 Unproven Track Record

Finally, fans are concerned about Fanatics' unproven track record in the world of jersey manufacturing. While Fanatics has a long history of producing merchandise for other sports leagues and teams, they have not yet proven themselves in the world of jerseys.

Fans worry that Fanatics will struggle to meet the high standards set by Adidas and other previous suppliers, leading to a lower quality product and a negative overall fan experience.


The announcement that Fanatics will become the exclusive provider of jerseys starting in 2024 has left many fans feeling frustrated and disappointed. While the full impact of this change remains to be seen, fans have expressed concerns about the lack of quality and authenticity, limited options and availability, lack of customization options, and unproven track record of Fanatics.

Only time will tell whether these concerns are valid, but for now, many fans are feeling uncertain about the future of their favorite jerseys.