The absence of special Christmas jerseys in the NBA has become a notable change in the league’s festive traditions. Since Nike took over the NBA’s uniform contract from Adidas in 2017, the league has not featured the holiday-themed attire that fans and players enjoyed in previous years. The shift has left many disappointed, as the Christmas jerseys added a unique flair to the annual holiday games.
Nike has opted to offer a range of uniform styles instead, including the Association, Icon, City, and Statement editions. While these jerseys provide variety, they lack the festive spirit that characterized the previous Christmas designs. Notably, star player LeBron James, who is set to compete on Christmas for the 19th consecutive year, expressed his feelings on the absence of the Christmas uniforms, stating, “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 🎁!”
Despite the enthusiasm from players and fans alike, Nike remains steadfast in its decision, stating, “We like the assortment we have now. The storytelling we’re able to tell is really robust,” according to sports reporter Nick DePaula. The company does not have plans to revive the Christmas jerseys that once delighted audiences.
A Look Back at NBA’s Christmas Jerseys
The tradition of Christmas jerseys began in 2008 and continued for several seasons, with each year bringing new designs. The inaugural design featured white snowflakes surrounding the team logo, aiming to evoke a wintery feel. The league prioritized teams with red and green color schemes, further embracing the holiday spirit.
In 2012, the jerseys evolved into a monochromatic design, marking the 65th anniversary of Christmas Day games. The following year introduced a large, centered logo, but the addition of sleeves drew mixed reviews. Players like Dirk Nowitzki criticized the new style, stating, “Call me old school but these jerseys with sleeves are awful.”
The 2014 jerseys shifted focus to the back, where players’ first names adorned the fabric below their numbers. This design aimed to personalize the jerseys further. In 2015, the league took inspiration from holiday greeting cards, featuring cursive lettering that resonated well with fans. The popularity of this design led to its return in 2016, although it was the final year for the Christmas jerseys.
As the NBA prepares for another Christmas Day filled with exciting matchups, the nostalgia for those vibrant holiday uniforms remains strong among supporters. The shift in uniform strategy reflects broader trends in sports branding and marketing, but for many, the absence of the festive jerseys signals a loss of the holiday spirit that once accompanied the league’s Christmas celebrations.
