Mark Messier, a significant figure during his time with the Rangers, is now represented on every jersey.
In celebration of its 100th anniversary season, the organization is partnering with Game 7, a sports and entertainment brand co-founded by Messier. They’ve announced a significant multi-year agreement, making Game 7 the first jersey patch partner for the team.
This season, every Rangers jersey, including those for the Centennial, will proudly display Game 7 patches.
It’s the first time in a century that the Rangers have integrated brand partners directly into their jerseys.
“This means a lot to me personally due to my history with the New York Rangers,” Messier shared over the phone. “For us, Game 7 is significant because it embodies what we aim to build. Sometimes, things just align perfectly.”
The partnership is set to debut during the Rangers’ inaugural preseason game against the Devils in Newark on September 21st.
Additionally, Game 7 will be among the eight thematic nights the team is hosting at Madison Square Garden this season to honor its century-long history.
Moreover, the brand will collaborate with the Rangers on exclusive product releases, as well as an original content series featured across the team’s digital platforms.
Both parties were involved in the design of the patch, including Messier himself.
“I was quite vocal about wanting the patch to appear as if it had been there for a hundred years,” Messier remarked. “I believe it truly captures what Game 7 represents, as well as what Madison Square Garden and the Rangers embody. It’s not just about sponsorship; it’s about our connection to the jersey.”
When the partnership was first proposed, they had a formal meeting at Madison Square Garden.
The opening slide from the Rangers and MSG stated, “The stage at which greatness is born.”
According to Mat Vlasic, CEO of Game 7 and co-founder with Danny Devito and Isaac Chera, “Both brands are remarkably strong and consistent across various levels. That first slide established a natural progression for our partnership.”
Messier, who acted as a senior advisor for the Rangers between 2011 and 2013, is re-engaging with the team he once captained for a decade before venturing into coaching.
He expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with the Rangers, especially in the context of their victorious Stanley Cup season in 1994.
That said, the Rangers face some challenges this season, coupled with all the games ahead.
After a rocky previous season, the Rangers found themselves without Messier’s magic, leading to their missing the playoffs for the first time in four years, which was partly due to regular distractions.
Messier noted, “The team struggled to come together,” reflecting on their performance during the 2024-25 season. “It’s tough, and the Rangers aren’t alone in experiencing this; it can unfold rapidly. From outside, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what went wrong… They really lost their guiding compass.”
He added, “I firmly believe they will make the playoffs, and they believe that too. But I think some of the younger players need to step up right now to fully realize their potential.”
“From my experience, players with more years can still play significant roles, though there is usually a bit of a learning curve. Patience is key. The message needs to keep being taught.”
