The National Hockey League (NHL) has given lifestyle brand Mitchell & Ness, the rights to produce licensed apparel, headwear and accessories for all 32 franchises.
The NHL's current e-commerce connection with gear behemoth Fanatics, which purchased Mitchell & Ness in February in a deal reportedly for US$250 million, is aligned with the duration and rights of the new agreement.
As a result of the partnership, Fanatics will distribute Mitchell & Ness' NHL-licensed products widely to all of the official websites for all 32 NHL teams, the NHL's official shop, and the redesigned Mitchell & Ness e-commerce site.
The NHL's retail outlets, a few arenas, and locations that Mitchell & Ness services will also carry products.
Through a separate deal with the NHLPA (NHL Players Association), Mitchell & Ness will showcase the top names in the game in a variety of clothing. Through the sportswear company's relationship with the NHLPA, items with great former NHL players will also be offered.
The new NHL line from Mitchell & Ness will go on sale in November and include a variety of street fashion clothes and lifestyle items, such as jerseys, hats, tops, and bottoms.