Why the NY Islanders are letting fans design their next third jersey

When the New York Islanders began discussing their next third jersey, team president of business operations Kelly Cheeseman posed a simple question.

Instead of wondering whether fans would like a design created behind closed doors, why not let the fans create it themselves?

That idea ultimately became the Islanders' fan-designed third jersey initiative, one that Cheeseman believes has a proven track record after seeing a similar concept succeed years earlier during his time with LA Galaxy.

"As we had the opportunity to think about what our new third jersey was going to be, you're always pondering, are the fans going to like the jerseys that you create?" Cheeseman said during an appearance on NHL Network. "The question came up, why don't we just ask them? Why don't we have them design it?"

Cheeseman said his previous experience gave him confidence that the concept could work again. Fans designed a Galaxy third kit that incorporated the club's history along with elements of Los Angeles culture, producing a jersey that resonated throughout the organization.

More importantly, it wasn't just supporters who embraced it.

"The players really liked it," Cheeseman said. "They chose to wear that jersey in many key games, including all the way up to the MLS Cup, and won the MLS Cup in that jersey."

That experience became part of the pitch Cheeseman presented to Islanders ownership, including Scott Malkin, who has been closely involved in previous jersey designs.

Cheeseman believes the project goes beyond simply unveiling another alternate sweater. By inviting supporters into the creative process, the organization hopes to create something that feels authentically connected to both the fan base and the players who will wear it.

"If we can make this the fans' jersey that ultimately the players like," Cheeseman said, "we should have success with it."

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