The Sabres have signed a five-year deal making Buffalo-based Stark Tech their first-ever jersey patch sponsor, capitalizing on renewed fan and commercial momentum amid the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 14 years. The building solutions firm’s logo will appear on the Sabres’ road jerseys beginning next season.
While Stark Tech is a new sponsor of the Sabres, the firm already has ties to the Pegula-owned sports properties. The company has sponsored the Bills and provided venue services for both franchises, including the Sabres’ ice management system at KeyBank Center and audio-visual solutions for the Bills’ new Highmark Stadium.
A source with knowledge of the agreement said Stark Tech will pay the Sabres more than $2M annually for the road jersey patch placement. This is roughly in line with other NHL teams, who typically generate total revenue in the mid-seven figures for their home and road jersey patches.
Sabres CCO Jake Vernon said the team expects to also have a new home jersey patch partner in place for the 2026-27 season, with an announcement possible in the next few weeks. Excel Sports Management’s properties division has been advising the Sabres on commercial strategy, including the valuation and sale of both jersey patches.
Vernon said Stark Tech was particularly interested in the road jersey placement as a way to expand brand awareness beyond Western New York and further establish itself in the sports venue sector. In addition to its work with the Sabres and Bills, the company has worked with the Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid, N.Y., on projects at both Herb Brooks Arena and the Mt. Van Hoevenberg sliding track.
“What they’re trying to accomplish from a business perspective involves really expanding their reach within the sports and entertainment world,” Vernon said. “Being on the away jersey patch will allow them to gain some brand awareness outside of Buffalo.”
In addition to the jersey patch, Stark Tech will receive in-ice branding in the neutral zone at KeyBank Center and be designated the Sabres’ official building solutions partner. Vernon said the firm will also benefit from storytelling focused on its role in creating the Sabres’ ice surface, as well as its broader capabilities.
