When it comes to sports biz, this may be one of the most unique partnerships yet in Major League sports.

The New York Islanders on Friday an agreement to designate Tattoo Lou’s as the official tattoo shop of the New York Islanders Hockey Club – this is the first time a professional sports franchise has ever designated an official tattoo shop.

The wild thing is, it isn’t a partnership from a distance. The Islanders said that as part of this strategic partnership, Tattoo Lou’s will set up a tattooing and body-piercing station on the Nassau Coliseum concourse for 10 Islanders home games during the 2011-12 season. Tattoo Lou’s will also sell Islanders-centric body jewelry and tattoo-inspired Islanders t-shirts and sweatshirts.

“This partnership with the Islanders is a great fit for us and it’s a wonderful benefit to be a part of the Islanders team,” said Lou Rubino, President of Tattoo Lou’s. “This is another victory for the tattoo industry. For a long time, tattoos were frowned upon, but now, we’ve become more and more mainstream. One of the main things I love about this partnership is the history the Islanders have. My dad opened his first shop in 1958. We’re a part of Long Island history just like the Islanders.”

“Our team is thrilled to bring another Long Island institution to the Coliseum, especially one from such a unique industry,” said Justin Johnson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Marketing for the Islanders. “Tattoo Lou’s is an innovative brand with a creative vision. They’re a great fit with our energetic team on the ice and our youthful fan base around Long Island.”

Can’t wait to hear what the elder set thinks of this when they roll in for an Islanders game. How long before a sports clubs has Jim Rose Circus as a presenting sponsor?

Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, as well as a contributor to the Forbes SportsMoney blog. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).

Follow Maury Brown on Twitter

Follow The Biz of Football on Twitter

Follow the Business of Sports Network on Facebook