In a wave of nostalgia, both the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves have announced the return of fan-favorite black & throwback “classic edition” uniforms for the 2025-26 NBA season. 

Each franchise is leaning into past eras – iconic styles, design cues, and fan memories – to inject fresh energy into their visual identity this year.

Philadelphia: Bringing back the Iverson-Era black

The Sixers are reintroducing their 2000-01 black jerseys, a look forever tied to the Allen Iverson era, now remastered with modern touches. The team plans to wear these black uniforms 14 times at home and six more on the road this season, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

While the design remains faithful to the original, key updates reflect Nike’s current uniform template: a slimmer shoulder cut, relocation of the NBA logo above the name on the back, and retention of the pointed collar with a gold star. The reintroduction is more than an aesthetic – it's a deliberate nod to one of the franchise’s most influential eras.

back in black. @cryptocom pic.twitter.com/15CXQ69glF

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 24, 2025

Minnesota: The return of “black trees”

Over in Minnesota, the Timberwolves are bringing back their Black Trees Classic Edition uniform – one of their most beloved alternate looks from 1998–2008. The team will don these black tree jerseys for 28 games total: 21 at home and 7 on the road, according to ESPN.

The original forest-accented design, paired with black and green trim, evokes memories of the Kevin Garnett era – an era many fans consider the franchise’s golden years. The Black Trees uniform is part of the league’s 2025 Classic Edition program, which pairs throwback jerseys with retro court designs.

THE TREES ARE BACK.

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 pic.twitter.com/L6QRiDzXGD

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) September 24, 2025

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Both teams are tapping into emotional roots –  the Sixers’ black jersey is symbolic of their early-2000s resurgence and for Timberwolves’ fans, the Black Trees represent a more competitive, identity-rich era.