NBA Store Global · Articles

Fan Gear Shaped Directly by the Players Who'd Wear It First

Fan Gear Shaped Directly by the Players Who'd Wear It First

Most team merchandise is designed by brand teams with fans as the primary consideration from the start. Nike's new 2026 NBA Standard Issue collection flips that process, building the line around what players themselves actually wear before stepping onto the court.

Genuinely shaped by player and athlete input

The 2026 NBA Standard Issue Collection was specifically shaped by input from more than 400 elite high school players, 100 NBA athletes, and all 30 NBA teams — a collaborative design process rather than a top-down decision made purely by brand designers.

The actual pre-game look players wear, now available to fans

This collection is specifically described as what players put on before the game begins — appearing in locker rooms, during tunnel walks, and throughout pre-game warmups across all 30 NBA teams, meaning fans are buying the genuine on-court preparation look, not a separate fan-only design.

Pre-Game Performance construction for genuine functionality

As part of the Pre-Game performance tier, the long sleeve t-shirt is built using Nike's performance fabric technology — designed to function as genuine athletic apparel suited to warmups and activity, not purely a casual cotton tee styled to look athletic.

Distinct from the Practice Icon line within the same collection

The Standard Issue collection specifically separates into Practice Icon pieces (built with Aero-Fit Bouncy Fleece for hoodies, and Stretch Dri-FIT for pants and shorts) and the Pre-Game tier this long sleeve shirt belongs to — letting fans understand exactly where each piece fits within Nike's broader design structure.

A design language built around dual expression

The collection is specifically built in two tones — bold, oversized graphics for fans who want to stand out, and more understated, subtle pieces for those preferring a quieter expression of team pride — giving genuine stylistic choice within the same official collection.

Team-specific design details with real local meaning

Each team's design within the collection includes details inspired by that franchise's history and city heritage — meaning the Atlanta Hawks' specific colourway and graphics carry genuine local identity rather than a generic template applied across all 30 teams.

Part of a deliberately modern NBA fan wear reinvention

Nike specifically describes this collection as reinventing how team identity and basketball culture are expressed, connecting what athletes wear on and around the court with how fans express their own passion for the game — a stated design philosophy rather than simply another seasonal merchandise refresh.

Available across the full official NBA Store range

Beyond this specific long sleeve shirt, the Standard Issue collection extends across hoodies, sweatshirts, pants, shorts, and bags — letting fans build a full, coordinated look within the same connected collection.

At a glance

Who it suits

This shirt suits Atlanta Hawks fans wanting the genuine, player-informed pre-game look rather than a generic fan-only design, particularly those who prefer team gear with real on-court functional construction. Anyone wanting the collection's bolder, more statement-making graphic treatment instead should look at the Standard Issue's alternate graphic-forward pieces, which share the same design process in a louder visual style. Shop the Atlanta Hawks Nike 2026 Standard Issue Long Sleeve T-Shirt — **

Related brands