New NHL uniforms a revenue source?

by Dirk Hoag on Jul 12, 2007 5:13 PM EDT

Now here's a terrifying thought for hockey fans. In light of the continuing difficulty in generating significant national TV revenue in the US, will the NHL succumb to pressure and permit advertising on uniforms? Before reacting with a quick "never!", consider that there was a time when we didn't have ads plastered around the boards or painted under the ice, either.

Your new Florida Panthers jersey, perhaps?
Photo from The Post-Pessimist Association

The article below discusses the debut of jersey-based advertisement in the US in Major League Soccer, particularly in light of the debut of some Beckham character. I wouldn't expect we'd see such a development anytime soon in the NHL, but these kinds of slopes tend to be pretty slippery...

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I don't think it would be too bad actually - to just have one official sponsor with their logo on the sweater. I don't think NASCAR is a good model to follow, but the way European futbol leagues work seems nice enough. With some tasteful rules as far as color schemes and size of the sponsors logo.

Anything to help bring in the cash for a troubled league.

See my other comments here about how much better the NBA does at getting sponsorships. I can't wait for the NHL to have a "Gatorade callup"

by Paul Nicholson on Jul 12, 2007 6:07 PM EDT reply actions

My personal favorite ad is (or at least was) behind the visitors bench in the Florida Panthers arena. As you watch their coach walking back and forth, the message behind reads "Home of the Pansies", an ad for a flower delivery service...

by The Forechecker on Jul 12, 2007 6:45 PM EDT reply actions

There is a big difference between the MLS and the NHL and it lies in the larger picture of the sport.

Sadly, the writer displays his absence of any knowledge of soccer when he mocks and bemoans jersey advertising as it is standard practice in all of the top leagues in the world to have a jersey sponsor.

Meanwhile, the practice in the biggest hockey league in the world is to not have sponsorships on their jerseys. The European model would be nice but it works because soccer jerseys traditionally only have a crest on the left side of the chest instead of a huge logo in the middle of the shirt.

Then again, certain traditions mean nothing to the crew running the league. Maybe this one is on their 'traditions to defend list'.

by PPP on Jul 13, 2007 8:41 AM EDT reply actions

I have no problems with an add on the jersey. Maybe not the front part, since that's where the team logo's go and rightfully so, but a small band below the numbers in the back (like MLS) wouldn't be bad at all.

The only argument I have seen against ads on jerseys is: "I don't like it"

Not the best argument when thought about rationally.

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 15, 2007 8:36 PM EDT reply actions