NEW YORK – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is celebrating its landmark 20th season by unveiling new team uniform colors and commemorative items.  The season tips off on May 14 with five games, highlighted by an ESPN telecast of the defending WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury at 7:30 p.m. ET.

To create an updated oncourt look for the historic season, the WNBA and adidas, the league’s official oncourt apparel provider, will introduce a new palette of colors for 10 teams.  The uniforms, designed in primary and secondary team colors, will replace the traditional white home and color road uniforms worn by most WNBA teams.  Uniforms for the Los Angeles Sparks and San Antonio Stars will remain the same since both teams already feature all-color uniform designs.

To honor the three teams that competed in the WNBA’s 1997 inaugural season, team-specific 20th season patches will be featured on the front left chest of the New York Liberty’s, Phoenix Mercury’s and Sparks’ jerseys during the 2016 season.  Additionally, all 12 WNBA teams will pay tribute to the 20th season with a special logo on the back neckline of their jerseys.  The WNBA announced earlier this month that branding for marquee partner Verizon will appear on the front of 10 team jerseys.

In addition to the uniform changes, Spalding and adidas have also developed 20th season commemorative items.  As the official basketball of the WNBA since the league’s inception, Spalding will introduce a new game ball embossed with the 20th season logo.  The special-edition basketball will be available on WNBAStore.com in April and debut oncourt during the WNBA preseason beginning April 29.

adidas will unveil a limited-edition 20th anniversary sneaker featuring a black, orange and white design inspired by the 20th season logo.  Only 150 pairs will be produced and used for league auctions and local team activations during the 2016 season.  adidas will also offer WNBA 20th season apparel, including T-shirts and headwear, on WNBAStore.com and at the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue for the start of the season.

About the WNBA

The WNBA – which features 12 teams and is the most successful women’s professional team sports league in the world – is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity.  The league, which counts Verizon as its leaguewide marquee partner, will begin its 20th regular season in May 2016.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education.  For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.