NBA Jersey Ads Approved By League, Will Debut In 2017-18 Season

It’s official: NBA jersey ads are coming.

The league on Friday announced that beginning in the 2017-18 season, teams will be allowed to wear 2 1/2 inch-by-2 1/2 inch sponsorship patches on the front of their game jerseys.

“Jersey sponsorships provide deeper engagement with partners looking to build a unique association with our teams and the additional investment will help grow the game in exciting new ways,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “We’re always thinking about innovative ways the NBA can remain competitive in a global marketplace, and we are excited to see the results of this three-year trial.”

A Nike logo also will be added to the front of each jersey when the NBA switches over from adidas in 2017, according to a league release. The sponsorship patch will be positioned on upper-left chest, with the swoosh appearing on the upper right.

Here’s an example of what the Boston Celtics’ jerseys might look like two seasons from now:

Jersey sponsorships will be sold through the individual teams, which can choose whether or not to use the walking billboards on the retail versions.

Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photoshop via NESN.com