The NBA Jersey Guide for the Average Indian Consumer

The kind of NBA showroom that we one day wish to have in IndiaNBA Jerseys have only recently established themselves in the Indian Adidas stores. Before that, we occasionally saw a couple here and there in a random Reebok showroom or hoped a relative/friend would get one for us on their way back from the United States. While there are plenty of brands that make basketball jerseys, Adidas is the official jersey provider for the NBA. They reached an 11-year agreement with the league in 2006 and replaced Reebok as the official supplier of uniforms and apparel.In the Indian market, we now have most Adidas showrooms keeping a select few Jerseys on sale. Mostly these are of one of the star players from one of the relatively famous teams (Kobe’s Lakers, Griffin’s Clippers, and Rose’s Bulls). The same collection is also available on the Indian NBA Store; which has been tied up with Jabong.com.This is probably a dip-stick measure to see if there is even an Indian market for NBA products. Hopefully, the better their business runs, the better range of products we can expect in the future.There are 4 types of NBA Jerseys and it is good to know the difference when looking to purchase one. Currently, only one kind is legally sold in India; but we’re hoping to get a wider range of Jerseys in a few years. The other (higher quality) kinds are often available in the black market but it is important to have a good eye for them along with the ability to recognize the difference between an original and a fake.Word of caution: In case you do decide to purchase a jersey from the black market, make sure you wash them in hot water before you wear them. You literally do not know where they have been.

#1 The Replica Jersey

The Stephen Curry Replica Jersey

Before you start confusing replica with fake, be rest assured that these jerseys are original products. They’re simply called Replicas because they vastly differ from the Jerseys the NBA stars wear. These jerseys are relatively baggy with broader shoulders, made primarily for the NBA fan base. India sells these Jerseys in Adidas showrooms and the Indian NBA store. These are the cheapest original jerseys for adult fans and hence are the most selling jerseys all over the world.

They’re made of polyester mesh with all the names, logos and numbers, screen printed on them. Replica Jerseys (in the US) can be custom made to add your name and number. They also come in a variety of size types specially designed for Women, children and toddlers. They cost around 65 to 90 USD (4300 - 6000 INR) and the rates go lower as we start talking about children and toddlers.

The reason you could see the Indian stores having the adult Replicas for an MRP of around 3000 is that it’s old stock from around 2012. They still have Jerseys where Dwight Howard’s with Orlando, Rondo is in the Celtics and LeBron is a part of the Heat. We can expect revised rates as the new stock comes in.

#2 The Swingman Jersey

The Stephen Curry Swingman Jersey

The swingman is probably the most expensive jersey that a regular fan is willing to purchase. A mid-point between Replica and Authentic, the Swingman is made of 100% flat back polyester mesh with the names, logos and numbers, twill printed (printing done on diagonally woven cloth). The twill printing is one of the major differences between a Replica and Swingman Jersey. Just like the Replica, these jerseys have an Adidas logo on the upper corner.

These jerseys are less t-shirt-like and closer to the appearance of a player worn jersey. The cost for these jerseys ranges from 100 – 120 USD (6600 – 8000 INR).

#3 The Authentic Jerseys

The Authentic Customizable Utah Jazz Jersey

The Authentic Jerseys are the one’s worn by actual NBA players on the court. Made of a 190-gram polyester engineered ClimaCool mesh, these jerseys have stitched twill player names along with the NBA logo embroidered on it. Unlike the first two variants, the Authentic Jerseys do not carry the Adidas logo on their upper corners. These are the best jerseys available to the fans with premium quality and all the authentic details.

However, it comes with a huge price tag that ranges from 240 – 300 USD (16000 – 20000 INR). They are normally the preferred options for a framed autographed jersey due to their quality and appearance.

#4 The Hardwood Classics

The Mitchell & Ness throwback Michael Jordan Jersey

Commonly called Throwbacks, Retro, Vintage or Old School, the Hardwood Classic Jerseys give the customers a trip down memory lane. These Jerseys look like the ones worn by Basketball Legends in their previous seasons. They come in both Swingman and Authentic versions and are made by Adidas Originals and Mitchell and Ness. Keep in mind that Mitchell and Ness was in the sporting industry long before Nike, Adidas and Reebok came along.

The company is therefore an epitome of the throwback culture. The highest selling Hardwood Classic Jerseys are unsurprisingly of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.