Though the NBA is the youngest of the four major professional sports organizations in North America, the cities that host teams within the league are rich with history, and the new Nike 'City Edition' jerseys make reference to historic and characteristic aspects of those areas. The designs, which are part of Nike and the NBA's new strategy for jerseys moving forward, each make reference to various aspects of the cities in question.
In most pro sports, teams either wear their home or away jerseys, with occasional special jerseys thrown in on games throughout the year. For the first time this season, though, NBA teams have been given permission to wear any of three jerseys on any given night with Nike's 'Edition' jerseys. The Nike 'City Edition' jerseys thus augment the already in use Association, Icon, and Statement editions.
Urban Jersey Designs
The Nike 'City Edition' Jerseys Highlight the Character of NBA Cities
Trend Themes
1. Historic and Characteristic References - Opportunity for sports apparel companies to create jerseys that celebrate the history and characteristics of cities.
2. Multi-jersey Options - Opportunity for sports retailers to capitalize on the new trend of NBA teams wearing any of three jerseys on any given night.
3. Collaborative Sports Strategies - Opportunity for sports organizations and fashion brands to collaborate on new jersey designs that enhance the fan experience.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Apparel - Disruptive innovation opportunity for sports apparel companies to create unique and city-specific jerseys.
2. Sports Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity for sports retailers to capitalize on the demand for multiple jersey options.
3. Fashion and Sports Collaboration - Disruptive innovation opportunity for sports organizations and fashion brands to collaborate on innovative jersey designs and experiences.