The Indiana Pacers have confirmed they will wear a modernized version of their classic 1980s uniforms as their 2025–2026 City Edition jerseys. This move blends nostalgia with contemporary design, creating a look that pays homage to one of the most iconic eras in Pacers history while appealing to a new generation of fans. The refreshed jersey maintains the essence of the 1980s aesthetic — bold, clean, and unmistakably Pacers — but updates the details to reflect the sleekness and performance needs of today’s NBA.
At the heart of the new design is a clean white base, contrasted by a bold navy blue chest panel where the “PACERS” wordmark is prominently featured in vibrant yellow, outlined in white. The typeface is angular and aggressive, echoing the visual energy of the franchise’s mid-80s identity. One of the most striking features of the uniform is the yellow diagonal stripe that separates the blue chest panel from the white lower portion of the jersey. This design cue immediately evokes the geometric styling that defined the original version, while offering a crisper, more refined update.
Adding to the visual identity of the uniform are the collar and armhole trims, which alternate between blue, white, and yellow. These multi-colored details give the jersey a complete look without overwhelming the core design. The back of the jersey keeps things simple, with the player name in blue and the number in yellow, ensuring high visibility and visual balance. This combination of white, navy, and yellow is both modern and timeless — bold enough to pop on the court but respectful of the team’s roots.
The shorts complete the look with a similar approach to color and layout. Primarily white, they feature matching blue and yellow accents along the waistband and side panels. The waistband includes a small Pacers logo embedded inside the outline of the state of Indiana — a detail that underscores the team’s pride in its Hoosier roots. On the right leg of the shorts sits the team’s classic “P” logo from their earlier branding era, subtly reinforcing the uniform’s retro inspiration without making the look feel dated.
This City Edition uniform draws direct inspiration from the 1987 to 1990 design era — a period that coincided with a rise in team identity and the beginning of a golden age led by future Hall of Famer Reggie Miller. While those original uniforms were considered simple by modern standards, their strong lines and unique diagonal stripe set the Pacers apart. The 2025–26 version leans into that legacy while refining it with current tailoring, fabric technology, and modern graphic design techniques.
Previous City Edition uniforms have generated mixed reactions among fans. Over the past few seasons, the Pacers have experimented with a wide range of alternate looks, from pinstripe throwbacks to graffiti-inspired black kits. While these designs attempted to capture the city’s street culture, artistic community, and modern identity, some fans felt they lacked the timeless quality of the team’s earlier jerseys. The graffiti-style “INDY” jersey, for example, featured a black base with hand-drawn fonts and neon splashes — an ambitious design that appealed to younger audiences but left traditionalists unimpressed.
By contrast, the decision to bring back a cleaner, historically grounded aesthetic has already sparked excitement among fans, especially those who grew up watching the team in the 1980s and 1990s. There’s something powerful about a team returning to its visual roots during a competitive window. The Pacers have been on an upward trajectory in recent seasons, with a young and talented roster capable of deep playoff runs. Pairing that growth with a jersey that nods to a classic era signals continuity, confidence, and a respect for franchise history.
The Pacers have one of the most distinctive brand identities in the league, thanks to their long-standing use of blue and gold. That color scheme, deeply rooted in Indiana’s sporting history, evokes both tradition and professionalism. The updated 1980s jersey enhances those qualities. It’s not flashy or loud — it’s confident, assertive, and clean. In an NBA landscape where some City Edition jerseys change drastically each year or follow abstract design themes, this one stands out by sticking closer to the heart of what makes the Pacers’ look so enduring.
This uniform is more than just a style update — it reflects a broader trend across the NBA. Many teams have begun reintroducing modernized versions of legacy jerseys in recent years. Whether it’s the San Antonio Spurs bringing back fiesta-themed designs or the Detroit Pistons reviving teal from the late 90s, there’s a league-wide recognition that fans crave familiarity and continuity. The Pacers have taken a smart approach by reviving one of their most beloved designs while upgrading it just enough to feel fresh.
From a visual storytelling perspective, this jersey does a remarkable job. The navy blue chest plate is bold but balanced, anchoring the jersey and giving the player a strong on-court presence. The diagonal yellow stripe creates forward motion and energy, a metaphor for the team’s current trajectory. The white base allows all the colors to pop and ensures the uniform photographs well under arena lights. The trim and accents complete the story, bringing color and cohesion without distracting from the central design.
What also sets this City Edition apart is its practicality. Unlike some past alternate jerseys that felt more like fashion experiments, this version is game-ready in every sense. The layout is symmetrical and readable, making it ideal for TV broadcasts and high-speed action. The combination of colors allows for strong contrast against most opponents, ensuring versatility throughout the season. And from a merchandising perspective, this jersey is likely to be a bestseller. Its clean design and retro appeal make it attractive to fans of all ages — whether they remember the original or are discovering it for the first time.
The City Edition series has always been about more than just uniforms. It’s about connecting a franchise to its city, telling a story, and creating moments that resonate both on and off the court. For the Pacers, the story they’re telling with this 2025–26 City Edition jersey is one of legacy, pride, and forward momentum. It’s a reminder of where the team has been and where it’s going. By grounding the jersey in history while giving it a modern edge, the Pacers have managed to create a look that’s both nostalgic and aspirational.
The use of the Indiana state outline and the retro “P” logo are particularly meaningful. These elements tie the jersey not just to a time period but to a place and a community. The Pacers represent more than Indianapolis — they carry the spirit of the entire state. Including those state symbols reinforces the idea that this team, this uniform, and this season are part of something larger. It’s a visual way of saying, “This is Indiana basketball.”
This jersey also gives the players something tangible to rally around. Uniforms can have a psychological impact — when players feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves, it can enhance team cohesion and performance. Stepping onto the court wearing a uniform that echoes the past success of the franchise might provide an extra layer of motivation. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder of the legacy they’re upholding.
From a design standpoint, this City Edition succeeds because it knows exactly what it’s trying to do. It doesn’t overcomplicate things. There’s no unnecessary texture, no busy graphics, no forced symbolism. Everything about it — from the colors to the layout to the typography — feels intentional and authentic. It’s the kind of jersey that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. It speaks clearly, confidently, and with authority.
In the coming months, the Pacers will reveal the uniform officially with players modeling the full look, and it will make its on-court debut in select games during the 2025–26 NBA season. If history is any indicator, it’s likely to be warmly embraced, especially if the team continues its rise in the Eastern Conference. Fans will wear it to games, post photos of it on social media, and celebrate the way it ties past and present into one cohesive identity.
Ultimately, the new Pacers City Edition jersey is a testament to thoughtful design, strategic branding, and deep respect for franchise history. It’s a smart move that honors the past while aligning perfectly with the present — a clean, bold, and unmistakably Indiana statement that fans and players alike can be proud of.
