Well, Nike won the day. Following a first look at the “What the Doernbecher” Dunks and early access at Air Jordan retros for 2016, the Swoosh strikes gold for the third time this Wednesday, with the announcement of an official partnership with the NBA.
The frontrunner all along, Nike will be the official outfitter of the NBA, WNBA and Developmental League starting in the 2017-2018 season. The Beaverton brand fills the shoes of current official endorser, adidas, and has signed up for an eight year run with the Association.
“This partnership with Nike represents a new paradigm in the structure of our global merchandising business,” Silver said in a press release. “As our exclusive oncourt apparel provider, Nike will be instrumental in our collective efforts to grow the game globally while applying the latest in technology to the design of our uniforms and oncourt products.”
Much like Nike’s deal with the NFL, the brand will be the exclusive outfitter for authentic and swingman jerseys, and is also primed to do more design work. In the late ’90s and early ’00s, Nike relished the opportunity to work with the NBA, cashing in on the jersey craze with the introduction of the stitched swingman jersey, throwback merchandise by way of the Rewind line and various other creative ventures.
Are you pumped for Nike’s partnership with the NBA? Let us know in the comments section.
