Black Fives Basketball Gets Some Sweet Swag

Back in November, we shared the story of the Black Fives, the all-African-American pro basketball teams that played across the United States before the NBA was integrated in the 1950s. As we wrote in the original story, it's one of sports' great eras — and least remembered.

But that's changing, thanks in part to a deal the Black Fives Foundation struck with '47 Brand. The non-profit and apparel maker are working together to raise  awareness of the Black Fives teams and players through hats, shirts, and other gear. The Black Fives line launched in June, and it's pretty cool.

The foundation provided '47 with logos, wordmarks, and other Black Fives creative elements to create the line. But then '47 went to smaller design companies in cities that were home to Black Fives teams to create the products. That makes the Black Fives line something special, with each represented team given unique treatment.

Here's a video introducing the gear, followed by some images of a handful of the products:















'47 Brand's Black Fives gear is available now on the '47 website.


Photos: '47 Brand