In the second season of Adidas manufacturing the NHL’s jerseys, the company has brought back two different teams, the Arizona Coyotes and Anaheim Ducks, throwback jerseys. Will they bring back a New York Rangers fan favorite jersey?
In the realm of sports, the merchandise makes teams more money than the ticketed gate. According to a Marketwatch.com, Americans spent $100 billion on sports during the calendar year.
Of that $100 billion, $33 billion is spent on sports equipment which includes officially licensed merchandise. For the 2018 calendar year, Fanatics, the online retailer which operates the NHL’s official online store was expected to sell nearly $2 billion alone.
The point being, sports fans, especially Americans, will spend on merchandise. To the cynical fans, alternate jerseys present another opportunity to be hit for more than $200 in one shot.
Although the price point for most merchandise is a bit ridiculous in relation to cost of manufacturing, there is still high demand. Take the New York Rangers winter classic jersey from this past season, although the authentic Adidas jersey retailed for $250 with a player’s name, all retailers still sold out.
According to a TSN report, it costs the manufacturer $15 for the materials to make the jersey, then the NHL charges the company a fee for the licensing, which brings the cost up to about $75. After the jersey is made, it is sold in bulk to retailers for about $150, which is then doubled by the retailer to make a profit.
In the realm of the New York Rangers, the Statue of Liberty alternate jerseys were worn from 1997 to 2007. Ironically, for such a great looking jersey, this was amongst the worst stretches in franchise history. The team overpaid for over the hill veterans, Eric Lindros, Pavel Bure and Pat LaFontaine all wore this jersey at the end of their respective careers.
The comeback
Prior to Adidas taking over the jersey manufacturing, the Rangers had worn jerseys that debuted in 2010. The “heritage,” alternate jersey was only worn during home games against original six opponents for the following seven seasons.
These jerseys featured a cool touch, on the authentic on ice jerseys, the franchise’s retired numbers were sewn into the patch of fabric below the fight strap on the inside.
Now that teams have the option of reinstating a third jersey, the Rangers should bring back the Liberty jersey.
If the team were to introduce a third jersey, it would create a frenzied sellers market like the team’s Winter Classic jersey this past season. In fact, the Anaheim Duck’s third jersey, which pays homage to the organization’s roots as the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, sold out so quick it crashed the team’s website.
Not that the Rangers are an organization that needs a massive influx of capitals, but the team didn’t raise season ticket prices for the first time in eight years. There is a clear line that can be drawn and besides, a third jersey is just flat out cool.
Put me down for a Filip Chytil Statue of Liberty jersey two seconds after they go on sale and take my $250 Adidas.