History of Team USA Basketball Uniforms at the Olympics: Silk Short Shorts, Dream Team Makeover and Today’s New Look


1936 marked the first time men’s basketball was an official Olympic sport. (Women’s basketball would make its Olympic debut 40 years later at the 1976 Summer Olympics.) Thanks to star players like Bill Russell, Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the U.S. has consistently dominated the competition, scoring a total of 16 gold medals in the sport — more than any other country.

What players wear on the court is often as important as the game itself. See how Team USA men’s basketball uniforms at the Olympics have evolved over the years, from silky short shorts to Air Jordans.

1956

Bill Russell of Team USA plays at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, uniforms, basketball, jerseys, shorts, sneakers, Converse

Bill Russell of Team USA plays at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

Bettmann Archive

Basketball shorts used to be a lot shorter — just take it from Russell, who played for the U.S. at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. Team uniforms consisted of striped silk shorts and ringer tank tops baring each player’s number, a notable diversion from later jerseys, which typically have “USA” logos on the front.

As was customary of many players at the time, the U.S. team wore Converse high-tops. They would go on to win gold at the 1956 Games.

1984

Wayman Tisdale of Team USA plays at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, uniforms, basketball, jerseys, shorts, sneakers, Converse

Wayman Tisdale of Team USA plays at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Disney General Entertainment Con

For the 1984 Olympics, basketball jerseys and matching shorts came in three different colorways: red, white and blue, no less. As shown above on Wayman Tisdale, the jerseys featured “USA” and each player’s number on the front, with larger digits displayed on the back.

A pair of striped tube socks and Converse Fastbreak sneakers completed the uniform. The U.S. basketball team took home gold once again at the Los Angeles Games.

1992

Michael Jordan of Team USA plays at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, dream team, uniforms, basketball, jerseys, shorts, sneakers, Nike, Champion

Michael Jordan of Team USA plays at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Getty Images

1992 marked the first Olympics where NBA players were allowed to compete. The “Dream Team” consisted of legendary players like Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who would score the U.S. another gold medal for basketball in Barcelona.

Champion was tasked with creating the team’s uniforms, which came in both white and navy. Mesh jerseys and shorts were emblazoned with “USA Basketball” logos and included striping down the sides. As shoe sponsorships for NBA stars became more prevalent, players wore styles from a variety of brands including Nike, Converse, LA Gear and Avia.

1996

Scottie Pippen of Team USA plays at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Nike, Champion, uniform, shorts, jersey, basketball, sneakers

Scottie Pippen of Team USA plays at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima

Champion returned to design Team USA Basketball’s Olympic uniforms for the 1996 Games. This time, jerseys were printed with funky graphics characteristic of the decade — rather than block letters, the “USA” logo was written in script and placed beside small basketball motifs.

Stars decorated the sides of both jerseys and shorts, adding patriotic flairs to the red, white and blue uniform. In Atlanta, the U.S. basketball team won gold for the 11th time.

2004

Allen Iverson of Team USA plays at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Reebok, uniforms, shorts, jersey, basketball, sneakers

Allen Iverson of Team USA plays at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

AFP via Getty Images

In 2004, Reebok dreamed up three uniform colorways for Team USA Basketball at the Athens Olympics. The red, white and blue outfits featured striped panels as well as a basketball and star logo on the shorts.

Most of the team sported various styles of Nike’s iconic Jordan sneaker, though Allen Iverson, pictured above, selected Reebok kicks. In a surprising upset, the U.S. took home bronze medals at the Athens Games.

2012

Kobe Bryant of Team USA plays at the 2012 London Olympics, basketball, Nike, uniforms, sneakers, shorts, jersey

Kobe Bryant of Team USA plays at the 2012 London Olympics.

Getty Images

Described by Nike as the company’s “lightest ever” Hyper Elite uniforms, Team USA Basketball wore white jerseys and shorts made from recycled polyester at the 2012 London Games. This time the “USA” logo was more angular, featuring sharp rather than rounded edges.

The back of each jersey was printed with a gradient American flag, while a red “swoosh” and a small red, white and blue basketball motif decorated the shorts. Nike also provided footwear for the team, who once again scored gold at the Olympics.

2024

Devin Booker of Team USA models the 2024 Paris Olympic basketball uniform, basketball, Nike, uniforms, sneakers, shorts, jersey

Devin Booker of Team USA models the 2024 Paris Olympic basketball uniform.

NBAE via Getty Images

Nike is once again outfitting Team USA at the Olympics. In Paris, the troupe will wear striped navy jerseys and shorts with red accents and white accents. Most of the team will sport Nike sneakers, but some players are opting for kicks by New Balance and Skechers.



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