Yes, yes, we know. The ball doesn’t make the player. You’ve convinced us. But the jersey? Come on, who are you kidding? Of course players want to feel fresh when they step on the court. They want a little drip, too. We can throw in more Gen Z slang if that helps make our case.
And you’re telling us you don’t notice what teams are wearing? Sure you don’t. Jerseys and style are part of basketball culture. You might as well embrace it.
This EuroLeague season has given us some interesting looks, along with a few we could happily forget. Which ones? Let’s get into it.
Panathinaikos: The lucky Acropolis meets green and gold
Panathinaikos AKTOR won its seventh EuroLeague title in 2024 with the Acropolis featured on its jersey. The club changed its main kit twice after that, but Dimitris Giannakopoulos wanted the lucky design back, and elements of the 2023/24 jersey returned in the following two seasons.
This year’s kit brings it all together: the cut and green and gold palette of 2025/26, with the Acropolis from that title winning season. In our eyes, the result is gorgeous.
Verdict: A BEAUTIFUL JERSEY
Olympiacos: A minimalist look with a touch of the ’90s
We’re talking about Olympiacos’ alternate jersey here. It’s all red, with subtle shading on the numbers. Simple, understated and instantly recognizable.
It also feels like a nod to the ’90s, when Olympiacos were building the team that would win the club’s first European title in 1997. That bold red does all the heavy lifting, and it looks fantastic. Evan Fournier put it nicely on social media: “If you don’t like this jersey, then I don’t know.” Honestly, we agree.
Verdict: AN OUTSTANDING JERSEY
Anadolu Efes: A little blue, a little red, a little white, and not much else
Here comes our first negative review. We’re giving the designers no free pass on this one, because it feels like more of the same. Blue, red and white, with little imagination to bring them together.
It almost looks like a practice jersey. There’s no detail that catches the eye, no story behind the design that comes through. Sorry, Efes. Next.
Verdict: FORGETTABLE
Žalgiris: Plenty of green, little imagination
Žalgiris’ jersey isn’t bad. It’s just a bit boring. Green and white? Of course. A little pattern? Fine. But what else is there?
There’s no standout detail, and nothing that would make a fan rush to buy it or a collector feel they need it in their collection.
Verdict: TOO PLAIN
Real Madrid: A black jersey that gets everything right
Look at the color. Look at the details. Look at how clean it is. This is the kind of jersey you could wear out for the day and still look sharp.
Real Madrid’s black kit is simple but commanding, with a subtle green tint when the light catches it. It feels every bit as regal as the club’s name suggests. Pair it with white shoes and socks, and you’re set. Maybe keep the socks a little lower than Facundo Campazzo does, though.
Verdict: TOO CLEAN
Hapoel Tel Aviv: Red, but where’s the rest?
This jersey had the potential to feel bold and street inspired. Instead, it’s dull. The stripes across the shoulders, sides and shorts seem to get in the way of the design, while the numbers and sponsor logo don’t quite pop either.
We expected more from you, Hapoel. Sorry, not sorry.
Verdict: A BIT OF A LETDOWN
Maccabi: Clean, bright and beautiful
The colors work beautifully together. The symbols and details are subtle, and the two shades of yellow give the jersey some depth.
Yellow can be a tricky color to get right, but the blue sets it off perfectly. It’s an unexpected combination that works. Respect.
Verdict: A FRESH LOOK
Partizan: Giving us NBA Christmas Day vibes
Now this is what we’ve been missing. NBA, where did those old Christmas Day jerseys go? We’ll save that rant for December, when Mariah Carey is back on every playlist.
For now, we’re admiring that gorgeous “Partizan” lettering. Alongside the club’s classic black and white, it makes the whole jersey stand out. This one has a real shot at being among the best of the season.
Verdict: NBA, BRING BACK THE CHRISTMAS JERSEYS
Beşiktaş: Oh, no
Poor Ante Žižić. What have they made you wear?
There’s so little going on with Beşiktaş’ jersey this season that it barely gives us anything to talk about. If you’re making a comeback, this isn’t the look you want. Tsk, tsk.
Verdict: Oh no