Nike will take over the NBA’s uniform production for the 2017-18 season, and on Tuesday the company unveiled the first looks at what changes they will be bringing to uniforms next season.
We’ll have to wait to see what designs come for each team, but across the league there are some sweeping changes to the uniforms that will be available for selection. The biggest difference is that Nike is getting rid of the “home” and “road” distinctions for uniforms, instead calling them the “Association Edition” and “Icon Edition.” While they will look mostly similar to the home and road uniforms of old, teams will have more freedom in picking what they wear on a nightly basis.
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 of their uniforms will be worn at all home games and visiting teams will choose a contrasting uniform within their own assortment.
There will be four uniforms that each team will have at their disposal. The “Association Edition” will be the traditional home whites, while the “Icon Edition” will be the traditional road colors, but teams will not be confined to wearing those uniforms in those situations, so long as they don’t contrast with the opposition’s choice at home.
The other two editions, which are inspired by the athlete’s mindset and the community, will be revealed closer to the season. In total, teams will have four uniforms at their disposal on a nightly basis. Eight teams will also receive “Classic Editions,” which celebrate iconic uniforms of the past and can be worn at the teams’ discretion.
As for the uniform material, Nike is using lighter weight, faster wicking materials as well as updated hemlines and shoulder construction to improve fit and comfort for players. Nike tested the uniforms with current players, receiving feedback on what works and what needs improvement in an effort to create a more comfortable design. Recycled bottles were also used to create “Alpha Yarns” that run through the uniforms that assist in moisture wicking.
The rest of the new Nike uniforms will be unveiled closer to the season, and fans will undoubtedly be interested in what they do with the yet to be revealed final two uniform editions.
