The NBA tunnel has become more than just a passageway to the court—it’s now one of the biggest runways in sports. Each game day, players arrive not just ready to compete but to make bold statements with their outfits. In 2025, the tunnel walk is still going strong, serving as a canvas for creativity, self-expression, and designer fashion. Let’s take a closer look at the standout styles, biggest fashion risks, and trendsetters dominating the NBA’s most stylish season yet.
The Tunnel: Where Fashion Meets Fame
What started as a few players dressing up for pre-game moments has grown into a full-fledged fashion movement. With social media amplifying every look, fans now eagerly await photos of pre-game fits just as much as the games themselves. The NBA tunnel has evolved into a key stage for personal branding—and some players are treating it like Paris Fashion Week.
This Season’s Style Trends
1. Statement Outerwear
Coats and jackets took center stage this season. From oversized shearling jackets to longline leather trenches, players embraced bold outerwear to battle winter weather in style. LA Clippers’ Paul George and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards made waves with striking silhouettes that fused high fashion with streetwear energy.
2. Tailored Streetwear
Streetwear isn’t going anywhere—but this year, it came with a tailored twist. Think: fitted cargo pants, designer hoodies paired with structured blazers, and sneakers styled with precision. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to master this hybrid style, consistently showing off looks that blend comfort with couture.
3. Monochrome Magic
Many stars leaned into the simplicity of monochrome outfits, creating clean, cohesive looks that turned heads. Whether it was crisp all-white ensembles or all-black power fits, players like Jimmy Butler and Jayson Tatum proved that less can still be luxe.
4. Vintage Vibes
Throwback fashion made a strong comeback. From retro varsity jackets to 90s denim fits, players channeled nostalgia with a modern edge. Russell Westbrook—no stranger to bold choices—brought vintage pieces to the forefront, making every outfit a conversation starter.
Top Tunnel Walkers Of The Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder)
Shai is arguably the king of NBA tunnel fashion. His ability to effortlessly mix high fashion brands with niche indie labels keeps fans guessing—and talking. Whether he’s in Bottega Veneta or up-and-coming streetwear, he owns every look.
Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz)
Fearless and unpredictable, Clarkson pushes boundaries like few others. From gender-fluid silhouettes to eclectic layering, he treats each tunnel walk like a performance. He’s one of the few who can pair a silk kimono with combat boots and still make it work.
Kyle Kuzma (Washington Wizards)
Kuzma keeps making bold headlines for his experimental fashion. Think giant oversized sweaters, futuristic silhouettes, and runway-ready accessories. He’s not afraid to ruffle feathers—and that’s exactly why fashion lovers keep watching.
Jalen Green (Houston Rockets)
Young, daring, and stylish, Jalen Green is leading the new generation of NBA fashion icons. His mix of luxe streetwear and high-end pieces signals he’s not just here to play ball—he’s here to set trends.
Fashion Risks That Paid Off
This season had its fair share of fashion risks, and many paid off:
Sheer fabrics and mesh layers made appearances despite colder weather—embraced by players like Kelly Oubre Jr., who fused edginess with elegance.
Unconventional accessories like pearls, man bags, and tinted fashion lenses helped redefine what athletes “should” wear.
Full denim looks, once considered risky, now feel fresh and fearless—especially when styled with luxury pieces.
Why The Tunnel Matters
The NBA tunnel walk isn’t just about flexing designer fits—it’s a moment of identity. It allows players to express themselves beyond the court, support Black designers, spotlight sustainability, or make cultural statements. In a league where image and branding matter as much as performance, the tunnel has become a key storytelling tool.
Final Thoughts
NBA tunnel fashion is no longer an afterthought—it’s a league of its own. With each new season, players raise the bar on creativity, individuality, and daring. From classic tailoring to cutting-edge couture, they’re proving that in the NBA, style doesn’t stop at the buzzer. Whether you’re here for the fashion-forward or the fashionably risky, one thing’s certain: the NBA tunnel remains the most exciting runway in sports.
