The NBA’s festive tradition of Christmas jerseys has largely disappeared since Nike took over the league’s uniform contract from Adidas in 2017. While the Christmas Day games remain a highlight of the basketball calendar, the absence of these distinctive jerseys has left many fans and players disappointed.
Nike’s decision not to continue the Christmas jersey tradition has sparked discussions among players and fans alike. The company offers various uniform combinations through its four editions: Association, Icon, City, and Statement. Yet, the lack of special holiday attire is felt deeply by some. LeBron James, who is set to play on Christmas for the 19th consecutive year, expressed his discontent with the absence of the festive uniforms. He remarked, “Not having Xmas day unis anymore really sucks! That was a great feeling walking into the locker room and seeing those. It was literally like receiving a š!”
Despite James’s sentiments, Nike remains committed to its current lineup. In a statement made in 2021, Nike emphasized its satisfaction with the existing uniform assortment and the storytelling potential it provides. “We like the assortment we have now. The storytelling we’re able to tell is really robust,” the company stated, as reported by Nick DePaula.
Reflecting on the Past: The Evolution of NBA Christmas Jerseys
The NBA Christmas jerseys first made their appearance in 2008, featuring a design that included white snowflakes around the team’s logo. This initial foray sought to celebrate the holiday spirit and prominently featured teams with red and green color schemes.
By 2012, the league intensified its holiday aesthetic with a monochromatic color scheme, marking the 65th anniversary of Christmas Day NBA games. The following year, the design shifted focus to a large, centered logo, although the sleeves of the jerseys garnered more attention than intended. Despite being 26% lighter than traditional jerseys, players reported that the additional fabric hindered their shooting performance. Notably, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki voiced his criticism, stating, “Call me old school but these jerseys with sleeves are awful.”
The trend continued in 2014, when player first names were featured prominently below the jersey numbers, a design choice that set this edition apart. The creativity peaked in 2015 and 2016 with jerseys inspired by Christmas cards, complete with cursive lettering that proved to be fan favorites.
These festive designs, while celebrated during their time, have now become a nostalgic memory for NBA enthusiasts. The jerseys represented more than just attire; they symbolized a sense of community and celebration during the holiday season.
As this year’s Christmas Day games approach, players and fans alike will continue to reminisce about the vibrant jerseys that once adorned the court, highlighting the void left by their absence. With Nike firmly invested in its current uniform strategy, it remains unclear if the NBA will ever revive this beloved tradition.
