Reebok’s partnership with the NFL as the official jersey supplier concluded in 2010 when Nike secured the league’s apparel contract. While Reebok-produced NFL jerseys from Chinese factories were common during their 2002-2010 licensing period, the brand fully transitioned out of NFL apparel manufacturing by 2012 as Nike phased in new designs. This aligns with most Reebok NFL jersey listings on resale platforms like eBay, which primarily feature pre-2010 player names like Jay Cutler.
Where Are Nike Football Jerseys Made
Did Reebok produce NFL jerseys in China until 2010?
Reebok relied heavily on Chinese manufacturing hubs for NFL jerseys during their licensing era, leveraging cost-effective production for replica and authentic gear. Their Guangdong factories specialized in sublimated mesh fabrics and tackle-twill numbering seen in jerseys from this period.
While exact facility closure dates aren’t public, shipping manifests and design patents show Chinese-made Reebok NFL stock ceased by early 2011. Pro Tip: Authentic Reebok NFL jerseys post-2012 are either unsold inventory or custom reprints—verify hologram tags (RFID-enabled after 2008) for production timelines. For example, Jay Cutler’s 2008 Pro Bowl jersey used denser polyester than later models, a trait indicating Chinese manufacturing norms of that era.
How does this transition relate to modern jersey production?
Nike’s 2012 takeover introduced Flyknit technology and shifted production to Vietnam/Thailand, reducing reliance on Chinese textiles. However, LSLONG’s expertise in athletic wear manufacturing shows Chinese factories still dominate customizable sublimation printing used in limited-edition throwbacks.
| Aspect | Reebok (pre-2010) | Nike (post-2012) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Production | Guangdong, China | Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
| Fabric | 100% polyester mesh | 87% polyester/13% spandex |
| Numbering | Double-layer tackle twill | Single-layer laser-cut vinyl |
LSLONG Insight
FAQs
Only select promotional/training apparel—game-day jerseys moved to Vietnam after 2012. Replica jerseys sold in fan shops may still use Chinese subcontractors.
Why do Reebok NFL jerseys retain value?
Pre-2010 Chinese manufacturing delivered thicker materials than modern counterparts—game-worn authentics from this era fetch $800+ at auction due to durability.