The WNBA is leaning into its history for its 30th season, with three of its original franchises — the New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury — set to wear throwback uniforms during select games in 2026.
The retro designs, featuring the league’s original logo and classic colorways, will debut as part of “Court Origins Nights,†a series of marquee matchups throughout the season. The Liberty are scheduled to unveil their uniforms on opening night against the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center.
Beyond jerseys, the initiative extends to full in-arena and broadcast experiences, including vintage-inspired court designs for all three teams. Players have already embraced the look, with Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton praising the return of classic colors.
The campaign also includes a commemorative game ball from Wilson, reinforcing the league’s broader push to celebrate its legacy while engaging a growing fanbase.
However, the rollout highlights a familiar challenge: timing. While the jerseys are being heavily promoted ahead of the season, they won’t be available for purchase until May 21 — potentially missing out on early demand during opening weeks.
Still, the anniversary initiative underscores the WNBA’s strategy of blending nostalgia with modern fan engagement, using heritage as both a branding tool and a commercial driver.