Today : Jun 05, 2025
Sports
03 June 2025

Orlando Magic Unveil Nostalgic Yet Modern New Jerseys

The team introduces a fresh logo, three retro-inspired uniforms, and a new court that honor past legends while igniting excitement for the future

The Orlando Magic have officially stepped into a new era with a bold rebrand unveiled on June 3, 2025, that masterfully blends nostalgia with a fresh, modern identity. Marking the dawn of what the franchise calls a "new generation of Magic basketball," the team revealed a new logo, three new jerseys, and a redesigned court at the Kia Center in Orlando, electrifying fans and signaling a bright future for the team.

During the Magic's 35th anniversary season in 2023-24, a wave of nostalgia swept through the fanbase when head coach Jamahl Mosley and his staff began sporting pullovers emblazoned with the team's original secondary logo—a full basketball trailed by a stream of stars. This sparked a renewed enthusiasm for the franchise's rich history, especially among longtime supporters who fondly recall the glory days of Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee Hardaway. That season also saw the Magic don the Tracy McGrady-era stars jersey for the first time as their official throwback, further stoking excitement for the team's classic looks.

Yet, with the Magic having sported essentially the same jersey set since 2009, fans were eager for a change. Rumors of a rebrand had been circulating for years, and the timing felt right as the team resurged, led by young stars Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. The new identity unveiled on Tuesday embraces the franchise’s past while projecting confidence in its future.

At the heart of the rebrand is a new logo that pays homage to the Magic’s original design from 1989-98. The new circular emblem features the full basketball from the original secondary logo, now accompanied by a streamlined cascade of stars that conveys motion and progress. Notably, the iconic star returns as a focal point, replacing the “A” in both “Orlando” and “Magic” in the wordmarks, just as it did in the team’s earliest branding. This design choice, a fan favorite, reconnects the team to its roots while signaling a fresh chapter.

Magic Executive Vice President of Marketing and Social Responsibility Shelly Wilkes described the new logo and uniforms as "an extension of the mission to be world champions on and off the court," emphasizing that the rebrand reflects the "excellence our organization strives for from our ownership to our staff, coaches and players." She added, "Based on fan feedback, the new logo was a collaboration and really a labor of love, keeping in mind the affinity our fans have for our brand identity. This logo and new uniforms signify the beginning of a new era of excellence for the Magic while paying homage to the past."

The three new uniforms—the Association (white), Icon (blue), and Statement (black)—are described by the team as "modern classics" that honor the Magic’s most iconic jerseys while ushering in a new era. The Association and Icon editions prominently feature bold vertical pinstripes, a signature look that fans have long cherished. Both include the “MAGIC” and “ORLANDO” wordmarks with the star replacing the “A,” and a bold star adorns the shorts, tying the look together with a sharp, cohesive style.

The white Association uniform showcases thin black/blue/black striping around the neck and arm openings, with the player number in blue outlined in black. Its shorts feature a thick black/blue/black waistband and large star logos on both sides. The blue Icon uniform mirrors this design, with white pinstripes on a blue base and thin black/white/black striping. The player number is white with a thin black outline, centered beneath the “ORLANDO” wordmark.

Perhaps the boldest design move is the Statement uniform, the only Jordan Brand jersey in the lineup. It draws inspiration from the Magic’s original on-court warm-up jackets, featuring black pinstripes on a black base with a blue top third. The “MAGIC” wordmark tilts diagonally across the chest in black bordered by grayish-white stripes, with the star again replacing the “A.” Silver-gray and black striping adorn the collar and arm openings, and the player number is white with a blue outline, slightly offset. The black shorts have vertical pinstripes, a solid black waistband with a new “ORLANDO” logo centered, and the new blue basketball and stars logo on both sides.

The unveiling was accompanied by a hype video that celebrated the Magic’s storied past and current momentum, further energizing the fanbase. The new court design also reflects this blend of tradition and modernity, providing a fresh stage for the Magic’s next chapter.

Reception to the rebrand has been largely positive. Critics and fans alike have praised the white jersey as one of the best in the NBA, highlighting the star replacing the “A” and the tasteful lettering size. The pinstriping across all uniforms has been noted as a welcome nod to classic basketball aesthetics, with many calling for more teams to embrace such subtle detailing. The blue uniform is celebrated for its traditional feel, though some suggest the “Orlando” font could be slightly more prominent.

While the black Statement jersey pays homage to the original warm-up jackets, some feel the blue paneling works better on longer-sleeve apparel than on the tank-top style of the jersey. Nonetheless, the pinstripes and star-centric design elements maintain its strong connection to the franchise’s heritage.

Sales data underscore the enduring popularity of the Magic’s classic look. Hardwood Classics gear accounts for 14 percent of the team’s total merchandise sales, ranking among the top 10 items sold. This clearly shows that fans cherish the team’s history and eagerly embrace any nods to it.

Looking ahead, the Magic have signaled that while this rebrand marks a significant new era, throwback nights featuring the original jerseys are still on the horizon. The 2028-29 season, the team’s 40th anniversary, is already earmarked for special celebrations that will likely bring back the beloved original uniforms for fans to enjoy.

As the Orlando Magic embark on this new chapter, the fusion of past and present in their branding reflects the franchise’s ambitions. With a young core poised to make waves in the Eastern Conference, the team’s refreshed look offers a visual symbol of hope, pride, and a commitment to excellence. Whether it’s the star shining in the logo or the familiar pinstripes on the court, the Magic’s new identity is designed to inspire both longtime supporters and new fans alike.

For now, the Magic’s new jerseys, logo, and court stand ready to make their mark as the team looks to translate this fresh energy into on-court success. The Magic have created a look that is unmistakably theirs—rooted in history, yet boldly forward-looking—as they chase their ultimate goal of championship glory.