The New York Islanders have opened a massive design competition that has drawn more than 80,000 fan‑submitted concepts for a new third jersey, a move that underscores the franchise’s commitment to involving its supporters in the creative process.
After a month of submissions, the club announced eight standout designs on August 11, 2026, each offering a fresh take on the team’s rich visual history, from nods to the iconic fisherman logo to reinterpretations of the Reverse Retro 2.0 aesthetic.
Fan Vote Kicks Off
The next phase will be a three‑round fan vote. Round one runs from August 12 to 14, followed by semifinals from August 15 to 17, and the championship round from August 18 to 20, during which supporters will decide the ultimate winner.
The victorious design will be adopted as the official third jersey for the 2027‑28 NHL season, marking the first time a fan‑chosen artwork moves from concept to on‑ice uniform.
Kelly Cheeseman, President of Business Operations for the Islanders, praised the overwhelming response, noting that the contest highlights the deep passion of the fan base and the team’s willingness to celebrate that enthusiasm through innovative collaborations.
Beyond the jersey itself, the winning creator will join a detailed design pipeline that refines the artwork into a full kit, ensuring that every stripe, color block and emblem meets the rigorous standards of NHL uniform production.
The process is designed to be transparent, with results announced promptly after each round, giving fans a direct hand in shaping the team’s visual identity for the upcoming season.