Nike previewed its much-anticipated new NBA jerseys on Tuesday, giving a glimpse at what players across the league will wear in the season to come via the above top for the Golden State Warriors. The 2017-18 NBA jerseys by Nike mark the start of its eight-year contract to provide the on-court apparel for teams and players.
The brand says its new uniform designs draw on 3D body maps of players. After analyzing these models, researchers changed the weight, fit, and construction of the jerseys. The uniforms incorporate recycled polyester, and each uses approximately 20 recycled bottles.
Top-tier Nike athletes have already tested the uniforms.
"The mental advantage of a quality uniform is priceless," said Kyrie Irving via press release. "The fact that Nike listened to all of our feedback while developing the new NBA uniforms speaks volumes, I’m excited for the new fit and feel."
Nike and the NBA have created four uniforms for each team, and are ditching typical naming conventions for them. Home white uniforms will now be known as "Association Editions," and road uniforms are now known as "Icon Editions." There are two more yet-to-be-unveiled primary uniforms that will bring each team's total to four. Teams will pick which of these they will wear for all home games at the start of the 2017-18 season.
Additionally, eight teams will have what Nike is calling "Classic Edition" jerseys available in the fall.
While Nike is the official outfitter of the NBA for the 2017-18 season, its Jordan Brand will provide the jerseys for the Michael Jordan-owned Charlotte Hornets.
Nike is taking over the NBA apparel deal from Adidas, which outfitted the league from 2006 until this past season. Notably, the Nike deal puts the brand's logo on game jerseys, a first for the NBA.
