INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pacers fans remember when the team unveiled their new City Edition jerseys, playing on a vibrant one-of-a-kind court for the NBA's first-ever In Season Tournament.
The City Edition alternate jerseys are part of an initiative across the NBA, but it also gave life to a collaboration that's unique only to Indy.
Monty Matuka is the founder and creative director of MELI. His sophisticated streetwear with a message is now available in the Pacers Team Store.
MELI is an acronym that stands for "advocating for More Equality, Less Ignorance all around the world," Matuka said.
He's designed a special line of gear incorporating the iconic City Edition Pacers logo. You know what they say — if you wait long enough, it comes back in style — that's true for this retro design. Matuka said the crew neck, sweatpants and sweatshirt's designs were inspired by 1990s street ball culture.
"That's why you see the 3D puff print spray paint splatter effect. There was a lot of graffiti and street art on the buildings and stuff," Matuka said.
Beyond the easily recognizable Pacers logo, there are nods to Hoosier identity.
"You see a total of 19 stars on the pants for two reasons, number one, Indiana being the 19th state of the USA, reflecting the fans, the players and the staff," Matuka said, showcasing the design of the fleece pants.
NBA All-Star Weekend has ramped up the excitement for local basketball fans, though it could be a while before you see the City Edition style back in the starting lineup.
"So this is the only year that we will wear this uniform. Once the '23-'24 season is over, it will go into the vault, and you may see it years from now, no time in the near future," said Lauren Roa, vice president of merchandising and retail for the Pacers.
Roa said partnerships like this one will come around more often for other local creatives.
However, just like the jerseys, you can only snag these pieces with both the MELI and Pacers logo for a limited time.
"This is a huge opportunity and maybe once in a lifetime. I mean, these may come few and far in between for a streetwear brand," Matuka said.
Feb. 8 is the last time the Pacers Team Store at Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be open for Pacers fans to grab gear for a little while. After the Blue and Gold take on the Golden State Warriors, the store will close in order to transform and make room for All-Star Weekend merchandise. It will re-open with Pacers merchandise on Monday, Feb. 19.