Tonight, the Denver Nuggets unveiled an evolved brand identity that includes a new color palette, five distinct modern logos and three updated uniforms at a VIP event at Dairy Block in downtown Denver. During halftime of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Nuggets executives, players and coaches were on-site to reveal the updated look that captures the evolution of both the city of Denver and the team.
More on Uniforms
T.J. McBride: Sources have confirmed to @MileHighSports that the Denver Nuggets will be changing their branding and uniforms sometime this offseason. By next year you can expect a near overhaul of the team's current branding. The Nuggets themselves have been very tight lipped about this change and I have not been able to confirm any differences that there may or may not be. Regardless, the Nuggets branding and uniforms will be looking different next season.
Want a uniform to represent Miami’s vibrant and colorful reputation? You’re going to love the Heat’s new Nike “City Edition” uniforms. The Heat unveiled the Miami Vice-themed uniform that includes jerseys with pink, black and powder blue accents on Tuesday, and it didn’t disappoint.
The Heat will debut the new look Thursday when they take on the Sacramento Kings at AmericanAirlines Arena. In addition, a full Miami Vice-themed Heat merchandise line, which includes t-shirts and hats, will be available to the public starting at midnight. The uniform features the word “Miami” written in the original Miami Arena script across the chest and it’s “inspired by Heat history and Miami in the 1980s.”
For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been seeing hints and possible leaks of the 2018 NBA All-Star Game uniforms. Today we can finally put an end to the “rumours” tag. I’ve obtained official photos of the black set of uniforms, specifically the LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook versions. Since we still don’t know which players will be playing for which team, technically these uniforms won’t necessarily be the ones to be sold to the public, but they will either be these or in the white version of the same template.
Dave McMenamin: LeBron had significant input in CLE’s new “The Land” uni. He told me he’s confident that once fans get over the initial surprise and see the Cavs wear them in games, they will become a popular alternative look. “The internet always hates on something different at first,” he said.
Every NBA team is adding another alternate uniform, and the two local teams will highlight some of the best parts of the Big Apple with their “City Edition” threads. The Knicks will honor the New York City Fire Department. The jersey features an FDNY crest that says “Knicks” and “N.Y.C.” along with ladder and fire hydrant symbols. The Knicks’ “City Edition” is one of four that has not been officially unveiled by the team, but Nike’s website has a Kristaps Porzingis version for sale.
Luke Walton is a fan of the Kobe Bryant-inspired/designed Nike City edition Lakers alternate jersey. "I think they're awesome," Walton said. "I can't wait to get one for myself. I am not going to suit up. I will just wear it around the house. Full uniform. Taped ankles and everything. Just something a little different. It's got his own nice little touches. I always thought he did a really good job, he was always heavily involved in the design with his own shoe and I have always been a fan of those. I think he does a really nice job with the subtleties of the jersey that was put together. I think it will be fun for the team and the fans."
LeBron James explains what he likes about the Cleveland Cavaliers' new "City" edition gray alternative uniforms by Nike that will debut on Feb. 3 at home against Houston. "They’re phenomenal," James said Wednesday. "I was happy to be a part of it. I love the color scheme, I love the Ohio crest on the front of the shorts, I like the color combination of the gray with the gold in navy, you can do so many different (combinations) … They allowed us to do a lot with it. It was fun, it was a fun procedure." How did James become involved in the design process? "Um, well I have a pretty good relationship with the makers of the uniforms and I have a pretty good relationship with the company that’s wearing the uniforms," he said, making not-so-subtle references to Nike and the Cavs. "I was a part of pretty much the whole process. If we’re changing, we wanted to kind of change our logo and things of that nature. Any time I get a little input on something like that I think it’s pretty cool. I like to wear ‘em, I like to know what my teammates like and then I like to know what our fans would like to see when they’re wearing ‘em to our games and things of that nature, not only at home, but on the road. I’m looking forward to wearing The Land uniforms in The Land."
Mike Fisher: #Mavs ‘City Edition’ from @Nike
Chris Ramsay: Love the new @Portland Trail Blazers uniforms.
Candace Buckner: #Wizards “City Edition” uniforms will debut Jan. 30 at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In all, the Wiz will wear them 12 times for the rest of the season (six at home and six on the road)
Will Guillory: Here are the new Pelicans city edition uniforms by Nike
The idea came to Kobe Bryant right away when his longtime collaborators at Nike told him the Lakers wanted their fourth jersey -- the so-called "city edition" -- designed in his honor: a snakeskin pattern to play off of his "Black Mamba" nickname. "The snake came to me immediately," Bryant says. "It came to me so fast, I was thinking, 'This can't be that easy. This idea is not going to work.' I spent months trying to talk myself out of it. But in the end, simplicity always wins."
Kobe Bryant doesn't mind that the snakeskin print -- the jersey's defining feature -- doesn't exactly pop. "Black added a level of mystery," Bryant says. "You watch athletes run up and down the floor, but you don't know what is inside of them. And that's what the black mamba stands for -- what is inside of you. It doesn't stand just for me. It stands for an attitude that should be inside of you when you put the Laker jersey on. You should play with a killer approach."
The 76ers unveiled their “City Edition” uniforms Wednesday morning. The parchment paper-colored outfits, featuring a blue “Phila” in signature-style lettering, are the fourth uniform the Sixers will wear this season. There’s also red and blue trim around the collar down to the arm holes, in addition to red trim halfway around the blue numbers.
The Thunder’s final set of Nike uniforms for this season will go on sale Wednesday, and the team will debut them on the court Jan. 25. The “City” jerseys are a brand-new look for the Thunder in a dark gray tone with pops of color in orange and blue that evoke the team’s shield logo. The “OKC” and jersey number on the front are trimmed in a bright yellow. Jerseys and apparel from the City collection will go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Thunder Shop at Chesapeake Energy Arena and online at okcthunder.com/shop.
The bright gold to deep burgundy bands on the uniform represent the famous red rock formations found throughout southern Utah, and they also reflect the fire, passion and intensity of the Utah Jazz organization and players. The word "UTAH" is shown across the chest—the City Edition is the only one of this season's four uniforms to feature the name of our state. Another special aspect of the City Edition uniform is that the Jazz will be wearing a state of Utah logo that features the basketball lines from the primary logo. This represents how the Jazz belong to all of Utah.
Nike publicly addressed its "lighter" NBA jerseys that have come under scrutiny after at least five players' jerseys have ripped during the 2017-18 season. The company provided a statement to USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday morning, noting plans to alter the jerseys in order to avoid more tears during games. It did not disclose how many jerseys, if not all, would be discarded or replaced for better quality.
"We are very concerned to see any game-day tear and are working to implement a solution that involves standardizing the embellishment process and enhancing the seam strength of game-day jerseys," Nike said in the statement. "The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance, and we are working with the NBA and teams to avoid this happening in the future."
The Heat are going to look like those 1990s teams that featured Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway this month. No, Mourning and Hardaway aren’t making comebacks. Instead, the Heat will sport their Nike “Classic Edition” jerseys for most of their games this month starting with Wednesday’s home contest against the Bulls.
Andy Larsen: Jersey FYI: the Jazz will get new Statement jerseys every two years, new Community jerseys every single year.
The NBA is permitting teams to put advertisement patches on their jerseys beginning this season, and South Florida-based Ultimate Software has won the competition to occupy that space on Heat jerseys, according to two league sources.
“We are extremely proud to have Ultimate Software as the first partner on the Miami Heat Jersey,” said John Vidalin, the Heat’s executive vice president/revenue officer. “This is truly a historic opportunity and we are thrilled that we will be partnering with a company based here in South Florida.” The ads will appear on the left shoulder of Heat jerseys during games.
Jessica Camerato: The #Sixers will wear their Statement Edition jerseys for the following games, selected to honor dates in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/Uen41LMNr2
Finally, the Warriors are willing to hold hands in public with Oakland. The Warriors have new Oakland-themed jerseys for this coming season. This evening, the Warriors will unveil their new “The Town” jerseys. They are a take on the renowned “The City” jerseys — but with an Oakland twist.
The Charlotte Hornets today unveiled their Classic edition uniforms for the 2017-18 season, bringing back the design worn by the original Charlotte Hornets from their inception in 1988 through 1997. Like the previously released white Association and teal Icon editions, the uniform features the logo of Nike’s Jordan Brand. The Hornets – the only team in U.S. professional sports to have the iconic Jumpman logo on its uniforms – will feature five different uniforms in their 2017-18 uniform collection. “Since we brought the Hornets name back in 2014, our fans have practically been begging for us to wear a version of the original Hornets uniform,” said Hornets President & COO Fred Whitfield. “We could not be more excited to give them what they want and to see the historic pinstriped, teal Charlotte uniform back on an NBA court.”
Howard Beck: Lakers make it official. Retiring both Kobe jerseys.
Anthony Slater: The new Warriors jerseys with the Nike swoosh, Rakuten badge, little W logo on waistband pic.twitter.com/qbIyPTtIJ7
Ramona Shelburne: Update. BOTH of Kobe's numbers will be retired.
Ramona Shelburne: The Lakers are planning to retire Kobe's jersey before the Warriors game on Dec 18, per team sources. No word yet on whether it'll be No. 8 or 24.
According to league sources, the Rockets have made no plans to retire McGrady's jersey in Houston, and revisiting that decision has been put on hold while the new ownership comes into place. Last week, Alexander reportedly agreed to sell the franchise to Tilman Fertitta for $2.2 billion. Currently, Trevor Ariza has been wearing No. 1 for the Rockets over the past three seasons. As of now, he won't have to find another jersey for training camp.
While NBA fans seemed to be thrilled with the new logo, their reaction to the new threads was less-than-stellar.
Mark Berman: #Rockets new look: twitter.com/houstonrockets…
Jeff Zillgitt: Suns unveil new Nike uniforms: pic.twitter.com/0JxSGLaw7d
The brand's iconic orange, white and black logo will appear on the team's white, green and black jerseys. Terms were not disclosed. "When we first saw how it looked, we thought it was just so authentic and natural," said Anoop Prakash, the company's director of U.S. marketing. "Two brands with heritage in Milwaukee, built on grit and Midwestern values, who brought their product to the world and succeeded."
The Utah Jazz today revealed the designs for two of its new uniforms for the 2017-18 season with their “Association” (white) and “Icon” (navy) uniforms in partnership with the National Basketball Association’s new agreement with Nike as the official apparel provider. The uniforms also include the first-ever patch, sponsored by Qualtrics, with the 5 For The Fight logo representing the campaign for cancer research.
Jeff Zillgitt: A look at the Cavs' new Nike uniforms: pic.twitter.com/p7XyKfygfl
Perhaps at least as interesting was the choice of players showcased in the promo video. Cleveland's video obviously featured a lot of LeBron James, but they also included the jerseys of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Irving of course has asked for a trade from the team and is currently not speaking to them, and Love has been mentioned in offseason trade rumors.
Chris Kroeger: Further confirmation #Hornets getting throwback uniforms. There will be two additional looks to go along with current real/white jerseys. twitter.com/conradburry/st…
The Philadelphia 76ers today unveiled two of the team’s four new 2017-18 season Nike jerseys in a digital content series launched on Sixers.com and StubHub. In "Made for the Moment," the three-part content series presented by StubHub, 76ers guard Markelle Fultz chronicles his experience of putting on the 76ers jersey for the first time and the anticipation of representing the city of Philadelphia. The series final video will be released exclusively on @Sixers this afternoon, Fultz will share his reflections on the significance of wearing No. 20, officially announcing it as his 76ers number.
"The Philadelphia 76ers and Nike are two iconic brands committed to elevating the game of basketball through innovation while seamlessly honoring the rich traditions of both organizations," Philadelphia 76ers Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Chris Heck said. "We're excited to unveil the first of two jerseys with our incredible partner, StubHub, an organization as committed to engaging with fans in authentic ways and generating unforgettable live sports and entertainment experiences as we are. We are confident that the next two jerseys we unveil will additionally capture the spirit of this historic city, the imagination of new Philadelphia, and the passion of our loyal fans. Before the 2017-18 season has even begun, our 'Welcome to the Moment' campaign has generated national recognition and acclaim, and we look forward to continuing the momentum as the season progresses."
The Denver Nuggets and The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) today announced a sponsorship agreement that pairs one of the leading global companies headquartered in Denver with the hometown National Basketball Association (NBA) team. As part of the three-year sponsorship, Western Union will be the first jersey patch sponsor for the Nuggets, with the Western Union logo adorning the jerseys of all players beginning in the 2017-2018 NBA Season. Last April, the NBA approved the sale of jersey sponsorships as part of a pilot program. The Nuggets become the 11th team to secure a jersey sponsor. Western Union will also be a co-presenting sponsor of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Finally, the much-anticipated Nike uniforms were unveiled — first on video — and Stephenson served as the model. With so much roster turnover, just six guys remain from last year, Stephenson was the face of this new campaign. “It feels awesome,” Stephenson says of his new circumstances. “I’ve been working really hard and I can’t wait ’til this season starts. I’m just happy.”
The NBA's transition from Adidas uniforms to Nike continues, as the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday became the league's latest team to unveil new uniform designs. The new white and blue uniforms -- both of which, in keeping with the league's new rules, can be worn either at home or on the road -- are similar to the team's previous designs. The primary difference is that a thin red drop shadow has been added to the chest marks and numbers.
In addition, the phrase "Brotherly Love" has been added toward the jersey hemline. This element will not be visible during games, however, because NBA players are required to tuck in their jerseys.
One of the most anticipated jerseys to come from Nike's new NBA deal was unveiled on Monday as the Charlotte Hornets showed off their Jordan-branded uniforms. The Michael Jordan-owned Hornets will be the only team in the league to wear jerseys featuring Jumpman logos instead of Nike Swooshes. The new Jerseys come with new naming conventions: The traditional home jersey is now known as the "association edition" and the traditional away is now known as the "icon edition."
Coinciding with the introduction of the new uniforms, the NBA is eliminating its “Home” and “Road” uniform designations. Beginning with the 2017-18 season, home teams will pick which uniform they will wear and visiting teams will choose a contrasting uniform within their own assortment. Because of this change, Nike and the NBA worked together to create four core uniforms for each team, classified as “editions,” which draw from the rich heritage of the NBA and its franchises. The Association Edition, the traditional home white uniform, links the 30 teams as members of the most exclusive basketball club in the world. It represents an achievement that most athletes have worked their entire lives to reach. The Icon Edition, previously known as the road uniform, represents the rich heritage and iconic identity that exists within each franchise. This edition utilizes the team’s primary color, a color that dominates the closets of the most diehard fans.
The Utah Jazz are slated to wear a color of jersey they've never worn as a primary color before in 2017-18: gold. League sources tell KSL.com that Nike, the NBA's new jersey provider in the 2017-18 season, will provide a primarily gold-colored uniform for the Jazz. The jersey will be an alternate, not one of the Jazz's primary jerseys, and may not debut until December. No mockup of the jersey is currently available.
Jeff Zillgitt: Sacramento Kings sent out images of their new Nike uniforms complete with Nike logo and Blue Diamond sponsorship patch: pic.twitter.com/1mLXqfs2LZ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/1mLXqfs2LZ
If you love the Charlotte Hornets’ teal uniforms or the black “Buzz City” design, you’ll like a change in what the team wears for home games next season. As the NBA shifts from Adidas to Nike as its uniform supplier, the league is also loosening its policy on which team wears what color each game.
Steve Kyler: For those that asked - Nike NBA gear expected to be available by end of September. Deal official kicks in Oct 1
It was widely reported that Infor, the company sponsoring the Nets jersey ad, paid more to have their red logo “pop” against the Nets black-and-white gear. It’s why the Nets got a lot more money —$8 million— than all but one team selling space on jersey. That one team was the Cavaliers, who have LeBron James. But on Tuesday morning, Darren Rovell tweets that the “pop,” the “clash” of red on black-and-white has been abandoned.
Milton Bradley: Redick said in interview w/ team site that jersey #4 was taken. He said will be clearer at a later date. What's this about? Tom Moore: The Sixers decided to retire Dolph Schayes' No. 4 while Nerlens Noel was wearing that number.
While there will be a time and place to recognize your lasting impact in Memphis, starting today, as stated earlier by Controlling Owner, Robert Pera, number 50 will never be worn by any other member of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Barry Jackson: Pat Riley announces Chris Bosh's jersey number (1) will be retired. Classy.
Alex Kennedy: The NBA Store released the best-selling jerseys for the 2016-17 season. Here is the top 15: pic.twitter.com/iuHuj7SVwy
Alex Kennedy: The NBA Store released the best-selling merchandise for the 2016-17 season. Top 10 teams: pic.twitter.com/MCRdFmMYc8
A Team USA Olympic basketball jersey that could have been worn by Michael Jordan sold Thursday for $273,904 in an auction, according to Grey Flannel Auctions.
The jersey was auctioned off by Grey Flannel Auctions, whose officials said it matched all the markings compared with photos of the uniform. It is not known who supplied the uniform, nor who purchased it. The previous record for a basketball jersey was $190,414 in 2011 for an ABA Virginia Squires jersey worn by Dr. J.
Rick Bonnell: So Treveon Graham gave up No. 12 @Charlotte Hornets jersey to Dwight Howard. I certainly hope he got some compensation from @Dwight Howard
Metta World Peace: I went mamba shopping today!!
Jeff Zillgitt: Here's how that Goodyear logo might look on the Cavs' jerseys next season: pic.twitter.com/AnskxaUvWb
Albert Nahmad: Jersey deals ($/yr est): CLE: Goodyear (TBD) BRK: Infor ($8M) BOS: GE ($7M+) SAC: Blue Diamond ($5M) PHI: StubHub ($5M) UTA: Qualtrics ($4M) The 24 teams that haven’t yet announced a jersey sponsorship deal yet now have a decent swath of deals from which to triangulate value.
The Cavaliers will carry another big piece of Akron with them starting next season when the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company's Wingfoot logo appears on game jerseys.
The Cavs and Goodyear will formally announce the partnership Monday as part of the NBA's three-year pilot program to sell ads on uniforms, starting next season. The pairing makes sense, as Cleveland's star player, LeBron James, is Akron's favorite son, and Goodyear is the city's cornerstone company. It was founded there in 1898.
If there was any doubt, Wyc Grousbeck confirmed Monday morning on Toucher & Rich that we’ll never see another Celtics player don the No. 34 jersey. That will forever belong to Paul Pierce, whose 19-year NBA career came to an end Sunday afternoon when the L.A. Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs. Pierce spent 15 great seasons with the Celtics, leading the team to their 17th NBA Championship in franchise history in 2008, earning NBA Finals MVP honors in Boston’s six-game series win over the L.A. Lakers.
“There have been conversations in general by people close to him,” said Grousbeck. “But we haven’t been allowed to talk directly to Paul while he’s been playing. He’s made it clear he’ll always feel like a Celtic and this is his basketball home. I think he wants to come back. We’re a little busy right now, thank goodness, and we’ll speak to him when the time is right. “I’d like to get Danny [Ainge] and Brad [Stevens’] input on it the this offseason, and see what Paul would like to do. But he’s a finals MVP, and the last player to wear No. 34 for us.”
While Nike is set to take over the NBA apparel deal for the 2017-18 season, not all of the jerseys coming to the league next year will solely feature the Swoosh. The Charlotte Hornets confirmed this week that players on the team will wear Jordan Brand uniforms once Nike inherits the contract. In a press release posted on Monday, the team confirmed that it would be the only one in the league wearing Jordan jerseys. Michael Jordan is an owner of the Hornets and his Jordan Brand is owned by Nike, hence the connection here.
The new uniforms will be available first at the re-opening of the Hornets Fan Shop in Charlotte, North Carolina. Per the Hornets, the Fan Shop will play host to more Jordan Brand merch than it has in years past upon its fall reopening.
Chris Reichert: The Reno Bighorns announce new colors to match their parent club in Sacramento as well #NBADL pic.twitter.com/RrgluWfNB1
Jeff Zillgitt: Most popular NBA jerseys and team merchandise based on sales at nbastore.com: pic.twitter.com/gvZWg9LAHf
Al Iannazzone: Steph Curry has most popular jersey based on sales at NBAStore.com. Porzingis is 7th and Derrick Rose 12th.
Michael Pina: Did not expect Giannis to sell more jerseys than Harden
Mark Medina: Lakers rank 4th in the NBA this season for most popular team merchandise. Golden State, Cleveland & Chicago rank ahead
The Wizards, who have already clinched a playoff berth and can clinch their first division title since 1979 with a win or an Atlanta loss on Tuesday, announced they will wear their alternate “Stars and Stripes” uniforms for all home games during the postseason. Washington added the “Stars and Stripes” alternate to its wardrobe before the season in conjunction with the team’s “military series,” which honors a different branch of the military at six home games. The Wizards are 3-2 in the “Stars and Stripes” uniforms thus far and are scheduled to wear them one more time during the regular season, on April 4 against Charlotte.
Word came down on Tuesday that Bulls former owner Jerry Krause had died, so the team added a memorial patch, shown above, for last night’s game against the Pistons. While the patch may look simple and straightforward enough, there are actually several notable aspects to it. One at a time: 1. According to Bulls spokesman Tony Hyde, the patch is just a placeholder, with a new patch to follow for tomorrow’s game against the 76ers. Placeholder memorials aren’t unheard of, but they’re usually just simple black bands. Not sure I can recall a placeholder memorial that included typography.
Darren Wolfson: Trade deadline aside, Taylor told me he and Thibs have communicated to KG that whenever he wants they'd like to retire his jersey. #Twolves
