Every NBA team now wears several different uniforms across a season, and each one has its own name. Walk into an arena on any given night and you will see the home crowd split between bold primary colors, darker alternates and one-off city designs. For fans shopping for basketball jerseys, that variety is good news: you can choose a colorway that suits your style as well as your team.
The three names you will see most often are Icon, Statement and City Edition. Here is what each one means, followed by six current jerseys sorted by edition.
The Three Editions at a Glance
| Edition | What it represents | Look to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Icon | The franchise’s heritage and identity | The team’s bold primary color |
| Statement | The roster’s collective strength and competitive mindset | Darker alternate colors and details |
| City Edition | A story from the team’s home city, refreshed each season | A one-season design with local references |
Within each edition you will also see different cuts, from lightweight fan versions to the Authentic jersey built like the one worn on court. The picks below cover all three so you can compare.
Icon Edition Picks
If you want the color most people picture when they think of your team, start with an Icon Edition jersey.
Jaylen Brown Philadelphia 76ers Fast Break Jersey
- Royal Icon colorway inspired by the team’s on-court look
- Diagonal mesh fabric with a breathable, lightweight 170gsm feel
- Screen-printed name, numbers and team details
- Classic fit that runs true to size with some room through the body
- Made from 100% recycled polyester
Caleb Wilson Chicago Bulls 2026 NBA Draft First Round Pick Fast Break Jersey
- Red Icon design for one of the newest names on the Bulls roster
- The same breathable diagonal mesh and classic fit as the Fast Break line
- A good way to back a draft pick from his very first season
Anthony Davis Washington Wizards Nike Swingman Jersey
- Red Icon colorway celebrating the franchise’s heritage
- Dri-FIT technology wicks away moisture
- Breathable mesh with twill player name and numbers
- Standard fit that is neither too tight nor too loose
Statement Edition Picks
Statement jerseys carry darker, bolder alternates, and every team’s version features the Jumpman design.
Paul George Boston Celtics Jordan Brand Swingman Jersey
- Black Statement colorway with bold alternate details
- Dri-FIT moisture-wicking fabric and breathable mesh
- Twill name and numbers with heat-applied graphics
- Unisex standard fit
Jayson Tatum Boston Celtics Jordan Brand Authentic Player Jersey
- The Authentic cut, with a V-neck and droptail hem with side splits
- Sublimated gradient design and heat-sealed transfer appliqué
- Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry
- Fans say it runs small, so sizing up is worth considering
City Edition Pick
Memphis Grizzlies Nike 2025/26 City Edition Swingman Custom Jersey
- A white design celebrating the city’s soul music heritage, with platinum record details and vertical stripes
- A patterned trim inspired by Kente cloth around the neckband and side panel
- Lightweight double-knit fabric with stretch and a droptail hem with side vents
- Customizable with your own name; customized items are final sale
Fan Cut, Swingman or Authentic?
- Fast Break is the lightest option, with screen-printed graphics and a relaxed classic fit. It is easy to wear every day and to layer over a T-shirt.
- Swingman steps up to twill names and numbers and moisture-wicking fabric. It is a comfortable middle ground for regular game-goers.
- Authentic mirrors the on-court jersey most closely, with a more athletic cut. Check the sizing note before ordering.
Whichever cut you choose, wash jerseys inside out in cold water and let them air dry to protect the names and numbers.
Picking the Name on the Back
The edition sets the color, but the name is what people notice first. A franchise star is the safest choice if you want a jersey that stays relevant for several seasons. A draft pick or a newly traded player is a bolder bet that can become a favorite story if he settles in. Custom jerseys, like the City Edition pick above, let you add your own name instead, which works well for gifts. Whatever you choose, check whether the item can be returned before you order, since personalized jerseys usually cannot.
The Bottom Line
Choose the edition first: Icon for the classic team color, Statement for a darker alternate and City Edition for a one-season story. Then pick the cut that matches how often you will wear it. A well-chosen NBA jersey works at the arena, at a watch party and on the street.
The six jerseys above can all be found at Fanatics. If you enjoyed this guide, 2minuteread has a whole shelf of short reads on game day and fandom.