1. General Policy: Business Casual

Players are required to wear Business Casual attire whenever they are engaged in team or league business.

"Business Casual" attire means

  • A long or short-sleeved dress shirt (collared or turtleneck), and/or a sweater.
  • Dress slacks, khaki pants, or dress jeans.
  • Appropriate shoes and socks, including dress shoes, dress boots, or other presentable shoes, but not including sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, or work boots.

    2. Exceptions to Business Casual

    There are the following exceptions to the general policy of Business Casual attire:

    a. Players In Attendance At Games But Not In Uniform

    Kevin Garnett has always looked good in suit and tie.
    Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE/Getty
    Players who are in attendance at games but not in uniform are required to wear the following additional items when seated on the bench or in the stands during the game:

  • Sport Coat
  • Dress shoes or boots, and socks

    b. Players Leaving the Arena

    Players leaving the arena may wear either Business Casual attire or neat warm-up suits issued by their teams.

    c. Special Events or Appearances

    Teams can make exceptions to the Business Casual policy for special events or player appearances where other attire is appropriate -- e.g., participation in a basketball clinic.

    3. Excluded Items

    The following is a list of items that players are not allowed to wear at any time while on team or league business:

  • Sleeveless shirts
  • Shorts
  • T-shirts, jerseys, or sports apparel (unless appropriate for the event (e.g., a basketball clinic), team-identified, and approved by the team)
  • Headgear of any kind while a player is sitting on the bench or in the stands at a game, during media interviews, or during a team or league event or appearance (unless appropriate for the event or appearance, team-identified, and approved by the team)
  • Chains, pendants, or medallions worn over the player's clothes
  • Sunglasses while indoors
  • Headphones (other than on the team bus or plane, or in the team locker room)