New Era
United States
New Era Cap is a privately held headwear company founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1920 by Ehrhardt Koch. It is known for the 59Fifty fitted cap and for its sports licences, including exclusive MLB on-field caps since 1993.
| Founded | 1920 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ehrhardt Koch |
| Ownership | Privately held |
| Headquarters | Buffalo, New York |
| Chief executive | Chris Koch (since 2001, per Wikipedia) |
| Segment | Headwear and licensed sports apparel |
| Website | neweracap.com |
What is New Era?
New Era describes itself as an international lifestyle brand with a sports heritage dating back 100 years. Its range includes fitted, snapback, knit and adjustable caps in silhouettes such as the 59FIFTY, 9FIFTY, 9FORTY, 39THIRTY and 9TWENTY, plus apparel and accessories such as backpacks and cap care products.
History
According to Wikipedia, Ehrhardt Koch started the E. Koch Cap Company in 1920 in Buffalo with a $5,000 loan from his aunt, and renamed it New Era Cap a year later. It began with 14 employees and made 60,000 caps in its first year. Its first MLB contract came in 1934 with the Cleveland Indians, and in 1954 Harold Koch redesigned the fitted cap and named it the 59Fifty. In 1993 it became the first exclusive MLB on-field cap licensee.
Business model and distribution
The company is privately held and holds over 500 licences. It added NFL sideline rights from 2012, the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League in 2016, the CFL in 2019 and the NHL in 2024. Its site lists regional storefronts across the Americas, Europe, the UK and Asia. In August 2024 it acquired Massachusetts-based headwear company '47. Wikipedia reports about 1,200 employees worldwide, with Chris Koch as chief executive since 2001 and Bruce Popko named president in April 2026.
Why it matters
New Era turned a sports team supplier into a global lifestyle headwear brand, and its licensing reach makes it a central supplier for fan and streetwear markets.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns New Era?
New Era is privately held. Wikipedia does not name its owners, and it lists Chris Koch as chief executive since 2001.
Where is New Era from?
New Era was founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1920 by Ehrhardt Koch and is still headquartered there.