Sharper creative expression and refined-fit insights directly from players guide the new Nike uniform system and apparel offering for the WNBA as the league embarks on its 25th season. Together, the assortment offers the most comprehensive player, team and fan apparel collection in the league’s history.
“The basketball uniform is an important representation of the brand of WNBA players and teams, and a point of pride for fans,” says WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “In partnership with Nike, unveiling new and exciting adaptations of the WNBA uniforms is a dynamic way to build on the foundation of the league’s first 25 years.”
The new WNBA uniform system from Nike feature three game uniform editions for each of the 12 teams in the league, bringing stories from their cities and communities to life through the muse of female archetypes in storytelling and film: the WNBA Nike Heroine Edition, the WNBA Nike Explorer Edition and the WNBA Nike Rebel Edition.
“When our team met with our athletes, their feedback was very clear,” says Tania Flynn, Nike VP of Women’s Apparel Design. “They wanted a uniform that fits them, not one they have to fit into. They wanted a connection to their team and fans, but also wanted to express their personal style. And they wanted us to tell their story. The new uniforms obsess all of those details for the world’s best players, technically and creatively.”
Continued feedback from athlete testing reaffirmed the importance of proper fit. Players should never need to “hack” their way to a better-fitting uniform by, say, rolling their shorts to cinch the waistband or tucking their jersey straps into their bra straps to hold the jersey in place. The new WNBA Nike uniforms come with an entirely re-engineered chassis and feature new proportions in the game jersey and short. They also debut Nike DRI-FIT ADV technology — an engineered knit material that helps enable more freedom of movement and comfort — in a professional league uniform.
“We have uniforms that are uniquely ours,” says Seattle Storm point guard Sue Bird. “Every single jersey shares a story that represents our city, and the distinction allows us to express our own creativity and individual style. Nike’s attention to each design detail makes me proud to put the uniform on.”
