The Kansas City Chiefs have an opportunity to secure their third consecutive Super Bowl by facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. If successful, a pressing question emerges about whether merchandise related to their championship will feature the term three-peat.
This term is trademarked by legendary NBA coach and Miami Heat president Pat Riley. According to NPR, Riley and his company, Riles & Company Inc., hold several patents related to the phrase three-peat registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
According to Cllct’s Darren Rovell, Riley’s trademark attorney, John Aldrich, has reached an agreement with the NFL to utilize the term on products should the Chiefs win the Super Bowl. However, the percentage of royalties that Riley would receive from this arrangement remains undisclosed.
An NFL spokesperson confirmed that the deal was not formally signed yet. Current manufacturers such as Fanatics and New Era are poised to produce three-peat products once the contract officially applies.
Pat Riley first coined the term while he coached the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s as they pursued their third straight NBA championship. Although they ultimately fell short against the Detroit Pistons in the 1989 NBA Finals, the phrase became widespread from this aspiration.
Riley’s trademark covers any merchandise incorporating the three-peat phrase, including apparel and memorabilia. In past instances, Riley has reportedly earned upwards of $300,000 from licensing this trademark whenever the Chicago Bulls secured three consecutive titles. In addition, both the New York Yankees and the New York Yankees have contributed to Riley’s earnings through similar arrangements.
Kristen Roberts, a legal expert, indicated that trademarks typically arise when individuals seek to capitalize on a term. It is projected that Riley could potentially make millions from licensing the three-peat trademark, especially in conjunction with this year’s Super Bowl.
Companies intending to use the trademarked phrase are expected to pay a royalty fee of approximately 5%.
