Nike on Thursday debuted uniforms to be worn by the U.S. men's basketball team members when they "take the court in Rio this summer" for the Olympics, according to Jordan Zirm of STACK.com. The uniforms "feature a white 'Home' iteration, a blue 'Away' version and a red 'Alternate.'" The backs of the jerseys "appear to have multiple air slits in a 'V' pattern for breathability, while the numbers almost glow with a metallic shine in both blue and silver." The "coolest detail of the uniforms is the American Eagle symbol just above the drawstring on the waist of the shorts" (STACK.com, 3/17). Nike also unveiled the uniforms for members of the U.S. women's team, which are similar to the men's. One difference is the women "choose between two pairs of shorts: one with a traditional waistband placement and one pair with a shorter rise" (SI.com, 3/17).
PITCH PERFECT: In Portland, Jamie Goldberg notes U.S. Soccer unveiled new '16 jerseys for both the men's and women's national teams. The USMNT will "wear the new kits for the upcoming Copa America Centenario," while the USWNT will wear the jerseys for Rio Games. The new home kit "features a white jersey with blue sleeves and a red stripe running down the length of the shirt and shorts." The new away kit "features a black jersey with a blue sleeve on the right and a red sleeve on the left." Both kits will "introduce a new sock system that includes NikeGRIP socks paired with new sleeves that further protect ankles and other high-risk areas on the lower leg" (Portland OREGONIAN, 3/18). The USMNT will "break out the new Nike-branded jerseys on March 25 for its away World Cup qualifier at Guatemala." The USWNT will "first wear them in the friendly against Colombia on April 6" (SEATTLE TIMES, 3/18).
ELEMENT OF SURPRISE: In Baltimore, Jeff Barker noted Under Armour last week "unveiled red, white and blue uniforms for the USA men's and women's gymnastics teams at the Olympics this summer." But UA "didn’t unveil all of the gymnastics uniforms." UA Senior Creative Dir of Team Sports Adam Clement said, "We’re holding them back so there is the element of surprise at the Games." Barker noted the gymnasts' uniforms "vary based on the specific competition." Designs are "part of the performance, and Under Armour didn’t want to telegraph everything in advance" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 3/17).
