NBA to Allow Ads on Practice Jerseys

July 30 -- According to USA Today, the desire for new revenue during the economic downturn has the NBA and NHL entertaining the once-taboo prospect of corporate sponsorships for game uniforms.

Beginning this season the NBA will let teams sell ads on their practice jerseys, as announced by deputy commissioner Adam Silver. He also indicated that the league is continuing to explore the issue of ads on game jerseys.

“We are operating a diverse business all around the world,” Silver said. “[The sponsored game jersey] is a well-established practice in other countries. Ultimately, I think our fans will come to accept it.”

The NBA is in the process of developing its guidelines, said NBA spokesman Mike Bass. WNBA teams were allowed to sell ads on game jerseys this season and two teams took advantage. The WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and Los Angeles Sparks featured LifeLock and Farmer’s Insurance, respectively, prominently featured on the front on their jerseys.

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