Since Adam Silver took over for David Stern, a powerful case could be made that the NBA has been the most active and progressive sports league in the United States. From the swift action taken towards Donald Sterling and the forced sale of the Los Angeles Clippers, to the massive new television deal that was signed, Silver has gone to both every of the spectrum to protect the future of the association.
The latest news to emerge promises to forever change the look of professional basketball.
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Per a news release via Silver, the NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League have signed an exclusive eight-year contract with NIKE, Inc. to produce their on-court uniforms.
"“This partnership with NIKE represents a new paradigm in the structure of our global merchandising business,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “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.”"
This promises to continue to expand the NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League into global brands.
The key piece of information is that NIKE is a brand with significant extensions. It has multiple assets and branches that have become eternally popular as generations have passed.
That includes Michael Jordan’s famous Jordan Brand, which includes the famed Air Jordan shoes, as well as the trendy and popular Converse.
"“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,” said NIKE, Inc. President & CEO Mark Parker. “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.”"
The NBA could undergo a major image change after previously utilizing Adidas for its uniforms.
Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press reported in March that the NBA and Adidas would not renew their business relationship. Adidas had slipped to No. 3 in the world of sports apparel behind Nike and Under Armour, and reportedly refused to bid for retaining the NBA’s services.
Adidas signed an 11-year contract with the NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League in 2006. Thus, the deal is set to expire after the 2016-17 NBA season.
Nike, Inc. will take over in 2017-18 on an eight-year deal.
Nike is viewed as the predominant force in sports apparel. Per Mike Ozanian of Forbes.com, it was the No. 1 company in the industry in 2014 with a net worth of $19 billion.
Both fashionable and prestigious, its products have become synonymous with style in sports. The NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League will embody that come 2017.
Nike has been the exclusive apparel provider for Team USA Basketball since 2006.
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