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Nike Reveals First NBA Jerseys of New Partnership

Last week, we gave you an inside look at the NBA and Nike deal for the next eight years.  Outgoing is the three stripe brand adidas inventory and debuting this October, will be the brand new Swoosh designed NBA jerseys.

Many are excited about this partnership due to the fresh new designs developed by the best marketing brand on earth.  Not only does this deal promise a new look for not only the NBA teams, but the NBA organization as a whole.  Marketing will change drastically for the brand as for the first time ever in NBA history, a brand such as the Nike Swoosh will be visible on the chest of each jersey.

Today, Nike revealed their new jersey designs as well as their plan for the NBA in the future.

“Nike … employ[ed] 3D-body maps of players, including heat and sweat maps. This research led Nike’s designers to make significant changes to the weight, fit and construction of the uniforms — paying special attention to enabling agility.

NBA players, including members of last summer’s gold medal-winning USA Basketball team, tested early versions of the uniforms and provided specific feedback that prompted Nike to further evolve the designs in ways that included moving the armhole, neck and side seams to eliminate distractions for athletes.

The most significant change comes to the back shoulder of the uniform where Nike designers altered the construction for a vastly improved fit. Additionally, the hemlines on the bottom of both the jersey and shorts were modified to allow for full range of motion.

The uniform is comprised of a combination of Alpha Yarns and recycled polyester (each athlete uniform represents approximately 20 recycled PET bottles). Not only does this yarn blend match Nike’s broad commitment to sustainability, it also removes moisture more quickly than previous NBA uniforms, wicking sweat 30-percent faster than current NBA uniforms.”

The NBA are getting rid of the “home” and “away” uniform designations beginning this upcoming season.  Instead, Nike will incorporate at least four designs for NBA teams.  The first two include the Association edition, which “pays homage to the league”; and the Icon edition, which “represents the rich heritage and iconic identity of each NBA franchise”.  Both will be revealed by teams in a few weeks this Summer.  The next two editions will be additional designs inspired by the Athlete mindset and one that pays tribute to the Community.  Lastly, a fifth Classic edition looks to be a throwback design inspired by classic eras of a the respective franchise.

Aside from the jerseys, Nike will also unveil a new on-court collection that includes tights and compression pants, socks, and other apparel.  This gear would also be worn during pre-game warm ups and possibly some off-court apparel as well.

The possibilities are endless for this Nike x NBA deal.  For the last year and a half, NBA teams have been working hard to deliver this news to the world.  The transition will be slow for some teams, and others like the Charlotte Hornets will immediately create new uniform designs to be worn by their players.

 Nike and the NBA plan to launch their new products for purchase on October 1, 2017 worldwide.

If you wanted to know more about how exactly the NBA was able to land this billion dollar deal with Nike, check out our piece on it here.  Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. 

 

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