Pacers Offer Smart Jersey Upgrade for Fans During NBA Finals
During the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse had the opportunity to level up their fan gear — without breaking the bank. The team introduced an on-site upgrade station where supporters could add the official NBA Finals patch to their current Pacers jerseys for just $20.
As reported by Sports Illustrated’s Tyler Lauletta, the service featured an impressively quick turnaround, allowing fans to walk away with commemorative jerseys that celebrated the team’s Finals run. For fans, it was a cost-effective way to mark the occasion without purchasing a brand-new $100 jersey. For the Pacers, it was a smart business play, turning a $2 patch into a meaningful — and profitable — experience.
The patch itself carries additional symbolism. As The Athletic’s Brooks Peck notes, the NBA Finals patch was moved to the back of jerseys in 2015 to make room for front-of-jersey sponsor logos. Since 2018, Nike’s Swoosh has occupied the right shoulder while team-specific sponsors sit on the left. The Finals patch, now located on the back collar, may be there to stay — unless future changes in sponsorship real estate occur.
This small but strategic detail shows how teams can blend fan engagement, merchandise innovation, and revenue generation — all while honoring a historic playoff run.