MAKE HISTORY NOW
PUMA celebrates legendary Black Basketball Team with new Black Fives Collection
November 10, 2023PUMA celebrates legendary Black Basketball Team with new Black Fives Collection
November 10, 2023PUMA Hoops and the Black Five Foundation pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the New York Rens – the first black-owned, all-black professional basketball team in history – with the collab’s newest collection.
The new PUMA x Black Fives collection is a result of the ongoing partnership with the Black Fives Foundation, whose mission is to honour the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball.
Big anniversary for the New York Renaissance
The new collection, the Black Fives RENS100 Collection, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the New York Renaissance – or for short, the New York Rens. Founded in 1923, the Rens became America’s first Black-owned fully professional basketball team.
Named for their home court at the Renaissance Casino and Ballroom in Harlem, the Rens’ innovative, fast-paced playing style led them to a record-setting 88-game win streak and shaped the game we know today.
In 1939, the Rens won the first professional basketball championship ever when they beat the Oshkosh All-Stars in the World Professional Basketball Tournament in Chicago, and became the first ever Basketball World Champions.
Celebrating a century in gold and navy
In tribute to this legendary team, PUMA is bringing back some of the Rens’ signature flare through on and off court pieces. The collection proudly celebrates the anniversary of the New York Rens with timeless classics, including a retro take on our NITRO™ All-Pro that will inspire players to Make History Now – just like the New York Rens did.
This 8-piece collection rocks retro-inspired designs including multi-coloured hoodies and sweatpants, shorts, T-shirts, a basketball jersey, a Harlem Jacket, and a ‘Make History Now’ hoodie.
