The absence of festive jerseys from the NBA’s Christmas Day lineup in recent years has left fans and players alike disappointed. The shift occurred after Nike assumed control of the league’s uniform contract from Adidas in 2017. Since then, the traditional holiday jerseys that once characterized the games have not returned, marking a significant change in the league’s approach to its Christmas attire.
Although Nike offers a diverse range of uniforms categorized into four editions—Association, Icon, City, and Statement—the nostalgic charm of Christmas jerseys is sorely missed. LeBron James, who is set to compete on Christmas for the 19th consecutive season, expressed his sentiments on the lack of festive uniforms, stating, “Not having Xmas day unis anymore really sucks! That was a great feeling walking into the locker room and seeing those. It was literally like receiving a gift!”
Nike has not indicated plans to revive the Christmas jerseys, with the company previously stating, “We like the assortment we have now. The storytelling we’re able to tell is really robust,” as reported by Nick DePaula in 2021. This indicates a shift towards a different narrative focus that does not include the holiday-themed designs.
Reflecting on Past Christmas Jerseys
The tradition of Christmas jerseys began in 2008 and lasted until 2016, spanning nearly a decade of unique designs. Each year brought a new concept, starting with the introduction of snowflakes around the team logos from 2008 to 2011. During this period, the league aimed to highlight teams with predominantly red and green color schemes, capturing the festive spirit.
In 2012, the trend evolved with a monochromatic color palette that formally marked the 65th anniversary of Christmas Day NBA games. The following year, the jerseys featured a large, centered logo, although players found the additional fabric—designed to make them lighter—affected their performance. Notably, Dirk Nowitzki, a legendary player for the Dallas Mavericks, remarked, “Call me old school but these jerseys with sleeves are awful.”
The designs continued to innovate, with the 2014 jerseys showcasing players’ first names prominently beneath their numbers. The 2015 edition drew inspiration from Christmas cards, integrating cursive lettering that resonated with fans. The success of this design led to a similar style returning for a final year in 2016.
While the absence of Christmas jerseys may seem like a small change in the grand scheme of the league, it highlights a significant shift in how the NBA and its apparel partners engage with the holiday season. As fans eagerly await the upcoming Christmas games, the nostalgia for past designs lingers, leaving many to wonder if festive jerseys will ever make a comeback.
