The University of Wisconsin Badgers basketball program is turning heads with the reveal of brand new alternate uniforms, crafted in partnership with Under Armour. For the 2022-23 season, both the men’s and women’s teams will sport these unique designs, bringing a fresh look to the court while maintaining the spirit of Badger pride.
For the men’s team, this unveiling marks the third iteration of the “By the Players” uniform, a distinctive initiative that empowers student-athletes to collaborate directly with Under Armour on the design process. This year’s uniform carries a powerful message, conceived by the players themselves to represent diversity and inclusion. The sleek black jerseys are punctuated by gold pinstripes, and upon closer inspection, these aren’t just any stripes. Woven within the gold lines are the impactful words “EQUALITY, UNITY, WISCONSIN FORWARD,” embodying the team’s values and the university’s broader mission.
Adding another layer of significance, the back of the jersey features the university crest logo above each player’s name, with the iconic “W” rendered in black. This detail is a nod to the events of summer 2020 when Badger student-athletes advocated for the inclusion of the “Crest W” on their uniforms. The “W,” traditionally white in the crest, was changed to black across UW athletic uniforms starting in the 2020-21 season, symbolizing solidarity with Black and underrepresented communities on campus.
Dark Mode 🕶️
🏀🔥 W, I S C 🔥🏀 N S I N
This year’s “By the Players” alternates pic.twitter.com/TmB2Z9niN1
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) November 4, 2022
While the men’s uniforms make a statement in black and gold, the Wisconsin women’s basketball alternate uniforms also boast a striking design. These black uniforms prominently feature a large, vibrant red Motion W logo emblazoned across the chest, positioned above the player numbers. Complementing the bold front design, five red stripes cascade down the side of the uniform. These stripes are not merely aesthetic; they represent the five pillars that underpin the women’s program: Winning Mindset, Integrity, Selflessness, Communication, and Legacy. The inclusion of red in the women’s uniform subtly connects back to the University of Wisconsin’s traditional colors, even within an alternate design.
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerWBB) November 4, 2022
Badger fans eager to see these new uniforms in action won’t have to wait long. The Wisconsin women’s team debuted their black alternates on November 13th at their home opener against North Florida. As part of the university’s ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the women’s team will continue to wear these alternate uniforms throughout November and December for select games. The men’s team is set to take the court in their black alternate uniforms for the first time on January 17th against Penn State. This debut is particularly meaningful as it coincides with Wisconsin Athletics’ celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service, running from January 16th to 22nd. The men’s team will also wear the uniforms again later in the season in honor of Black History Month.
It’s important for fans to note that neither the men’s nor women’s alternate uniforms will be available for purchase. These special edition jerseys were created exclusively for the teams to wear on the court, making them a unique symbol of team identity and program values. The University of Wisconsin and Under Armour have delivered impressive alternate uniforms that are sure to be fan favorites this season.
