The Minnesota Timberwolves will be honoring Minnesota-native Prince with their "City Edition" uniforms this year, similar to the way the Brooklyn Nets are paying tribute to Biggie. The T'Wolves special edition uniform incorporates multiple references to the legacy of Prince, including the iconic Purple Rain album.
According to today's press release, the left vent on the jersey bears a paisley leaf in tribute to Prince’s creative sanctuary – Paisley Park. The right shoulder pattern honors the iconic jacket Prince wore when performing “Purple Rain”. The “MPLS” on the left leg symbolizes the well-known Minneapolis Sound that Prince ushered in during the late 1970s. The Timberwolves partial logos on the right leg and on the belt buckle are in tonal purple – the regal color most closely associated with Prince. Tying it all together is the distinctive font, which is reminiscent of the 1980s Prince era.
Representatives of the Prince Estate and members of Prince’s family evidenced their pride in announcing the partnership with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which honors the inspiring life and iconic legacy of Prince Rogers Nelson. They stated:
“From a young age, Prince enjoyed basketball – as a player and a fan. From his days playing at Bryant Junior High and Central High in South Minneapolis, through countless pick-up games while on the road with bandmates around the world, he enjoyed the camaraderie and competition of the game. This partnership brings together the city of Minneapolis, and more broadly the state of Minnesota, in an exciting effort to uniquely honor Prince. We look forward to initiatives ahead – both on and off the court – that will extend from this campaign and echo throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. Thanks to the Timberwolves, Nike and the NBA.”
The Wolves are scheduled to wear the City Edition uniforms eight times during the regular season, starting on November 16 when they host the Portland Trail Blazers. The Wolves will also sport the uniforms for home games on January 11 vs. Dallas, February 13 vs. Houston, March 19 vs. Golden State and April 5 vs. Miami. The team will also wear the uniforms January 24 at Los Angeles Lakers, March 12 at Denver and March 14 at Utah.
According to the press release, the Timberwolves will also recognize and donate to non-profit organizations that advance causes important to Prince and that are actively involved in continuing his legacy. There will be an on-court check presentation to these organizations at home games where the City Edition uniforms are worn.