Islanders Put Fans in the Designer’s Seat, Launch Contest for 2027-28 Alternate Jersey

The Islanders are handing the sketchbook to their supporters.

Multiple local outlets report that the club has launched a contest inviting fans to design the team’s 2027-28 alternate jersey, a rare, crowd-sourced approach to NHL uniform design that doubles as a marketing play and an olive branch to a passionate fan base.

Coverage from the New York Post first flagged the contest, and PIX11 followed up with practical coverage titled "You can design the NY Islanders' next jersey: Here's how." Both reports make clear this is an organized effort by the organization to solicit fan creativity for an alternate uniform slated for the 2027-28 season. PIX11 notes that instructions for submitting designs have been put out, though specifics about deadlines and selection processes were not reproduced in the reporting assembled here. This story is still developing and fans should look to the Islanders’ official channels for the full contest rules and timelines.

This is not the most common path for NHL clubs, which usually commission professional designers or collaborate with apparel partners. Yet by opening the door to public submissions, the Islanders are doing more than crowd-sourcing a logo or color tweak: They are creating a narrative around the jersey, giving supporters ownership over a visible element of team identity, and generating earned media exposure at a low cost.

From a fan perspective, this is catnip. Islanders supporters are famously intense about identity and tradition, and an opportunity to shape what players wear on the ice will draw attention from graphic designers, longtime fans who treasure retro looks, and newer supporters who like bold, modern aesthetics. The contest could yield a wide range of ideas, from throwback nods to the blue-and-orange heyday to anything that reflects the current mix of the roster and supporter culture. Either way, the direction the winning design takes will tell you something about where the franchise wants to position itself visually in the coming seasons.

If you’re a fan with design skills, this is your moment. If you’re the kind who collects jerseys, be prepared for a potential new option coming to shop shelves and auction sites. If you prefer the franchise to steer its own visual identity, expect debate. Regardless, the Islanders have unlocked a summer conversation about branding and ownership, and for a team that plays to a fiercely opinionated crowd, that conversation will be lively, even though we are far from the ice.