The Indiana Pacers will step back in time this season, wearing their classic American Basketball Association (ABA) era uniforms for 15 regular season games. The move is part of a league-wide celebration of the 50th anniversary of the NBA-ABA merger. This throwback look arrives as the Pacers continue their preseason schedule, most recently falling 117-119 to the Atlanta Hawks on October 10, 2026.
The NBA is honoring the four former ABA franchises that joined the league five decades ago: the Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, and Denver Nuggets. Each team will wear retro jerseys and play on specially designed courts for select games. For the Pacers, this means 15 total appearances in the iconic uniforms. Five of those games will be against fellow ABA alumni: three matchups with the Nets and two against the Spurs. Interestingly, neither of the Pacers' games against the Nuggets will feature the throwback theme, with one of those contests scheduled for Mexico City on November 7.
It's a direct nod to the franchise's foundational success. Before joining the NBA, the Indiana Pacers were a powerhouse in the ABA, winning championships in 1970, 1972, and 1973. Wearing these jerseys connects the current roster, led by stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, to legends who played in venues like the old Market Square Arena and the State Fairgrounds Coliseum. It's a tangible link for fans who remember those days and a history lesson for a new generation. The design elements, from the bold stripes to the familiar script, are instantly recognizable to longtime supporters.
The Pacers are fine-tuning their rotation in exhibition play. Their preseason results include a 123-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 7, followed by the narrow 117-119 defeat to Atlanta. These games are testing grounds for lineups and strategies before the real action begins. The team's immediate focus shifts to their next preseason fixture, an away game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 13.
Expect a full retro experience on those 15 nights. Beyond the players wearing the classic uniforms, the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse will get a temporary makeover to match the ABA aesthetic. It's a celebration meant to highlight a unique chapter in professional basketball history. For the Pacers, it shows a period where they were consistently the team to beat. While the senior squad builds its own legacy, these games offer a chance to honor the past. It blends nostalgia with the modern NBA game, creating a special event for attendees and viewers alike.
