Islanders Invite Fans to Design 2027-28 Alternate Jersey: A True ‘Jersey of the People’

In a bold move to engage their passionate fan base, the New York Islanders are inviting supporters to design the team’s alternate jersey for the 2027-28 season. From shoulder patches to trim details, fans will have a say in every aspect of the design, and the winning entry will have the unique opportunity to see their creation debut on the ice.

Isles president of business operations Kelly Cheeseman expressed the excitement surrounding this initiative, stating, “In the end, you’re going to end up with a jersey that the fans like, and the players like — and hopefully that’s the one that you want to win a Cup in.” This collaborative effort underscores the team’s commitment to its fan community.

The Islanders have launched an online portal, islesjerseybuilder.com, allowing fans to start with a jersey-style layout that includes nostalgic designs such as the 1990s fisherman wave and classic NYI styles. Additionally, there are fresh interpretations of past looks, including a nod to the controversial black, gray, and orange jerseys from 2011.

In just the first four hours after launch, the contest received over 11,000 entries, significantly ahead of the July 24 deadline. Cheeseman noted that fans have been fervently discussing the team’s jersey history and future even prior to the contest, with many expressing opinions on whether an all-orange jersey should return, reminiscent of the mid-2000s alternate.

“I just love all that chatter. It just brings the passion of the fan base forward,” Cheeseman remarked. He added that this kind of spirited debate is a hallmark of a dedicated fan base. The design options are diverse, including unusual colors like gold, red, green, and purple, alongside the traditional blue-and-orange palette.

While fans will have a significant role in the design process, Cheeseman emphasized that team staff and players will have the final say to ensure the chosen design resonates with the players. “When they’re putting it on, they’ve got to feel like, ‘All right, I want to win a game’ and not feel all goofy,” he explained.

Creativity is encouraged throughout the contest, which Cheeseman described as a “tease” to the upcoming season’s hometown remix jerseys. Fans will even have the opportunity to provide additional notes to clarify their design concepts. “It’s the jersey of the people — and the team of the people,” he concluded, capturing the spirit of this unique initiative.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.