MUMBAI:For the first time, National Basketball Association (NBA) jerseys will be available to basketball fans in India at adidas stores across the country.
The initial collection will include jerseys featuring eigningtwo-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, five-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant of the reigning two-time NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James of the Miami Heat, and 2008 NBA Champion Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics, with additional jerseys to follow.
In addition to jerseys, adidas, the official outfitter of the NBA, will launch the widest range of NBA performance and lifestyle merchandise ever in India.
The first two NBA shops opened within adidas stores in India in August 2010. Following their success, as well as the slowly growing popularity of basketball in the country, 200 new adidas locations will carry the new collection of NBA merchandise as part of the adidas Spring Summer 2011 Collection.
The new NBA collection from adidas is designed to capture the style and persona of NBA players on the court and the latest casual wear designs off the court. The line will include apparel, accessories and the latest in footwear, as well as colorful tees, large graphics and youthful designs showcasing top NBA teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.
The NBA collection ranges from Rs 999 to Rs. 4,499 and will be available at all adidas Sports Performance Centers across the country.
The launch follows visits from several NBA All-Stars who helped generate more demand for NBA merchandise in India. Nearly 15 NBA players and legends have traveled to India over the last few years to conduct a variety of basketball activities including Howard, Garnett, and two-time NBA Champion Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers.
adidas India Director of Sales and Marketing Tushar Goculdas said, “Basketball is growing rapidly in India and the sport is already quite popular amongst high school and college kids in major metros. Being a leading sportswear brand and market leader in basketball in India, adidas‘ endeavor is to promote the game and provide our consumers innovative and exciting sportswear. We are leveraging our exclusive global partnership to bring the NBA closer to fans in India. This season, basketball enthusiasts can enjoy official licensed NBA jerseys of their favorite players and a wide and vibrant range of other NBA merchandise.
NBA India senior director of development Akash Jain said, "The NBA and Adidas share a long-term commitment to grow basketball globally and are encouraged by the tremendous amount of untapped potential we see in India. NBA fans in India are passionate about their favorite teams and players, and through Adidas’ extensive retail network we will make available the largest selection of NBA performance and lifestyle merchandise ever in the country."
