Beijingers are proud and boastful. And while outsiders might dismiss their talk as hot air, Nike and W+K Shanghai launched a four-week basketball tournament: The Beijing99, encouraging the capital’s players to back up their talk.
In ancient China, military and civilian rank were distinguished by emblems of mythical beasts embroidered on robes. W+K took inspiration from this system by centering the city-wide Beijing99 tournament around 99 originally-designed jerseys that are up for grabs.
The rankings and colors of the traditional system inspired the one-of-a-kind jersey designs. Five illustrators were invited to help design the jerseys. The number 1 jersey in the Beijing99 is a golden dragon jersey, similar to the original highest rank. Jerseys 2 through 9 are the Kirin. The 10s are a Lion. 20s are a Leopard. 30s are a Tiger. 40s are a Bear. 50s are a TigerCat. 60s are a Rhino. 70s are a Horse. 80s are a Crane, and 90s are a Xiezhi.
A film and OOH promoted the jerseys and the Beijing99 event -- a four-weekend long tournament throughout April where thousands of players play to be among the best 99. The jerseys, tournament, and OOH are a celebration of Beijing basketball drawing from both the city’s long, proud history and its love of basketball.
