New Era Cap Co, Inc. announced it will be the official on-field cap for the National Football League (NFL). The five-year deal, approved by the league and its owners, adds to New Era's current licensing relationship with Major League Baseball, where they have been the official on-field cap since 1994.
Under the terms of the agreement, New Era will have exclusive distribution rights and branding for all on-field, sideline and locker room caps, as well as co-exclusive rights for fan headwear worldwide. Beginning April 2012 and running through March 2017, New Era will also produce hats for marquee events, including the NFL Draft Day Cap and the Super Bowl.
Best known for their signature 59FIFTY, New Era will have the rights to manufacture headwear with all 32 NFL team logos along with the co-exclusive U.S. rights for women's apparel. This merchandise will be found at all NFL stadiums, www.nfl.com, www.neweracap.com, New Era Flagship stores and retailers throughout the world.
“New Era has evolved over the last 90 years and the joining of these prominent logos – the NFL Shield and the New Era Flag unites two of the most recognizable brands in our industry,” says Christopher H. Koch, CEO. “We're excited to bring our unique combination of style and fashion to the NFL's passionate fan base while providing these fans with the opportunity to own the official on-field headwear worn by their favorite NFL players.”
“The NFL and New Era are two iconic brands and we are pleased to team with this industry leader to produce headwear that will be seen on sidelines and in the stands around the country and on streets around the world,” said Leo Kane, NFL's vice president of consumer products.
New Era currently holds over 200 licenses including premier sports leagues, such as the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and other international sports leagues, as well as with organizations like Disney, Marvel and Ali Enterprises.
