It was announced recently that Play Alberta would become the primary sponsor for the Edmonton Oilers this year as they would show their logo on the top of the Oilers jersey. All NHL teams have begun to adopt companies on their jerseys in very specific locations or on their helmets to help grow revenue much like it's done overseas in Europe.
A photo was taken of the price tag of a Connor McDavid premier royal jersey and directly below was a play Alberta home jersey fee of $10. Many fans felt that it's understood that this cost should not come down to them as it's directly related with the organization.
Oiler fans took to Reddit.com and express their anger and disbelief that they would
have to pay for this fee.
Another fan chose to defend the patch and explained many fans would like to wear exactly what their favorite players are wearing.
Advertising on jerseys in the NHL has not been a favorable idea by the league and the NHL teams. NHL fans take pride in their jerseys and feel that advertising takes away from the authenticity and the pride that the jersey represents. On the other hand, the NHL is a business along with their franchises and have decided that this route is the way to go to help grow their revenue. Most other teams in the NHL are doing the same.
Hopefully fans will be able to get the jersey without the advertisement too, if they wish.
In my opinion, any cost that the advertiser wants to transfer should only be to the owner of the NHL team and not the consumer. Fans pay plenty when it comes to tickets, parking, concessions, TV packages and other memorabilia that all goes into the pockets of the owner and the league. I feel the least they could do is absorb that fee for the public even though it may be a low number.
Source: Reddit.com
The new Fanatics jerseys are charging you to rep the Play Alberta sponsor
POLL | ||
2 OCTOBRE | 177 ANSWERS Oilers fans react to a new fee on Oilers jerseys this season Do you agree or disagree with the additional fee attached to the new Oilers Fanatics home jersey? | ||
Agree | 15 | 8.5 % |
Disagree | 162 | 91.5 % |
List of polls |