Though the NBA is a primarily American league, the first-ever NBA game was a showdown between the Toronto Huskies and the New York Knickerbockers that took place in Toronto's old Maple Leaf Gardens. To commemorate that important piece of basketball history, the current Toronto team, the Raptors, will wear Huskies jerseys at select games throughout the season.
While it would make sense in any context for the Raptors to represent their roots, this year is especially relevant. The 2016-17 NBA season will mark the 70th anniversary of the Toronto Huskies' creation.
Though the Huskies wore blue and white while the Raptors usually wear red and black, off-color alternate jerseys are common in the NBA, especially when those jerseys are references to previous iterations of a team.
Throwback Basketball Jerseys
The Raptors' New Alternate Jerseys Commemorate the Toronto Huskies
Trend Themes
1. Throwback Jerseys - Reviving vintage jerseys in sports can generate excitement among fans and create additional revenue streams for teams through merchandise sales.
2. Commendable History - Commemorating a significant moment in an industry's history can increase visibility and appreciation of its pioneers while demonstrating a company's commitment to its roots.
3. Alternate Jerseys - Creating unique and visually appealing alternate jerseys for sports teams can boost fan engagement and sales while also paying homage to a team's history and identity.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Apparel - Producers of sports apparel and memorabilia may see increased demand for throwback jerseys and merchandise as teams increasingly look to their history for inspiration.
2. Sports Marketing - Companies specializing in sports marketing can create campaigns centered around an industry's history, moments or influencers to create more meaningful and personalized fan experiences.
3. Professional Sports Teams - Professional sports teams can leverage their history and roots to create unique and engaging alternate jerseys and merchandise, enhancing fan engagement and creating revenue opportunities.