Fans outraged by new Fanatics jersey prices: they are truly insane

The League, in conjunction with Fanatics, unveiled an all-new collection of authentic and replica jerseys for the 2024-25 season, offering a premium product to hockey fans. Fans, however, disagree with how premium this product truly is. Headlining the offerings is the Fanatics Authentic Pro jersey, an on-ice version worn by NHL players, the first time in a decade that fans can buy this iteration. This rollout is an extension of the partnership between the NHL and Fanatics, positioning the latter as the official jersey manufacturer of the league.

The comprehensive set of jerseys is available in both online and physical stores across the U.S. and Canada, including NHLShop.com, Fanatics.com, and NHL team stores. There are four major categories: Authentic Pro, Premium, Breakaway, and Practice jerseys, each unique in its features concerning the level of the fan. Whereas the Authentic Pro has precision in replicating the same specifications that the professionals wear on-ice, the Premium jersey maintains similar design elements but with an overall light fit.

The Fanatics Breakaway jersey boasts that it is tailored for comfort-seeking fans with a breathable fabric all about casual comfort. The updated Practice jersey sports a redesigned crest. Prices range from $120 on the low end for the Practice jersey to $425 for the Authentic Pro, all prices USD, so you will have a number of options for different budgets. However, fans are outraged at these prices.

In producing them, fan input included that of NHL players and team executives. Fanatics collaborated with the National Hockey League Players' Association and visited each of the 32 NHL clubs in order to make sure this jersey would meet both players' and fans' needs. In particular, the Authentic Pro jerseys pleased the players with an improved design while continuing the appeal of familiar features.

As a result of the on-ice experience coming more and more into fans' homes with this joint effort between the NHL and Fanatics, to own better quality jerseys, Fanatics now officially outfits the league for the next ten years. The 2024-25 season introduces a new generation of NHL jerseys: balanced innovation with tradition. The cost, however, is up for massive debate.