The Denver Nuggets are bringing a heavy dose of nostalgia to Ball Arena, officially unveiling their ABA-inspired classic uniforms and a transformed court for the 2026-27 NBA season. This throwback look, shared alongside fellow ABA alumni the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the American Basketball Association. The reveal comes as the team prepares for its next preseason contest, following a 133-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on October 11.
The Nuggets are going back to their roots with vibrant orange jerseys that mirror the team's original ABA aesthetic. They didn't stop at the uniforms. The franchise plans a full retro experience by temporarily transforming their home court to match the throwback theme. The court will feature design elements from the ABA era, creating a complete visual package for select games. This initiative is part of a league-wide nod to the ABA's lasting influence on professional basketball.
Their first game in the classic uniforms is scheduled for December 27 against the Indiana Pacers. The team has announced a specific schedule for when they'll wear the throwbacks, giving fans plenty of opportunities to see the vibrant orange kits in action. The San Antonio Spurs will wear their iconic gray classics, while the Pacers brought back their original logo and uniforms for 15 regular-season games.
For the Nuggets, this is a direct link to the franchise's founding identity. The ABA was known for its flashy style, the red, white, and blue ball, and a faster-paced game. Embracing that history connects current stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to the team's origins. It's a celebration for long-time fans and a history lesson for newer ones.
It's more than just a costume change. It honors the players and moments that helped build the franchise before its NBA merger. The coordinated effort with the Spurs and Pacers, all former ABA powers, shows a shared legacy. The Brooklyn Nets also revealed similar classic uniforms earlier on Monday, making this a significant anniversary celebration across the league.
The immediate focus is on the final stages of the preseason. After beating the Bulls 133-128, the Nuggets look ahead to their next exhibition game, an away fixture against the LA Clippers on October 14. Their preseason results also include a 117-106 win over the Utah Jazz on October 6 and a 109-97 loss to the same Jazz team on October 4. These games are key for Coach Michael Malone to finalize rotations before the regular season tips off.
Once the real games begin, fans can mark their calendars for the throwback nights. The December 27 game against the Pacers will be the first chance to see the full ABA presentation at Ball Arena. The blend of honoring the past while competing in the present defines this upcoming chapter for the Denver Nuggets.
