Why won’t Adidas continue to make authentic NHL jerseys after 2024?

The famous Adidas three stripes will no longer feature on NHL jerseys as the current deal between the League and German sports brand comes to an end with both corporations issuing a joint statement confirming the news.

“The NHL and Adidas confirm that the NHL-Adidas partnership will not continue following the expiration of the current agreement after the 2023-24 NHL season. The NHL and Adidas look forward to continuing to work closely together over the next 2 years and to a smooth transition to the new authentic NHL uniform supplier, which will be announced by the NHL at the appropriate time.”

Back in 2005, after an intellectual property lawsuit in Adidas acquired Reebok as a subsidiary, uniting two of the largest sport outfitting companies, but maintaining operations under their separate brand names.

The NHL had partnered with Reebok for over a decade before switching to Adidas in 2017 and the news to terminate the existing deal will bring an end to nearly 20 years of Reebok/Adidas uniforms and designs for the National Hockey League as the German brand looks to exit the sport.

Adidas sponsored players such as Edmonton Oilers’ Conor McDavid have been contacted by the brand confirming that existing deals will also not be renewed as the look to leave the ice hockey market.

Nike to enter the fray?

Early speculation suggests that the NHL is ripe for Nike to make a play and become the official on-court uniform supplier after the Adidas deal dies. The Oregon based brand has been the official supplier of NBA jerseys since the 2017-18 season and has kitted out NFL teams as part of an exclusive deal from 2012.