Sports retailer Lids announced a brand new partnership with The Negro Leagues Museum, Black Fives and Harlem Globetrotters.
The collaboration has been dubbed “They Gave Us Game” and features apparel and accessories like jerseys, caps and shorts from each of the historic Black sports institutions.
The merchandise will be sold year-round for the first time in over 700 Lids stores across the U.S., beginning Black History Month.
“The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is thrilled to team with Lids on this historically significant and fashionable salute to the Negro Leagues,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “The Negro Leagues not only changed the game of baseball but more importantly helped change America. This partnership will be instrumental in increasing greater awareness of this powerful story of triumph over adversity.”
All products have been inspired by original vintage pieces previously worn by trailblazing African American players, including their uniforms and team logos.
Each collection also highlights some previously unknown stories from the past of all three instituations.
“We are proud and honored to partner with Lids in this unprecedented retail initiative toward making a meaningful difference in spreading awareness of the important pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball,” said Claude Johnson, founder and executive director of the Black Fives Foundation.
The majority of the products all retail between $80 – $100, while the headwear will set consumers back $31.99 – $39.99. A portion of all product proceeds from the collections will go towards Lids Foundation.
“By introducing this first-of-its-kind merchandise in collaboration with Lids, the Globetrotters are continuing to expand our legendary brand, reaching an entirely new, diverse generation of fans through exciting projects and partnerships,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios. “The Lids They Gave Us Game campaign is a perfect opportunity to honor our past while building toward an even more thrilling future.”
The “They Gave Us Game” collections will be available in stores starting Monday, February 28th.
