Several NBA teams have unveiled their new City Edition uniforms today, all of which I’ll attempt to cover in the next day or two.
First up are the Portland Trail Blazers, who unveiled their 2024-25 City Edition (CE) uniform, which they’re referring to as “Peak Plaid.”
Let’s start with the hype video…
PEAK 🏔️ PLAID
Introducing our new 2024-25 Nike NBA City Edition Jersey!
Learn More: https://t.co/Kzwj59a5ut pic.twitter.com/TGfu9kNE9y
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 14, 2024
While not a rehash or color swap of previous CE uniforms, it does bear many similarities to previous CE uniforms, particularly with the “plaid” theme and the “ripcity” wordmark, which habe been themes used on previous editions.
The uniform is black with a sublimated pattern. It features “ripcity” in script across the chest in white letters, outlined in red. Numbers are below and to the left of the wordmark, also in white and outlined in red.
Here’s how the team describes the new unis: They are “honoring the beauty and spirit of the Pacific Northwest while blending classic plaid heritage with a contemporary flair. The black jersey blends a modern plaid design with white plaid wordmarks and numbers that evoke the snowy peaks of iconic Mount Hood. Subtle nods to the legendary Oregon peak can also be found throughout the shorts, tying the entire look together.”
Additionally,
This year’s Nike NBA City Edition uniform and apparel collection embodies the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the natural landmarks and the resilient spirit that makes the region iconic. The silhouette of Mount Hood, prominently displayed on the uniform, is a tribute to the place we call home and the deep bond between Rip City and nature.
Inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s stunning landscapes, the uniform features a PNW-themed belt buckle, classy tone-on-tone red seam taping with “Pacific Northwest” lettering, and the silhouette of majestic Mount Hood on one side of the shorts. Additional details include the coordinates of Mount Hood below the jocktag, white plaid accent wings, and the primary pinwheel logo adorning the shorts. This year’s City Edition uniform will also include the Brightside Windows jersey patch alongside the Bill Walton tie-dye tribute band.
Despite the corporate-speak, this is a pretty good description of the features of the new uniform. Here are a couple additional looks at the uniform, and then we’ll get into the details described above.
JERSEY
SHORTS
While the uniform gives the appearance of being solid black, there are subtle patterns throughout. The “ripcity” script isn’t solid white, but contains a plaid pattern within the wordmark.
You can also see from that photo above that the uniform has a pattern of white circles throughout the material.
The rear of the jersey features a gold tab with the number “1” (a reference to the number of NBA titles the team has won).
Within the tone-on-tone red seam taping, the words Pacific Northwest are present.
The rear of the jersey features white notches on either side of the shoulder straps, and these two have subtle plain patterns.
Beneath the jock tag are the coordinates for Mt. Hood.
The classic Trail Blazers logo is found just above the left hem of the shorts.
The waistband of the shorts has a logo containing the outline of the state of Oregon, with the initials P/N/W spaced throughout, with a graphic representation of Mt. Hood below.
Here’s another look at the full jersey:
“We’re excited to unveil our quintessential PNW Plaid 2024-25 City Edition uniforms to Rip City,” said Ryan Flaherty, Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing, Portland Trail Blazers. “This year’s uniform and apparel collection shines a spotlight on the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest while mixing plaid heritage with modern vibes. Just as Rip City and the Trail Blazers have built deep connections over the past 50+ years, this uniform celebrates the even deeper connection we share with the incredible landscapes around us.”
The team will debut the new CE on Sunday, November 17, when the Trail Blazers take on the Atlanta Hawks.
With so many CE uniforms being released today, I’m going to hold off on offering many opinions — since these feel more and more like a merch dump than anything else. I do like the sublimated plaid touches (although they’ve pretty much played that feature out over the past several iterations). And of course, the plaid is barely noticeable in extreme close-ups, so it certainly won’t be visible at any distance or even fairly close up on TV. I’ve always liked the Blazers’ colors and designs, so strictly as a uniform, this one is fine.
Your thoughts?
A merch dump!!!??? These are so tough almost as tough as texans battle red or the leagues alternate helmets the city connects are great city edition even better classic jerseys or regular jerseys suck. The newer the better, the more colorful the more design in it the better.The Storytelling is also great.
From a purely graphic design standpoint I like it, but (as with all city editions) it has no new ideas and is just a boring copy of everything nike has already tried to do.
I’m not from Portland, but I’ve always thought “rip city” was a silly nickname, much like “The Land” and “Sac-Town.”
it’s culturally significant to the team, and by relation, the city… plus Rose City ain’t as fun.
When Oregon legalized weed, I had always hoped the team would lean into the “Blazers” identity, and debut a “ripped city” green alternate uniform.
“Rip City” was coined by the Blazer’s beloved original radio announcer, the late Bill Schonely in the ’70s. It’s means as much to the team and the city as the iconic pinwheel does.
The coordinates under the jock tag are actually for Mt. Hood, not Portland. I expected it to be for the Moda Center but I guess they’re really leaning into the Mt. Hood iconography.
I came here to say this as well. When these were leaked awhile back I looked up the coordinates and found it was the peak of Mt Hood.
My bad. I actually had the coordinates as Mt. Hood in a different section; now corrected. Good spot!
Boring and superfluous.