For the 25th anniversary of the iconic 2000-01 season, which featured an incredible run to the NBA Finals, Nike and the 76ers have released the infamous black jersey for the upcoming 25-26 season.
The iconic 2000s Sixers font has been a fashion staple for fans since its introduction, and many fans have been waiting for its return. The uniform worn by greats such as Andre Iguodala, Eric Snow, and, of course, Allen Iverson finally making a comeback has many Sixers fans excited.
Sixers fans and NBA fans alike know the impact these uniforms have on the city. The first memory many fans have of these jerseys is the iconic “AI Stepover” in the 2001 NBA Finals, where Iverson made himself a Philadelphia icon forever. He was many fans’ first jersey, and going to games in recent years, you can still spot that jersey in almost every row.
“I am excited for their return,” high schooler Nick Nolek said. “Allen Iverson was my first jersey, and my dad always wears his black hoodie with that logo on it, so maybe this will bring that early 2000s vibe back to the city.”
The 76ers are hopping on a trend in Philadelphia. With this nostalgic touch, they join their neighbors in re-releasing iconic retro looks. In 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles brought back their Kelly Green uniforms, and have been undefeated while wearing them. Back in 2018, the Phillies started “Throwback Thursdays” and would wear their powder blue jerseys, paying homage to that look in the 1980s. And most recently, the Flyers changed their color of orange to match the color of their 1990s teams, which started their trademarked “New Era of Orange.”
“I am excited for it,” junior Isaac Kane said. “All the teams have throwback jerseys, and the Sixers are getting a throwback court as well. It is a special time in our city.”
With this trend, the teams in South Philly have been seeing increased success. After a year marred by injuries for the 76ers and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018, fans are hoping the iconic look rocked by Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey brings back the early 2000s success and sees the 76ers make a deep playoff push in the upcoming 2025-26 season.