The WNBA unveiled new uniforms for its 25th-anniversary season, and fans on social media immediately began discussing how they would style the eye-grabbing jerseys.
The WNBA’s three uniform editions — Heroine, Explorer and Rebel — for each of its 12 teams feature a patch commemorating the 25th season, numbers on the front of the jersey, smaller ads and fresh new designs.
The league released a video of guard Diamond DeShields unveiling the Sky’s new threads.
‘‘These are going to look crazy on the court,’’ DeShields said.
Each edition of the jersey has its own story behind the design and style. The Sky’s Rebel Edition, which plays into their signature sky-blue color, signifies women of Chicago breaking through glass ceilings and pushing beyond boundaries. It’s meant to send a message to Chicagoans, specifically women, that nothing can stop a team of women from this city.
Introducing our @WNBA Nike Heroine, Explorer, and Rebel Edition jerseys for the 2021 season. ⚪️⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/Y7T01x9IYJ
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) April 8, 2021
Nike has partnered with the WNBA on uniforms since 2018, but there was a need for more to be done, the company said in a statement.
‘‘The basketball uniform is an important representation of the brand of WNBA players and teams and a point of pride for fans,’’ WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. ‘‘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.’’
Each game jersey is marked 1/144 to represent the 144 athletes in the league. The jerseys were adjusted slightly to add more room across the chest and will feature three necklines: a round neck, a V-neck and the wishbone. Changes also were made to the shorts, providing more room in the thighs and glutes.
Magellan and the University of Chicago Medicine are still the Sky’s jersey sponsors. Their logos can be seen on the top right shoulder of the jersey and beneath the player’s number.
Next Wednesday, fans will be able to purchase all 12 teams’ Rebel Edition and Explorer Edition jerseys on Nike.com and at select team stores, Fanatics and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
