The National Basketball Association (NBA) and BTS’ SUGA announced on Friday, August 25, its collaboration with clothing brand Mitchell & Ness for a new apparel collection.

The collection comes months after SUGA was named as the league’s global ambassador in April. “Music and basketball have been shared passions of mine since my youth, and it’s a dream to be named an NBA ambassador,” SUGA said then. 

As an NBA ambassador, the rapper is expected to participate in numerous initiatives and promotional activities that will be featured on the league. 

In an official release, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum also shared his excitement towards joining forces with the worldwide superstar. 

Tatum said: “We look forward to working with SUGA to bring the same excitement he engenders from his global fanbase in support of our continued efforts to grow our brand.” 

Even before he was made an ambassador, SUGA has been very vocal about being an avid fan of basketball. The producer opened up that he initially dreamt of becoming a professional basketball player when he was younger. 

In one of BTS’ initial interviews, the rapper also revealed that even his stage name is inspired by the sport. The idol took “SUGA” out of the first syllables of “Shooting Guard”, a position he played during his early years.

The SUGA X NBA Capsule Collection 

Taking their relationship into the next step, the NBA and the South Korean idol now unveiled its collaboration with the American sports clothing company Mitchell & Ness. 

Titled “Suga x NBA Capsule Collection,” it will feature a total of six NBA teams. The list includes Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets.

These teams were chosen based on the US locations the BTS member visited for his Agust D D-DAY world tour.

 

The apparel will include hoodies, jackets, t-shirts, shorts, and headwear featuring the said teams. The collection, which SUGA personally provided creative input into, will also include the Agust D logo.

“I’m so excited for the next phase of my relationship with the league with the launch of my very own NBA capsule collection. As a longtime fan of the NBA and its teams, this collection is incredibly special to me. I look forward to sharing this with all of you.” SUGA said.

Meanwhile, NBA announced that the “SUGA x NBA Capsule Collection” will be available in the coming weeks via NBA stores, Mitchell & Ness stores, and HYBE’s Weverse Shop. 

Fans can also get early access to the collection by registering with an NBA ID through the league’s Official Website.

In other news, SUGA started his military enlistment process in early August. He will be the third member of BTS to enlist in the military. 

Featured image: NBA shares SUGA’s capsule collection. Credit: Twitter/NBA