Although Nike won’t officially become the NBA’s on-court uniform and apparel supplier until the 2017-18 season, league commissioner Adam Silver is already looking forward to it.
In a recent interview with Slam magazine, Silver said that the NBA has had a “wonderful relationship with Adidas, but Adidas was not endemic to basketball. They are at root a soccer company. I think on the other hand, with Nike, as I heard Mark Parker, the CEO say, basketball is the soul of Nike.”
Last week, the NBA announced that its board of governors had approved a three-year pilot program allowing teams to sell corporate logos on their jerseys beginning in the 2017-18 season.
Silver also told Slam that the Nike Swoosh will appear on the jerseys and that the league is in discussion about the Jordan Brand logo appearing on them as well. There are no Adidas logos on the jerseys, but the logo can be seen on items such as warmup gear.
Watch on FN
Nike currently provides signature shoes for top players including LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving — as well as the recently retired Kobe Bryant.
The NBA and Nike originally announced the partnership in June 2015. At the time, Parker said, “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.”
Want More?
Nike v. Under Armour: Which Brand Won Bigger This Week?
Nike Signs WNBA’s Breanna Stewart
Boston Marathon Men’s Winner In Adidas; Women’s Champion In Nike
