The Charlotte Hornets today unveiled a new purple Classic Edition uniform to be worn during the 2019-20 season, in association with Official Jersey Patch Partner LendingTree. Like the teal and white versions from the last two seasons, the uniform echoes the design worn by the original Charlotte Hornets. The 2019-20 season marks the 25th anniversary of the debut of the purple uniforms during the 1994-95 season.
“After having had teal and white Classic Edition uniforms the last two seasons, it is only right that we complete the set with the purple one this year,” said Hornets President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield. “With this season being the 25th anniversary of the purple uniform’s introduction in 1994, this is the perfect time to bring back a Classic Edition version.”
The Hornets are scheduled to wear the purple Classic Edition uniforms for five home games this season – Saturday, November 9, against the New Orleans Pelicans; Friday, December 27, against the Oklahoma City Thunder; Saturday, February 22, against the Brooklyn Nets; Saturday, March 7, against the Houston Rockets; and Saturday, March 28, against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Based on the uniform worn during the Hornets’ first decade, the purple Classic Edition jersey includes the familiar crossover v-neck and multi-colored pinstripes in light blue, royal blue, green and teal. The shorts feature the classic Hornets logo on the waist and the same white, purple and teal trim as the original.
The original purple uniform was worn during some of the most memorable seasons in franchise history. In 1994-95, the Hornets won 50 games for the first time and had two All-Stars in the same season for the only time ever with Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning. Two years later, the 1996-97 Hornets had the best season in team history, going 54-28 as Glen Rice set a multitude of franchise single-season records. Along with being named MVP of the NBA All-Star Game, Rice (Second Team) and Anthony Mason (Third Team) gave the Hornets multiple All-NBA selections in a season for the only time.
Like the rest of the team’s uniforms, the purple Classic Edition features the logos of Nike’s Jordan Brand on the right chest and partner LendingTree on the left chest. The Official Loan Shopping Partner of the Charlotte Hornets, LendingTree will have its logo on each of the team’s jerseys for the third consecutive season. As part of a robust sponsorship package, the company is also the entitlement partner for the Hornets App and the Hornets Hoops youth basketball program.
