Northern Arizona University is launching into a new era of sports branding with a complete overhaul of their alternate identity. Introducing the Astrojacks: a space-themed transformation that includes a fresh color scheme, brand-new logos, new uniforms, and even a revamped mascot. Say hello to Blouie the Space Ox—yes, an ox that still wields an axe but now sports a futuristic aesthetic that ties directly into Flagstaff’s rich history in space research.
NAU’s new Astrojack uniforms ditch the school’s traditional gold and navy for a striking deep-space navy and sky blue palette, reflecting the beauty of Flagstaff’s Dark Sky City designation. The jersey features a sleek, modernized “A” logo with planetary rings, while the shorts include gradient striping reminiscent of the night sky. The side panels feature the words “Dark Sky City,” further cementing the school’s ties to astronomical exploration.
On the back of the jersey, player names and numbers pop in an electric blue, adding to the futuristic feel of the uniform. Even Blouie the Space Ox’s presence is felt with a secondary logo placement, ensuring that the new mascot is front and center in this interstellar rebranding.
Flagstaff is no stranger to space exploration. Home to the renowned Lowell Observatory—where Pluto was discovered—NAU is embracing its cosmic connection and joining a growing list of universities with space-related branding.
This space-centric shift opens up multiple opportunities beyond just a unique alternate identity. Special edition Astrojacks merchandise could be a massive hit, tapping into both sports fans and the broader Flagstaff community’s deep ties to astronomy.
NAU’s decision to roll out the Astrojacks branding in select sports is an intriguing move that signals potential long-term investment. If the fan response is strong, could we see this identity expand into a full-time rebrand? Only time will tell. For now, NAU is proving that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
The NBA has officially revealed the uniforms for the 74th NBA All-Star Game, set to take place on Sunday, February 16, at 8 PM ET in San Francisco. This year’s uniforms pay homage to the cultural richness of San Francisco and Oakland, seamlessly blending the identities of the Bay Area communities with a design that reflects the legacy of the host team, the Golden State Warriors. For the eighth consecutive year, Jordan Brand will be outfitting the league’s top stars, delivering a look that celebrates both history and innovation.
The navy and light blue uniforms incorporate design elements inspired by Oakland’s natural and cultural landmarks. A detailed pattern along the jersey and shorts represents the deep-rooted history of Oakland’s iconic oak trees. The belt buckle on the shorts prominently features an image of an oak tree, symbolizing strength and resilience. The vertical font on the jersey draws inspiration from Oakland’s renowned theater district, reflecting the city’s artistic and architectural heritage.
The red uniforms take cues from the vibrant energy and movement of San Francisco. The side pattern is designed to resemble the famous cable car lines that weave through the streets of San Francisco. The belt buckle on the shorts showcases an intricate image of a cable car, paying tribute to one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. The font on the jersey is designed to mimic the motion of a cable car climbing the city’s legendary hills, capturing the essence of San Francisco’s unique topography.
In addition to the city-specific elements, all 2025 NBA All-Star Game uniforms feature the NBA All-Star 2025 star logo displayed on the right chest, incorporating bridge-like details that echo the iconic Golden Gate and Bay bridges. The inscription “74th Annual” is positioned above the black jock tag on every jersey, commemorating this milestone event in NBA history.
With a design philosophy that intertwines the historical and cultural elements of both host cities, this year’s All-Star uniforms celebrate the essence of the Bay Area while providing a fresh and modern look for the league’s brightest stars. As the basketball world turns its eyes to San Francisco for the highly anticipated showdown, these uniforms will undoubtedly serve as a fitting tribute to the region’s storied legacy and enduring impact on the game.
Richmond men’s basketball is set to honor one of its most cherished figures, Greg Beckwith, with a special uniform debut during their January 25 home game against Davidson. The Spiders will don white throwback jerseys inspired by the 1985-86 season, Beckwith’s senior year, when he led the team to its second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. This tribute, created in collaboration with adidas and the Greg Beckwith Foundation, celebrates Beckwith’s lasting legacy both on and off the court.
Greg Beckwith, a Hall-of-Fame point guard for Richmond during the mid-1980s, passed away unexpectedly in May after a heart attack. His impact on the basketball program and beyond is immeasurable. Beckwith’s senior season in 1985-86 saw him guide the Spiders back to the NCAA Tournament, building on the success of the team’s historic first NCAA appearance in 1984, when they shocked Auburn and Charles Barkley in the first round.
The new white throwback uniforms were meticulously crafted to pay homage to the iconic style of the 1985-86 season. The jerseys feature a classic v-neck design made from white mesh, accented with navy blue and power red details. The school name is displayed in a vertical arc across the chest in full block font, with power red lettering outlined in navy blue. Additional elements include the adidas and Atlantic 10 logos, as well as a special #BeckEffect hashtag on the inner back collar, further emphasizing Beckwith’s enduring influence.
Richmond will also have a blue throwback version of the jerseys, which the team will wear for a future road game. Together, these uniforms serve as a visual connection to Beckwith’s time as a Spider and a reminder of his contributions to the sport.
The tribute goes beyond the court. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off at richmondspiders.com/auctions, with proceeds benefiting the Greg Beckwith Foundation. This foundation aims to provide scholarships for students aspiring to careers in the sporting goods industry while promoting inclusivity and diversity within the field.
The University of Hawaii women’s basketball team is set to make history this Saturday as they take to the court wearing fan-designed uniforms for the first time ever. The Rainbow Wahine will face off against the University of California, Irvine during the highly anticipated event, "Beeman’s Bigger Bash."
This annual event, named after head coach Laura Beeman, aims to break the single-game attendance record for UH women’s basketball. Last year, the event brought in over 5,000 fans, marking the highest attendance for the program in 20 years. The all-time record, however, dates back to 1998, when 6,192 fans packed the arena to cheer on the Rainbow Wahine. This year, the team is rallying fans to surpass that historic milestone.
Adding to the excitement, UH is the first college program in the nation to hold a nationwide uniform design contest, inviting fans to submit their creative visions. The contest garnered an impressive 125 submissions, with designs reflecting the spirit and culture of Hawaii.
The winning design, dubbed the “sUHrf City” uniform, was created by Isaac Daggett, a talented fan from Colorado Springs. Daggett’s design captures the essence of the islands and the pride of the Rainbow Wahine. To celebrate his achievement, UH will fly Daggett to Hawaii to attend Saturday’s game, where he will be honored on the court in front of thousands of fans.
“Beeman’s Bigger Bash” promises to be a night of thrilling basketball and community spirit, with fans encouraged to come out in full force to support the team and experience this groundbreaking moment. The debut of the “sUHrf City” uniform not only highlights the connection between the team and its passionate fanbase but also sets a new standard for fan engagement in collegiate sports.
Tip-off against UC Irvine is set for Saturday evening, and all eyes will be on the Rainbow Wahine as they chase victory and aim to make history both on and off the court. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this record-breaking event and witness the debut of a uniform designed by the fans, for the fans.
The University of Houston Men's Basketball program is set to unveil a striking new look as part of its homage to the city it proudly represents. On February 1, the Cougars will debut their Houston Blue uniforms during their Big 12 Conference showdown against Texas Tech.
The announcement of the Houston Blue uniforms was made during halftime of the Cougars' recent game against Utah at the Fertitta Center, generating excitement among fans and students alike. This initiative is part of the University of Houston Athletics' broader effort to honor the city of Houston by incorporating Houston Blue into its uniform selections. The commemorative uniforms are reserved for special occasions, particularly matchups against in-state rivals.
The Houston Blue concept extends beyond basketball. In the fall, the Houston Football team showcased their Houston Blue uniforms during a thrilling game against Baylor. Houston Volleyball also embraced the color for their match against Texas Tech, while the Women's Golf team proudly wore Houston Blue jerseys early in their fall season. This widespread adoption underscores the university's commitment to celebrating the rich history and culture of the city of Houston.
The significance of Houston Blue dates back over a century. In the early 1920s, the City of Houston installed its original street markers, characterized by light blue and white tiles embedded into drying cement curbs. Remarkably, approximately 4,000 of these historic markers still exist today, serving as a reminder of the city’s unique identity.
In the 1960s, the Houston Police Department adopted the light blue color for their patrol cars, further embedding the hue into the city's visual identity. Additionally, the Houston Buffs, the city’s former minor league baseball team, sported blue lettering on their white and gray jerseys. In 1960, the team’s caps featured a bold blue with a white "H," and by 1961, their jerseys proudly displayed light blue lettering. These historical connections have helped establish Houston Blue as a symbol of pride and tradition for the city.
Fans won’t want to miss the Cougars’ first appearance in their Houston Blue uniforms on February 1. The game against Texas Tech promises to be an electric event, celebrating both the team’s talent and the city’s rich heritage. With the Fertitta Center as the backdrop, the debut of Houston Blue will be a moment to remember, uniting the team, the university, and the city under one vibrant color.
For the first time in several years, the West Virginia Mountaineers will don a set of throwback uniforms, paying homage to one of the most legendary figures in basketball history—Jerry West. The uniforms are a near replica of what Jerry West proudly wore during his college career from 1958-1960. Featuring retro designs reminiscent of a golden era in West Virginia basketball, the jerseys and shorts bring back memories of the Chelyan, WV native's incredible legacy.
West’s accomplishments extended far beyond his college years. Selected as the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft by the Minneapolis Lakers, West carved out a legendary 14-year professional career.
As the Mountaineers step onto the court Saturday, it won’t just be about the game—it’ll be about remembering and celebrating the man who elevated West Virginia basketball to national prominence and went on to define excellence in the sport worldwide.
The Miami Heat is bringing the nostalgia and excitement of its beloved Vice campaign back to the court. Announced Thursday morning, the Heat revealed that the white Vice uniform, which first debuted during the 2017-18 season, will make its triumphant return for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. This fan-favorite look will replace the Heat’s traditional white Association uniform, starting Friday when Miami opens a three-game homestand against the Denver Nuggets.
“We have been working with the NBA and with Nike for a number of years to try to make this happen,” said Michael McCullough, Heat executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We are the only team that is going to be bringing another uniform for the rest of this season. This is not a full league initiative. This is the Miami Heat standing alone and bringing back this fan-favorite uniform for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.”
This decision marks a significant moment for both the franchise and its fans. The Heat’s Vice campaign has been one of the most popular and successful uniform initiatives in NBA history. The campaign began with the introduction of the white Vice uniform in the 2017-18 season and continued with a series of striking designs, including the black “Vice Nights” uniform, the bold laser fuchsia “Sunset Vice,” the vibrant blue gale “ViceWave,” and the gradient “ViceVersa” uniform that capped off the campaign in the 2020-21 season.
The numbers behind the Vice campaign illustrate its immense popularity. Since its debut, the Heat has sold over 230,000 Vice jerseys, accounting for more than half of the 440,000 jerseys sold by the team during this period. This success has generated an astounding $25 million in revenue from Vice jerseys alone. When factoring in additional Vice merchandise such as shorts, shirts, hats, and other items, the campaign has brought in more than $40 million in total revenue since 2018, representing about 40% of the Heat’s retail revenue during that time.
While the Heat has traditionally been defined by its red, black, and white colors and its gritty, hard-nosed persona, the Vice uniforms allow the team to showcase a fresh and vibrant side. “We started off as red, black and white, and we’re the toughest, meanest, nastiest, etc. We are still all of those things when we wear the Vice uniform,” McCullough explained. “However, our presentation gets to change, our look gets to change, the whole vibe around the team and the franchise gets to change.”
The Heat is scheduled to wear the white Vice uniform 20 times during the remainder of the regular season. That number could increase if Miami secures a spot in the playoffs, giving fans even more opportunities to see their team sport this iconic design on the court.
As the Heat prepares to embrace its past while continuing to push forward, the return of the white Vice uniform promises to bring an extra dose of excitement and style to the 2024-25 season. For fans and players alike, this nostalgic yet modern move ensures that Vice is here to stay—at least for now.
Player-exclusive Air Jordans occupy a special place in sneaker culture, representing the pinnacle of design and exclusivity. Among the NCAA programs sponsored by Jordan Brand, the University of North Carolina stands out as a perennial leader. The Tar Heels—steeped in basketball tradition and connected to the legacy of Michael Jordan—consistently receive some of the most stunning and sought-after designs. In 2025, UNC added another masterpiece to its collection with the unveiling of its latest Air Jordan 4 PE, a sneaker that seamlessly blends luxury, heritage, and innovation.
The 2025 Air Jordan 4 PE takes inspiration from the "First Class" PE originally crafted for WNBA athletes, while incorporating elements unique to the Tar Heels. At first glance, the sneaker’s striking design immediately captures attention, showcasing UNC’s signature light blue across premium materials. Pebbled leather adorns the mudguard, tongue, and heel tab, complemented by smooth leather overlays that enhance its sophisticated aesthetic.
Adding to its luxury appeal, metallic gold accents elevate the sneaker’s details. These accents appear on the lace dubraes, branding, and an exclusive custom hangtag engraved with UNC’s logo. The two-tone midsole in UNC blue ties the entire design together, sitting atop a tonal rubber outsole with a visible Air unit for a perfect blend of flair and functionality.
The standout feature of this PE is the inclusion of 3D metallic gold Jumpman logos on the tongue and heel, each adorned with a diamond accent. These details not only emphasize the sneaker’s premium craftsmanship but also symbolize luxury and the Tar Heels’ enduring excellence on the court. Every aspect of the design reflects Jordan Brand’s dedication to creating player exclusives that merge performance with style.
While sneaker enthusiasts might dream of owning this stunning pair, the Air Jordan 4 PE is reserved exclusively for UNC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. This rarity only enhances its status as a collector’s dream. As with all great PEs, its limited availability ensures its place as a symbol of prestige within the world of sneakers.
The Marquette men's basketball team delivered a stylish sleek black Player Edition uniforms. This season, the Golden Eagles have been honoring the program's iconic looks from the past, and this latest edition continues the theme with a modern twist and nostalgic nods to Marquette's rich basketball history.
The new look wasn’t just a product of the team’s designers—it was shaped by the voices of Marquette’s senior leaders. David Joplin, Kam Jones, and Stevie Mitchell played a key role in providing input for the design, ensuring that the uniforms resonate with both players and fans. Their contributions helped create a uniform that not only looks sharp on the court but also carries a deeper connection to the program's history and legacy.
Marquette’s black uniforms pay homage to some of the most memorable eras in the Golden Eagles’ history. The design features camouflage piping, a standout detail that nods to the Doc Rivers era when the now-Milwaukee Bucks head coach starred at Marquette. The uniforms also feature a bold gold stripe, paying tribute to the classic look made famous by Dwyane Wade during his legendary performances for the Golden Eagles. The numbers on the jerseys add another thoughtful element, drawing inspiration from the style of the Miami Heat, a franchise that has featured former Marquette greats like Wade and Jimmy Butler.
These black uniforms are more than just a fresh look—they embody the balance between honoring Marquette’s storied past and showcasing its forward-looking identity. The decision to unveil this design was about more than aesthetics. It reflects the program’s deep pride in its history, its connection to iconic players, and its commitment to uniting the team under a shared legacy.
With these Player Edition uniforms, Marquette has once again struck the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. The sleek black design, enhanced by nostalgic touches and senior leadership input, is yet another bold statement from the Golden Eagles: their legacy continues to inspire, and their future remains bright.
The University of Central Florida has once again embraced its ties to space exploration with the unveiling of the 2024-25 "Space U" basketball uniforms for both the men’s and women’s teams. This latest iteration of UCF’s Space-themed attire continues to celebrate the university’s rich connection to the stars and its identity as a hub for aerospace innovation.
The uniforms feature a sleek white base, offering a clean and futuristic canvas for the bold "SPACE U" lettering emblazoned across the chest. This centerpiece is complemented by custom number fonts that add a unique flair to the design. Black and carnival blue piping along the edges bring sharp contrast and a pop of vibrant color, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the Space U branding.
With each detail meticulously crafted, these uniforms are more than just gear—they’re a statement of UCF’s commitment to innovation and excellence both on and off the court. Fans can expect to see these standout designs in action throughout the 2024-25 season, showcasing the Knights’ pride and their unbreakable connection to the cosmos.
As UCF continues to cement its legacy in athletics and space exploration, the "Space U" uniforms are yet another reminder of the university’s bold vision and unique identity. Keep an eye on the Knights as they take to the court in style, aiming for new heights in both basketball and beyond.
