NBA Jersey: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right One

The NBA jersey is the best-selling item in the world of basketball. Every season, millions of fans around the world buy the jersey of their favourite player or team to wear on the court, in the stands or as everyday streetwear. But between the different models, Nike and Mitchell & Ness versions, City and Hardwood editions, and dozens of available franchises, how do you find your way? This complete guide helps you make the right choice.

The Two Major NBA Jersey Brands

Nike — The Official NBA Outfitter Since 2017

Nike has been the official outfitter of the NBA since the 2017-2018 season. Every jersey worn by professional players in a game is made by Nike. The Nike NBA range breaks down into several versions:

• Nike Swingman Jersey: the most popular version, a faithful reproduction of the game jersey in lightweight, breathable Dri-FIT fabric. The go-to choice for players and fans who want to wear their jersey on the court and in daily life.
• Nike Authentic Jersey: the exact professional version, identical to the jersey worn by players in games. Premium construction, high-performance technical fabric, refined finishes. The jersey for true connoisseurs.
• Statement Edition: each franchise's secondary colours, often the most creative and most sought-after. The Celtics in white, the Lakers in purple, the Bulls in black…
• City Edition: every season, Nike creates a special "City" edition for each franchise, inspired by the history, culture or architecture of the city. City Edition jerseys are the most collected and most discussed releases each year.
• Classic Edition: the traditional colours of each team — a return to fundamentals for fans attached to their franchise's historical identity.

Mitchell & Ness — The Retro NBA Jersey Specialist

Mitchell & Ness is THE global reference for vintage and retro NBA jerseys. Founded in 1904 and specialised in sporting goods for decades, the brand became essential in the collecting and streetwear world thanks to its Hardwood Classics — faithful reproductions of the jerseys worn by NBA legends in past decades.

Buying a Mitchell & Ness jersey means owning a piece of basketball history:

• Hardwood Classics Swingman: reproductions of historic jerseys in modern quality fabric. The best value for money for retro enthusiasts.
• Hardwood Classics Authentic: exact reproductions of original game jerseys, with period-accurate materials and finishes. The ultimate collector's piece.
• Mitchell & Ness Remix: creative reinterpretations of NBA classics with modern twists — revisited colours, redesigned logos, artist collaborations.

NBA Jerseys by Team: All Franchises

Eastern Conference — The Legendary Franchises

Boston Celtics — 18 NBA titles, the most decorated franchise in league history. The Celtics' green and white is one of the most iconic colour schemes in American sport. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the legendary Larry Bird, Bill Russell and Paul Pierce jerseys are among our most requested.

Miami Heat — The franchise of sunshine, style and great dynasties. The "Vice" jerseys (pink and blue) became global collector's pieces since their introduction in 2018. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler — the list of Heat legends is impressive.

Chicago Bulls — Michael Jordan's franchise, the most recognised in the world. The red and black Bulls number 23 jersey is THE best-selling NBA jersey in history. Find the authentic Mitchell & Ness Jordan, Pippen and Rodman replicas alongside current models.

New York Knicks — The franchise of the world capital of basketball. Based at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks and their orange, blue and white jersey enjoy global popularity that extends far beyond their trophy cabinet. Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and the classics of Patrick Ewing and Walt Frazier.

Milwaukee Bucks — The franchise of Giannis Antetokounmpo, "The Greek Freak", MVP in 2019 and 2020, NBA champion in 2021. The green and cream Bucks jersey is one of the most worn in Europe since the rise of Giannis.

Philadelphia 76ers — The blue and red Sixers jersey, the franchise of Joel Embiid (MVP 2023) and the legendary Allen Iverson. Mitchell & Ness Iverson jerseys are among the most sought-after retro pieces in our catalogue.

Western Conference — Dynasties and Superstars

Los Angeles Lakers — The NBA's most glamorous franchise. 17 NBA titles, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the legends Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal. The yellow and purple Lakers jersey is an absolute classic, equally popular in current and retro Mitchell & Ness versions.

Golden State Warriors — The dynasty of the 2010s-2020s. 4 NBA titles in 8 years, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green. The royal blue and gold Warriors jersey is one of our top sellers, particularly the "The Town" City Edition.

Dallas Mavericks — The franchise of Luka Dončić, the Slovenian prodigy redefining the modern game. The navy and silver Mavs jersey with number 77 is one of the most requested by young European fans.

San Antonio Spurs — The franchise of Victor Wembanyama, the French phenomenon drafted first overall in 2023 and Rookie of the Year 2024. The black and silver Spurs jersey with Wemby's number 1 has become in just a few months one of the best-selling NBA jerseys across Europe. A unique opportunity for Sportland American to connect with fans of France's biggest basketball talent.

Oklahoma City Thunder — The franchise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the most serious MVP contenders of the past two seasons. The vibrant blue and orange Thunder jersey is one of the most dynamic designs in the league.

Denver Nuggets — 2023 NBA champions, the franchise of Nikola Jokić, three-time MVP and widely regarded as the best player in the world. The navy and yellow Nuggets jersey with number 15 has been heavily in demand since the title.

Phoenix Suns — The orange, purple and white Suns colours are among the most beautiful in the league. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the classics of Charles Barkley and Steve Nash.

The Most Searched NBA Jersey Players

Current Stars

• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) — The most important French player in basketball history. His Spurs jersey is the fastest-growing seller in our European catalogue.
• LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) — The living legend, 4-time NBA champion. The number 23 Lakers jersey is a timeless classic.
• Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) — The greatest shooter in NBA history. The number 30 Warriors jersey in blue or white is consistently one of our best sellers.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) — "The Greek Freak", the dominant player of his generation.
• Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks) — The European prodigy, a global superstar at 25.
• Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) — Three-time MVP, considered by many as the best player in the world right now.
• Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) — 2024 NBA champion, the face of the new Celtics generation.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder) — The 2024-2025 MVP front-runner.

Retro Legends — Mitchell & Ness

• Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) — The red number 23 Bulls jersey remains the most iconic NBA jersey in history.
• Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) — The number 8 and number 24, two eras of one legend.
• Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) — The number 32 yellow, the emblem of the Showtime Lakers of the 1980s.
• Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) — Magic's great rival, the number 33 green Celtics jersey.
• Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers) — "The Answer", the white number 3 Sixers jersey, an absolute icon of his generation.
• Shaquille O'Neal (Los Angeles Lakers) — The number 34, dominant force of the 2000s.
• Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs) — "The Big Fundamental", 5-time champion with the Spurs.

Understanding NBA Jersey Editions

Icon Edition — The Classic Home Jersey

The Icon Edition is each franchise's traditional home jersey: the primary colours on a light or dark background depending on the team. The starting point of every NBA collection.

Statement Edition — The Alternate Away Jersey

The Statement Edition uses the franchise's secondary colours. Often darker than the Icon, it offers a different look while staying within the team's official identity.

City Edition — The Annual Special Release

The City Edition is the most eagerly anticipated release each season. Nike creates a unique design for each franchise inspired by its home city: architecture, local culture and history. The Lakers City Edition (night-time Los Angeles), the Heat City Edition (Miami Vice) and the Bulls City Edition (Chicago skyline) are highly collected pieces that often increase in value over time.

Classic Edition — Back to Basics

The Classic Edition is a tribute to the franchise's historical jerseys, integrated into the current Nike range. A bridge between past and present.

Hardwood Classics Mitchell & Ness — The Ultimate Retro Jersey

Mitchell & Ness Hardwood Classics are reproductions of the jerseys worn by NBA legends in past decades. They are aimed at nostalgic fans, collectors and everyone who wants to pay tribute to the players who built basketball history.

NBA Jersey Size Guide

NBA jerseys run true to size overall. For a relaxed, lifestyle or oversized look, go one size up. For on-court sporting use, stay at your usual size. Visit our kids' NBA jerseys page for junior sizing.

NBA Jersey: The Perfect Gift Idea

An NBA jersey is one of the most appreciated gifts for basketball fans, for every occasion:

• Christmas: the favourite star's jersey, paired with a matching NBA cap
• Birthday: the team's City Edition jersey — always a great surprise
• Original gift: a Mitchell & Ness retro for a fan nostalgic about the great NBA dynasties
• Full outfit: jersey plus matching NBA shorts for a complete NBA look

Why Buy Your NBA Jersey at Sportland American?

• American sports specialist for over 15 years: NBA expertise is at the core of our identity
• 100% official products from Nike and Mitchell & Ness under NBA licence, no counterfeits
• France-based stock: fast delivery across Europe with no customs fees — a major advantage over American retailers
• All franchises available: from all 30 NBA teams to limited City Edition releases
• Current AND retro jerseys: from Victor Wembanyama to Michael Jordan, the entire NBA universe in one place
• All sizes: from kids' jerseys to adult 3XL
• Complete range: finish your look with our NBA shorts and NBA caps

Sportland American — Your NBA jersey specialist in France and Europe