The NBA's holiday hardwood might be getting its festive flair back. After nearly a decade of Christmas games played in standard threads, a major shake-up is reportedly in the works that would see the return of one of the league's most beloved traditions: dedicated holiday uniforms.
A Swoosh-Sized Void
When Nike took over as the NBA's official uniform provider in 2017, replacing adidas, expectations were sky-high. Fans anticipated a new era of bold, innovative designs. While the partnership has produced some hits, many feel it has notably lacked the seasonal spirit that once defined Christmas Day basketball. The absence of special holiday jerseys has been a consistent point of criticism, creating a void that players and fans have loudly lamented.
The King's Christmas Wish
No one has been more vocal about the missing holiday gear than LeBron James. The NBA legend and lifetime Nike athlete didn't hold back his disappointment in 2024, taking to social media to express his feelings. "Not having Xmas day unis anymore really sucks!" James declared. "That was a great feeling walking into the locker room and seeing those. It was literally like receiving a gift!" His sentiment echoed the thoughts of countless fans who cherished the unique identity the special uniforms brought to the marquee holiday matchups.
Rumored Return in 2026
According to a leak from the reliable Basketball Jersey Archive, the wait may finally be over. Nike is allegedly set to reintroduce dedicated Christmas uniforms for the 2026-27 NBA season. This would mark the first time since the 2015-16 season—the final year of adidas's holiday run—that players will don specially designed threads for the December 25th showcase. The report has ignited excitement across the basketball community, promising a return of the visual spectacle that once made Christmas games feel even more special.
A Legacy of Holiday Style
The tradition of NBA Christmas jerseys has a rich, if somewhat recent, history. It was adidas that pioneered the concept starting in the 2008-09 season. Over their eight-year run, the Three Stripes delivered an evolving series of festive designs:
- 2008-2011: The era began subtly with a white snowflake accent around the NBA logo on the jersey front, often featuring teams with red and green in their color schemes.
- 2012: The league celebrated 65 years of Christmas games with bold, monochromatic uniforms, highlighted by a now-iconic holiday commercial.
- 2013: Riding the short-sleeve craze, adidas unveiled sleeved Christmas jerseys with oversized team logos.
- 2014: This year featured a personalized touch, with players' first names displayed on a panel beneath the numbers on the back.
- 2015-2016: The final two years are often considered the design peak, inspired by classic Christmas cards with elegant cursive fonts and distinctive cream-colored bases.
Why It Matters
Special uniforms are more than just alternate apparel; they are a cornerstone of fan engagement and holiday marketing. They create collectible merchandise, generate social media buzz, and visually demarcate Christmas Day as the NBA's premier regular-season event. The return of these jerseys would signal Nike's commitment to embracing the league's traditions while injecting new creative energy into its partnership. For fans, it means the return of an annual unveiling ritual and the chance to see their favorite stars in limited-edition gear that captures the holiday spirit.
The potential revival represents a direct response to years of feedback. It acknowledges that while innovation is crucial, so is honoring the traditions that connect fans to the game's calendar. As the rumor mill churns, anticipation is building for an official announcement. If the reports hold true, the 2026 Christmas slate won't just feature superstar showdowns—it will be a full-fledged fashion show, bringing back the magic that makes the NBA on Christmas a can't-miss event.
