http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2009-07-28-jersey-ads_N.htm
The NBA and other sports are suffering from the hard economic times as we all are. They and others have been entertaining the idea to have sponsors or advertisements on jerseys. Much like soccer in Europe and America, the NBA would simply place a company logo on the front of the jersey rather than the teams logo (picture above).
Soccer in the U.S. and Europe have already adapted this idea and have been met with mediocre reactions. The economic influence wasn't that much impactful, but since it has been in place for so long, fans have pretty much just got used to it. This is working out great for the advertising company because during an entire game the team is wearing their logo, as well as if a fan wants to go buy a jersey to support the team it has their logo on it again. So fans end up becoming walking advertisements for the company sponsoring the team. That is what has NBA fans in an uproar. Like fans of any sport, they consider theirs to be the best. NBA fans feel that they would dumbing down their sport or "stooping" to soccer's level by placing logos on jerseys. This idea has been tossed around more than once, and could one day be a reality. If it ever does happen NBA fans will cry in outrage, but as with all things, time heals all wounds, and the out rage might once be forgotten.
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