JaBA inks landmark apparel deal with Adidas

The historic partnership, officially announced May 10 and brokered by sports consultancy Business 2 Sports Group, marks a defining moment for Caribbean sport. For the first time, the Jamaican national basketball jersey will be produced and made available for retail purchase by fans across the globe.

"This is a proud day for Jamaican basketball and for our nation," said Paulton Gordon, President of JaBA. "Partnering with a global powerhouse like adidas affirms what we have always believed, that Jamaican basketball belongs on the world stage. We are grateful to adidas for believing in our programme."

It has been agreed by both sides that the value of the deal cannot be disclosed, but as the case in all deals like this, the amount is surely in the millions. Gordon, when contacted by Old Harbour News, informed that the online portal is presently being work on and will be available to fans globally in the short order. 

The deal arrives at a critical juncture for the programme, as the team builds momentum toward the FIBA Men's Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers. Adidas has already provided apparel and equipment to support the squad during one of the most important campaigns in its history.

Central to the unification of these two iconic brands is a deep cultural and musical heritage. The partnership is rooted in Adidas’ longstanding relationship with the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation. Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies and a Grammy-winning singer, has been named the official ambassador of JaBA. Alongside her son, Saiyan Marley-Minto, she has been a driving force behind the sport’s development on the island.

Through their title sponsorship of the World Cup qualifying campaign, the foundation has funded court renovations, equipment, and youth development programmes, bridging the gap from grassroots ballers to the international elite.

"This partnership is rooted in shared heritage and cultural connection," said Cam Mason, head of Adidas Sports Marketing Basketball. "Jamaica has always been an important part of our global football story, and through our longstanding relationship with the Marley family, this felt like a natural extension of that legacy into basketball."

With the backing of Adidas and the Marley Foundation, the future of Jamaican basketball looks set to move beyond the island’s shores and into the global retail market, one jersey at a time.

Based on the available information, here is a brief summary of the historical relationship between Adidas and Jamaican sports teams.

Adidas has a deep and long-standing history with Jamaican sports, particularly in football and athletics, though their level of involvement has differed by sport.

While Jamaica's national football teams have had various kit suppliers (including Kappa, Uhlsport, and Umbro) , Adidas became the official supplier in 2023, signing an initial four-year deal . This partnership proved so successful — driven by the iconic, fashion-forward kit designs and Jamaica's strong global brand — that it was extended through 2034 in a deal reportedly worth over $3 billion Jamaican dollars. The collaboration has expanded beyond the pitch, with special collections inspired by Jamaica's culture, including tributes to the 1988 bobsled team and Bob Marley.

Adidas has been involved with Jamaican athletics for decades, dating back to legends like Herb McKenley and Arthur Wint. The brand has also sponsored top clubs like Racers Track Club and major events like the Racers Grand Prix. However, the national governing body (JAAA) has been with rival Puma since 2002. Despite reportedly offering a lucrative US$38.8 million deal to become the national kit supplier starting in 2025, Adidas has been unable to secure the contract due to Puma's existing rights and the JAAA's contractual obligations. The brand currently invests in Jamaica through individual athletes and grassroots programmes while continuing to court the national federation