On Monday, four NBA teams revealed new ABA-style uniforms to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 NBA-ABA merger. The Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs introduced Classic Edition uniforms for the upcoming season.
San Antonio Spurs: Honoring ABA Roots
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs looked on during a game against the New York Knicks in 2026, showcasing a clean and classic uniform. The Spurs’ new look is a direct reproduction of their original home uniforms from their early years in San Antonio. This includes an arched “Spurs” wordmark on the chest, reminiscent of the design worn by the first team in 1973 after relocating from Dallas.
Jordan Mandelkorn, Vice President of Marketing, Creative, and Retail for Spurs Sports & Entertainment, stated that these uniforms honor their ABA roots. This initiative aims to connect different generations of fans with the franchise’s history through a season-long celebration, including a matching throwback court design featuring the ABA 50th-anniversary logo.
The uniform became famous during the George Gervin era at HemisFair Arena. The team will debut this look against the Dallas Mavericks on November 4, 2026, at Frost Bank Center. It marks the first of nine scheduled “Classic Nights” throughout the season. The black diamond shorts, with a classic cowboy spur design, complete the retro appearance.
Denver Nuggets: A Missed Opportunity
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets wore an orange uniform during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, which received mixed reviews. This design swaps the traditional navy and gold for a drab orange, inspired by the team’s late 1960s and early 1970s ABA style.
The jersey features an arched “Denver” wordmark in black with a white outline, while the shorts have a bold black Rockets logo. The uniform harks back to the team’s original identity as the Denver Rockets in 1967 before becoming the Nuggets.
The Nuggets will debut these retro uniforms on December 27, 2026, against the Indiana Pacers. They will also play on a specialty throwback court for selected games, highlighting the vintage aesthetic.
Indiana Pacers: A Classic Homage
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton celebrated after scoring in 2025, donning a classic uniform that echoed the team’s powerful ABA era. The Pacers’ new uniforms replicate the 1971-74 road design, with vibrant royal blue jerseys and a clean white “Indiana” wordmark.
Gold numbering, a single gold racing stripe, and distinctive gold-and-white side striping enhance the look. Despite similarities to the Atlanta Hawks’ 1970-72 jerseys, the vintage 1967 Pacers logo on the shorts adds a unique touch.
The Pacers plan to wear these uniforms for 15 games throughout the season, featuring a custom throwback court and unique retro game-night experiences.
Brooklyn Nets: Retro with Flair
Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets wore a uniform inspired by the original New York Nets design. This 2026-27 Classic Edition uniform honors the franchise’s legendary ABA roots.
The red, white, and blue color scheme, with side paneling featuring retro stars, replicates the look from the ABA championship years led by Julius “Dr. J” Erving. The team will complement the look with a matching throwback court at Barclays Center.
The Nets will debut the uniform on October 21, 2026, against the Charlotte Hornets. This jersey stands as a striking homage to the team’s storied past.
“Overall, these designs honor the rich history of the leagues merging 50 years ago,” said Jon, a writer and content creator for OutKick. He stated these uniforms surpass the recently unveiled Specter Edition Uniforms by Nike and the NBA, which were heavily criticized.