Chicago Sun-Times

Sky getting fresh look

WNBA’s 25th season brings 3 new uniforms for each of its teams

- BY ANNIE COSTABILE, STAFF REPORTER acostabile@suntimes.com | @AnnieCosta­bile

The WNBA unveiled new uniforms for its 25th-anniversar­y season, and fans on social media immediatel­y began discussing how they would style the eye-grabbing jerseys.

The WNBA’s three uniform editions — Heroine, Explorer and Rebel — for each of its 12 teams feature a patch commemorat­ing the 25th season, numbers on the front of the jersey, smaller ads and fresh new designs.

The league released a video of guard Diamond DeShields unveiling the Sky’s new threads.

‘‘These are going to look crazy on the court,’’ DeShields said.

Each edition of the jersey has its own story behind the design and style. The Sky’s Rebel Edition, which plays into their signature sky-blue color, signifies women of Chicago breaking through glass ceilings and pushing beyond boundaries. It’s meant to send a message to Chicagoans, specifical­ly women, that nothing can stop a team of women from this city.

Nike has partnered with the WNBA on uniforms since 2018, but there was a need for more to be done, the company said in a statement.

‘‘The basketball uniform is an important representa­tion of the brand of WNBA players and teams and a point of pride for fans,’’ WNBA commission­er Cathy Engelbert said. ‘‘In partnershi­p with Nike, unveiling new and exciting adaptation­s of the WNBA uniforms is a dynamic way to build on the foundation of the league’s first 25 years.’’

Each game jersey is numbered from 1 to 144 to represent the 144 athletes in the league. The jerseys were adjusted slightly to add more room across the chest and will feature three necklines: a round neck, a V-neck and the wishbone. Changes also were made to the shorts, providing more room in the thighs and glutes.

Magellan and the University of Chicago Medicine are still the Sky’s jersey sponsors. Their logos can be seen on the top right shoulder of the jersey and beneath the player’s number.

Next Wednesday, fans will be able to purchase all 12 teams’ Rebel Edition and Explorer Edition jerseys on Nike.com and at select team stores, Fanatics and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

 ?? CHICAGO SKY ?? The Sky’s new uniforms (from left) for the 2021 season are the Explorer, Heroine and Rebel editions.
CHICAGO SKY The Sky’s new uniforms (from left) for the 2021 season are the Explorer, Heroine and Rebel editions.
 ?? CHICAGO SKY ?? Sky center Stefanie Dolson models the team’s new Rebel Edition uniform, which signifies Chicago women breaking through glass ceilings.
CHICAGO SKY Sky center Stefanie Dolson models the team’s new Rebel Edition uniform, which signifies Chicago women breaking through glass ceilings.

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