NBA Jersey Manufacturer History: 2023 Edition (Part 2)
G'day bulbers! Earlier I started the series where I will be writing about NBA jersey manufacturers throughout history. Here is part 2!
Starter
Starter is an apparel company founded in 1971. It gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s as a prominent sports brand. Known for its athletic team gear, including jackets, hats, and jerseys, Starter secured licensing deals with major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
The company became synonymous with sports fashion and introduced innovative designs and branding. Starter's iconic logo, featuring a star and the company name, became a recognizable symbol of athletic apparel during that era.
During the 1997-1998 NBA season, Starter played a prominent role in NBA jersey history. The company became the official outfitter for the NBA, supplying jerseys to all teams. Starter introduced innovative designs with unique features such as oversized logos, bold color schemes, and distinctive player names and numbers.
Their jerseys gained popularity among fans and players alike, becoming iconic symbols of the era. Notable players, including Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, sported Starter jerseys during this period. The partnership between Starter and the NBA provided fans with memorable and stylish jerseys that left a lasting impact on basketball fashion.
Puma
Puma, a global sportswear brand, has a rich history dating back to 1948 when it was established by Rudolf Dassler. Initially known for its footwear, Puma quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and high-performance athletic products.
Over the years, Puma expanded its offerings to include apparel and accessories, becoming a leading name in the sports industry.
The brand has collaborated with many athletes and was involved in the NBA as the official NBA manufacturer for authentic jerseys for just over a quarter of any teams, taking over Starter licenses for a two year spell.
renowned athletes, teams, and fashion designers, elevating its status in both sports and lifestyle markets. Puma's commitment to innovation, style, and sustainability has solidified its position as a prominent and influential player in the world of sportswear.
Reebok
Founded in England in 1958, Reebok earned global recognition for its innovative athletic footwear and apparel. Reebok's partnership with basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal in the 1990s led to the creation of the iconic "Shaq Attaq" line of sneakers and out the brand on the map in NBA circles.
Reebok played a significant role as an NBA jersey supplier from 2001 to 2017. Renowned for its distinct style and innovation, Reebok introduced the famous "Reebok Vector" logo, as well as the introduction of the "Revolution" jersey system, featuring lightweight materials and improved player comfort.
Reebok was the NBA jersey manufacturer for selected teams from 2001, offering expanded options of premium fabrics that weren't available with Champion. From 2002 Reebok took over all of Champion's remaining licenses and from 2004, became the official and exclusive NBA jersey manufacturer until Adidas bought Reebok in 2006.
I'll be back with the final part!
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