Four NBA teams have introduced new Classic Edition uniforms for the upcoming season. This unveiling by the Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs marks the 50th anniversary of the NBA-ABA merger in 1976. Each team aimed to pay tribute to their history with these unique designs.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have adopted a classic look, replicating their early home uniforms from when they first represented the city in 1973. Notable features include the arched “Spurs” wordmark on the chest, echoing the original design. Jordan Mandelkorn, Vice President of Marketing, Creative, and Retail, highlighted that these uniforms celebrate the ABA roots. The Spurs’ celebration will include a matching throwback court design featuring the ABA 50th-anniversary logo.
The uniform debut is set for November 4, 2026, against the Dallas Mavericks at the Frost Bank Center. They will wear these jerseys during nine “Classic Nights” throughout the season. The shorts feature a black diamond framing the classic cowboy spur, enhancing the retro aesthetic.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets introduced a city edition uniform featuring a drab orange design, referencing the team’s late 60s and early 70s ABA heritage. It includes an arched “Denver” wordmark and a black Rockets logo on the shorts, nodding to their original identity as the Denver Rockets. A specially-designed throwback court at Ball Arena is set to accompany the jersey during specific games.
The Nuggets will debut these uniforms on December 27, 2026, against the Indiana Pacers. The retro look will appear in nine regular-season games, with seven at home.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers’ Classic Edition uniform harkens back to their dominant ABA era, specifically the iconic 1971-74 design. The jerseys are royal blue with a white “Indiana” wordmark and gold accents, mimicking their classic look. A 1967 logo on the shorts depicts a cartoon hand holding a basketball, adding a nostalgic touch.
Pacers players will sport the uniforms in 15 games this season, with a unique retro game-night experience planned for the seven home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets’ Classic Edition uniforms draw direct inspiration from the New York Nets era in the ABA. With a red, white, and blue color scheme, these jerseys pay homage to the time of Julius “Dr. J” Erving’s leadership. The team will showcase their uniforms on October 21, 2026, against the Charlotte Hornets, complemented by a matching throwback court design at Barclays Center.
Overall, these uniforms honor the historic merger of the leagues, showcasing creativity and respect for basketball’s rich history.
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