One of the biggest events of the year is happening this weekend, and it comes with some serious merch. For Super Bowl Sunday, you’re likely in one of three camps: wallowing because your team didn’t make it (as a Colorado native — this is me), eager because your team has skin in the game, or watching for the commercials and halftime show (also me).

All that aside, the big event usually brings major printing news surrounding the production of merch and commemorative apparel. In 2024, Relentless Merch produced 10,000 shirts in eight hours — a serious feat that highlights just how intense Super Bowl merch production can be.

Fanatics Fiasco Highlights Super Bowl Jersey Supply Challenges

This year, Fanatics found itself facing “unprecedented challenges” trying to keep up with the high demand for jerseys among Patriots and Seahawks fans ahead of Super Bowl 60.

On Feb. 2, the company issued an apology via X, noting it had let both fanbases down with its product availability.

Credit: X

“We own that, and we are sorry,” the statement reads. “Both teams went from missing the playoffs last season to being in the Super Bowl, an incredibly rare occurrence that led to these two fanbases buying nearly 400% more jerseys since Thanksgiving vs. last year.”

While Fanatics notes that it ordered significantly more jerseys for each team than before, it still struggled to keep “team color jerseys” in stock.

“As sports fans, we understand your frustration, and we will work tirelessly to be better,” the statement continues. “We are bringing in more team color jerseys daily and offering alternative options in the meantime.”

With questions about the quality of alternate jerseys, following “unflattering photos,” Fanatics says the jerseys are “identical to the standard Nike replica ‘Game’ jersey – one of the highest consumer-rated items we carry, built on the core template that has been unchanged since Nike took over NFL jerseys in 2012.”

For anyone not fully satisfied with their order, Fanatics says orders can be returned at no cost through the Fanatics app. Fans who purchased through other online outlets, including NFL Shop or the Patriots or Seahawks team stores, can do the same.

The company stresses that it’s taking the situation seriously, listening to customers, and ensuring it has a deep stock of fangear available for those looking to purchase merch from the winning team following the game.

Fanatics closes the apology, stating, “There is nothing better than serving passionate sports fans, and we value your feedback above all.”

No matter who you’re rooting for this Sunday, we hope you score the merch you want and love!