Outrage among fans: Fanatics reveal absurdly high prices for their NHL jerseys

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Julien Trekker
September 21, 2024 (12:33)

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The controversial brand Fanatics revealed the absurdly high prices they set for their NHL jerseys, and the numbers generated outrage among hockey fans.

Buying jerseys has been a big part of hockey culture for any devoted fan. Wearing a jersey with our favorite player's name and number simply adds another layer to our love for the sport.

Unfortunately, this is a reality that comes with a price - a big one.

In the past, hockey jerseys were always expensive, but the brand Fanatics took things to a whole new level.

The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta shared a post on X in which we learned that some fans won't be able to support their teams by buying a jersey, thanks to Fanatics. The brand decided to offer an extensive variety of designs, which come with a price range that's just as wide.

It starts with the "practice" jerseys. These are the ones that the Toronto Maple Leafs rookies used in the two games against the Montreal Canadiens prospects last week. Fans can buy those for $120 USD ($140 CAD), but let's face it, who really wants to buy a practice jersey when you can get the real thing?

Then we have the "breakaway," which looks like the ones Fanatics made when Adidas was the NHL's official supplier. They're on sale for $135 USD ($160 CAD), but it'll cost you $175 USD ($200 CAD) to have a name and number on it.

Next up are the "premiums!" You can buy them for $180 USD ($200 CAD) for a blank and $230 USD ($250 CAD) for a name and number. There's no difference between this one and the "breakaway," except for the fit and the NHL logo.

Just when we thought, "Wow, can it get more ridiculous than this?" they come in with the "Authentic Pro" jersey, the one that players actually wear, for a mere $425 USD ($500 CAD). How much for a name and number, do you ask? $460 USD ($625 CAD).

Toronto Maple Leafs fans: click here to see it on the NHL's official store.

This doesn't make any sense. With these prices, Fanatics just revealed their true colors: they're in it for the money. To compare with Adidas, the brand used to sell their jerseys around $200 USD.

A lot of people shared their confusion and frustrations under Pagnotta's post:

How could fans want to pay such a price for a brand renowned for their mistakes? Fanatics' reputation has taken a lot of hits over the years, and many angry customers shared their disappointment on X.

Here are a few of them:

The controversy surrounding Fanatics is likely to endure as Gary Bettman and the NHL agreed to make the brand the official jersey supplier for the next ten years.

Could this be one of the worst decisions of Bettman's career? Let us know in the comments!