words // Brandon Richard
Today, adidas and the Golden State Warriors unveiled the first modern short sleeve NBA Uniform System during a press conference held at Oracle Arena. The adizero short sleeve system is 26 percent lighter than the Warriors' current uniforms and will be debuted against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, February 22. Additionally, the new uniforms will be worn for two more '12'-'13 Friday home games, including March 8 vs. the Houston Rockets and March 15 vs. the Chicago Bulls.
The system was developed to allow for optimal performance on the court while providing fans with a new and unique apparel option. With the Warriors being one of the most exciting teams in the NBA, the league and adidas felt they were the perfect partner for the new uniforms.
“Players on every court like to have a unique sense of style,” said Lawrence Norman, vice president, adidas Global Basketball. “We were excited to work side-by-side for the last 18 months with the Warriors, one of the NBA’s youngest and most exciting teams, to develop this unique uniform system that helps maintain peak player performance while ensuring comfort, fit and style.”
The adizero short sleeve NBA Uniform System features the first ever super lightweight stretch woven short with maximum ventilation for player comfort. Jerseys include armhole insets with 360-degree stretch fabric that facilitates free range of motion for the arms and shoulders. Maximum movement is allowed in all phase of the game, equal with that of a traditional basketball tank.
Throughout the evaluation process, adidas received feedback from players at all levels on the uniform's performance and style. “When adidas began working with us to develop the short sleeve jersey, I couldn’t wait to wear it in a game,” said Warriors forward Harrison Barnes. “I love the fit and style the sleeves give me on the court.”
“Partnering with adidas on this new uniform demonstrates the Warriors’ commitment to innovation and the progressive culture of the Bay Area,” said Rick Welts, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Golden State Warriors. “The jerseys complement our players’ style on the court, but are also a nod to the style of our fans and the spirit of the Bay Area – innovation is ingrained in our culture.”
The uniform system is made from 60 percent recycled materials and features adidas’ Revolution 30 technology found in current NBA uniforms. Launched in the 2010-11 season, Revolution 30 technology is a lightweight uniform system that dries twice as fast to improve performance. The new uniforms also include a ClimaCool system and FORMOTION technology that combine to increase comfort for the players.
Swingman versions of the new short sleeve jersey are currently available to pre-order on NBAStore.com and WarriorsTeamStore.com. Limited Edition Boxed Authentic Jerseys will be available for purchase at the Warriors Team Store inside Oracle Arena beginning February 20. Swingman Jerseys will be available for purchase at the Warriors Team Store inside Oracle Arena beginning February 22 and at the adidas Sport Performance Store in downtown San Francisco and the NBA Store by February 25.
At the start of the 2012-13 season, the Golden State Warriors and adidas announced a partnership through which adidas is the official retail partner for the team through the 2014-15 season. adidas also serves as the official supplier of all Warriors merchandise for fans, players, coaches and Warrior girls.
