The Brand – Hats

Company

New Era’s Reach

New Era has completely taken over the game and produces hats like no other company. There are only few other sports hats brands, but even they can not keep up with the choke hold that New Era has on the four major sports leagues in the United States. The company has been the primary hat producer for the MLB since the 1930s, but the other sports followed years later one-by-one.

For nearly 100 years, New Era has been partnered with the MLB with the first hat being produced in 1934.

In 2012, the NFL partnered with New Era to be the official sideline hat producer.

Not too long after the NFL, the NBA made New Era the official on court hat in 2016.

Started in the 2024-2025 season, the NHL signed an agreement with New Era to produce and sell hats globally.

Hat Styles

New Era is known for its hats, but not just one type. There are nearly 10 different styles that you can choose from. Each one brings something different for every sports hat owner. These styles include: 59Fifty, 9Forty, 9Twenty, 59Fifty Low Profile, 39Thirty, 9Fifty.

History

1920s

New Era is Born

The 37 year old immigrant, Ehrhardt Koch, borrowed money in order to start New Era Cap Co.

1930s

Change in Direction

The son of Ehrhardt joined the business and helped steer the direction of the company towards sports caps.

1940s

Adapt to the Times

WWII brought struggles to every market, and the hat market was no exclusion. Fabric was hard to come by, so the family had to become resourceful for materials.

1950s

59Fifty is Created

The 59Fifty style cap was born by Ehrhardt’s son, Harold. At the same time New Era was the only company supplying hats to the MLB and all of its teams.

1960s

Evolving as a Brand

The company opened a manufacturing facility in Derby, New York in order to sustain the rapid growth they began having.

1970s

Passing the Torch

Harold’s son was named president of the company to go on and work at the manufacturing facility.

1980s

Expansion in the Game

New Era’s hats began reaching beyond the MLB by supplying college, minor leagues, and international teams all over.

1990s

Custom Hats

The company was named the exclusive supplier for on-field caps for the MLB. Spike Lee changed the game by having a custom fitted hat made.

2000s

Global Reach

Offices began opening up all around the world to help globalize the company and become involved with international sports.

2010s

Three-peat

New Era became the only brand in sports history to be exclusively working with the 3 major U.S. leagues at the same time.

2020s

The Future to Come

The final major U.S. league, NHL, signed an agreement with New Era.