Phoenix Mercury release trio of ‘H.E.R.’ Nike jerseys ahead of 2021 season

The Phoenix Mercury on Thursday dropped a set of three new Nike uniforms ahead of the 2021 season, the WNBA’s 25th as a league.

The “Heroine,” “Explorer” and “Rebel” kits — making the acronym H.E.R. — shine light on the history of the team, the location of the franchise and the fans in Phoenix.

The Heroine edition jerseys include the original “Mercury” script across the chest and are primarily white, a color symbolizing the women’s movement and suffrage. The orange and purple piping and the angled orange and purple design of the shorts pay homage to the 1990s Phoenix Suns team that helped the Mercury franchise become one of the original teams to join the WNBA in 1997.

While we may be the first ones to wear these uniforms, we’ll make sure we aren’t the last. pic.twitter.com/lxaSBLEoYj

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) April 8, 2021

Even more purple and orange are the Explorer edition uniforms, which feature a gradient pattern that’s the first and only of its kind in the WNBA — it’s a nod to the Valley’s sunsets and skies. Those read “Phoenix” on the chest and include the original Mercury logos on the shorts.

Finally, the Rebel jerseys are in honor of the fanbase nicknamed the X-factor by the Mercury’s first head coach, Cheryl Miller. A large “PHX” script runs across the chest with the X highlighted in orange.

The jersey and shorts are mostly black as the Mercury join the Suns, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Coyotes, all Valley teams who have worn black alternate uniform sets.

A flame trim runs on the sides of both the Rebel jerseys and shorts that is bordered by an X design as well.

“We are continuing to see investment and engagement in women’s sports from major stakeholders, and today and throughout this process Nike demonstrated that their support is second to none,” said Mercury chief operating officer Vince Kozar in a statement.

“These are not just new uniforms, they’re the stories of our players, our fans, and the journey of an original franchise to 25 seasons. We think our fans will love these, not just because they look incredible, but because of how intentional the design is to the team they love.”

All of the jerseys feature the new Fry’s Food Stores logo under the numbering; a PayPal logo on the left shoulder; and the Nike and WNBA 25th anniversary logos on the right shoulder.

Introducing the new #WNBA @nikebasketball game uniform editions. pic.twitter.com/gSYB6dYaMz

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 8, 2021