Russell Athletic reached an agreement to become the NBA’s official
institutional uniform provider. This designation grants Russell
Athletic exclusivity to utilize NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League team names
and logos on institutional jerseys, shorts and t-shirts throughout the
team dealer network.
Russell Athletic said the new performance uniforms feature moisture
management fabric and contrast color piping. The assortment also
includes a reversible mesh jersey, mesh short and t-shirt, available in
all 30 NBA and 14 WNBA teams. NBA D-League team product will be
available in 2009.
“This program provides Russell Athletic with a connection to the
world’s premier basketball league,” said Russell Athletic/Spalding EVP,
Gary Barfield. “Offering a full range of uniform products in addition
to Spalding’s status as the NBA’s Official Game Ball and Backboard
allows us to strengthen our relationship with the NBA market.”
“It is always our goal to grow and celebrate the game of basketball,”
said Christopher Arena, VP of the NBA Global Merchandising
Group. “With Russell Athletic outfitting recreational leagues across
the country, we are able to accomplish that goal and also extend our
brand to players of all ages through a high quality product.”
The new TEAM NBA program pairs this uniform offering from Russell with
Spalding’s basketball product line to provide a one-stop resource for
the equipment needed to run a recreational league. Spalding, a sister
company of Russell Athletic, is the Official Game Ball and Backboard of
the NBA, and will offer basketballs, ball carts and accessory products
through the same network of team dealers. As partners of the Jr.
NBA/Jr. WNBA, Spalding and Russell Athletic will also provide uniforms
and basketballs for Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA events throughout the upcoming
season.
