Canada, U.S. may don generic jerseys at women’s worlds over commercial rights dispute

Canada and the United States are preparing for the women’s world hockey championship set to begin next week in Denmark. However, the athletes and their respective national teams are uncertain about the jerseys they will wear. This uncertainty stems from a dispute between Canada’s Hockey Canada, the United States’ USA Hockey, and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) over commercial rights for national team jerseys.

In October, IIHF announced an agreement with True Hockey to be the exclusive supplier of team uniforms and apparel for all IIHF member national associations for all international events starting in the 2026-27 season. Yet, the specifics of this deal are unclear. Both Hockey Canada and USA Hockey have their own apparel and jersey contracts with Bauer and CCM, respectively, and have been contesting these in a Swiss court.

According to IIHF bylaws, it has the final say on jersey designs, but member national associations retain rights related to their team logos, emblems, and uniform designs. The IIHF has been considering changing its statutes to control national team jersey commercial rights but has not yet done so. Hockey Canada and USA Hockey have sought injunctions in the Swiss court; temporary ones were granted but later revoked. The parties have appealed the revocation.

As a result of this deadlock, both Canada and the United States could be required to wear generic jerseys at the championship, since True Hockey cannot use the designs or markings of either federation. Hockey Canada emphasized that wearing their Maple Leaf is vital to the national team athletes. USA Hockey has not responded to requests for comment. Canada and the U.S. open their respective campaigns against Sweden and Switzerland respectively on November 6.