When Did Nike Make NBA Jerseys?
Nike started making NBA jerseys for certain teams in 1997. In 2017, Nike signed an eight year apparel deal and became the official endorsement partner for the NBA. As as a result, Nike became responsible for the NBA jerseys of ALL TEAMS.
Who Made NBA Jerseys Before Nike?
Adidas had been responsible for making NBA Jerseys before Nike. The NBA began an 11-year deal with Adidas in 2006, taking over for Reebok, a brand it owns.
Adidas had been the maker of NBA’s official uniforms and apparel until 2017 when they announced they would not seek to extend its deal with the NBA and bowed out of the bidding process.
Why Did Adidas Not Renew the Deal?
Adidas did not make the deal with the NBA because NBA executives and Adidas officials had trouble during the negotiation process.
Most of the issues stems from the fact that Adidas focused more of it’s efforts into soccer.
Furthermore, Adidas’ creative choices when it came to jerseys were constantly under scrutiny and criticized. For example, the decision to move from the tank top to sleeved jerseys was very unpopular by fans who panned the look.
How Much Did Nike Pay For the NBA Contract?
The deal between Nike and the NBA is an eight-year partnership that began in the 2017-2018 season.
Financial terms were not immediately disclosed, but the deal is worth roughly $1 billion, which is approximately a 245 percent annual increase from the previous deal.
Source: ESPN
Unlike the deals with Reebok and Adidas, Nike’s logo will appear on NBA game jerseys, which is the first time this has happen.
Nike has made alot of money because of their deals with the NBA. They’ve also been smart when it came to Jordan Brand.
Click HERE to learn more about the Jordan Brand.
Nike has been a marketing partner of the NBA since 1992. They control more than 90 percent of the U.S. basketball shoe market at retail. They already have endorsement deals with many of the league’s biggest stars, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s thoughts on the partnership:
“This partnership with Nike represents a new paradigm in the structure of our global merchandising business. 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.”
via ESPN
Nike president and CEO Mark Parker’s thoughts on the deal:
“We’re excited to bring the full power of our global reach, innovation and creativity to partner with the NBA and grow the game in a way only Nike can. In Nike, Jordan and Converse, we have three of the most connected brands in the world, and look forward to making the global growth of the game a successful strategy for both the NBA and Nike.”
Short History of NBA Jersey Licences
Late 1980s and 1990s – Champion, who is an American manufacturer of clothing that specializes in sports clothing based in Winston-Harlem, North Carolina, is responsible for uniforms for all of the NBA. Michael Jordan also requests longer basketball shorts from Champion, which popularized longer shorts.
Click HERE to read about Michael Jordan’s influence on NBA shorts.
1997 – Nike joins Champion as manufactuers of NBA jerseys and helps developed new fabric that improves moisture management and reduces the overall weight of the jersey.
1999-2001 – Puma joins Champion and Nike and is responsible for the jersey’s of various teams such as Charlotte
Cleveland, Denver, Golden State, Houston, Milwaukee Minnesota, New York, Sacramento.
2001-2002 – Reebok joins in and is responsible for the jersey’s of Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Golden State, Houston, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, Sacramento, Indiana, Seattle.
2002-2003 – Reebok takes over Champion licences.
2004-2005 – Reebok takes over Nike licenses and is responsible for NBA jersey’s exclusively.
2006-2017 – Adidas replaces Reebok and is responsible for all NBA jerseys.
2017-2025 – Nike is responsible for all NBA jerseys after Adidas doesn’t renew deal.
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