Nike is "expected to present its initial NBA jersey designs to retailers beginning this week" and "doesn’t plan to produce sleeved jerseys," according to Sara Germano of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The style that was debuted by adidas in '13 "received mixed reviews from players and fans" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 1/17). UNI-WATCH's Paul Lukas writes the change is a "major shift." At least 19 of 30 NBA teams "currently have a sleeved jersey." That "includes the Jazz, who introduced a sleeved alternate just this season." Sleeves have been "required on 'pride' jerseys." The league will be "introducing lots of uniform changes next season: Maker’s marks and advertising patches are already a certainty, new tailoring and fabrics haven’t been announced but are a given." Sources also said that "several teams will have fairly bold redesigns." Lukas notes sleeves were "always an adidas thing, not a Nike thing" (UNI-WATCH.com,1/17).
Arms Race: Nike's Plans For NBA Jersey Designs Not Expected To Include Sleeves
