Hockey traditionalists won’t like this, but according to an interview the NHL’s chief operating officer, John Collins, recently did with SportsBusiness Journal, jersey sponsorship is “coming.”
Collins actually said jersey sponsorship is both “coming and happening,” citing the manufacturer branding already on jerseys...
...but more is apparently on the way.
If we had to guess, sponsorship could look a bit like it does on CFL jerseys...
WINNIPEG, MB - OCTOBER 25: Ian Wild #38 of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers reacts after bringing down Keola Antolin #1 of the BC Lions (not shown) in first half action in a CFL game at Investors Group Field on October 25, 2014 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Marianne Helm/Getty Images)
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...and won’t be nearly as conspicuous as the sponsorship on soccer jerseys...
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Wayne Rooney and Daley Blind of Manchester United applauds the fans after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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The NBA is also reportedly exploring ads on its jerseys.