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NHL, Fanatics ink reported 16-year deal for replica jerseys, champion apparel

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL has signed a long-term deal to streamline the production of replica jerseys and championship apparel.

The league agreed to a lengthy contract with Fanatics, the largest online licensed sports apparel retailer in the U.S., on Wednesday.

ESPN's Darren Rovell reports it is a 16-year pact, citing sources.

The deal gives the company the exclusive right to produce replica sweaters and products for quick turnaround, including Stanley Cup champion dressing room apparel.

The agreement should expedite the process of making and selling apparel for special occasions, and should decrease wait times for popular player jerseys like that of Toronto Maple Leafs sensation Auston Matthews, whose sweater wasn't immediately available following his historic four-goal debut.

The Adidas logo won't appear on the Fanatics replicas, according to the report. Adidas takes over from Reebok as the NHL's official on-ice apparel provider next season.

Fanatics reportedly signed a similar contract with Major League Baseball last week, under the terms of which Fanatics will gain "broad apparel rights" when Under Armour takes over as the official on-field apparel provider in 2020.

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