Catch Latin Fever with the NBA

No, this doesn't involve Ricky Martin, but the NBA is certainly feeling the Latin love. In celebration of Hispanic heritage and the growing support of NBA fans and players across Latin America and U.S. Hispanic communities, the NBA started the Noche Latina (Latin Night) program during the 2006-07 season. A full slate of Noche Latina celebrations are held on select game nights every year in key U.S. Hispanic markets, complete with in-arena Latin-themed activities, such as music, performances and giveaways.

Perhaps the most obvious component of this program are the team uniforms, which feature the team name as spoken by Latinos. The NBA's market research found that Spanish-speakers in the U.S. don't make literal translations when referring to a team. Instead, they use a hybrid term that blends English and Spanish, popularly known as Spanglish. For example, they would refer to the Miami Heat as "El Heat" or the San Antonio Spurs as "Los Spurs."

Even fans can dress for the occasion with exclusive Noche Latina merchandise, including the special jerseys worn during the game, which are available at the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, NBAStore.com and in-arena stores for participating teams.

Latin Nights return in 2013, so get ready to rumba with Latin-themed gear for NBA fans:

adidas Los Angeles Lakers NBA
Latin Nights Gametime Shooting Shirt

adidas Miami Heat NBA Dwyane Wade 
Latin Nights Swingman Jersey

adidas Orlando Magic NBA
Latin Nights ClimaLite T-Shirt

adidas San Antonio Spurs NBA Manu Ginobili
Latin Nights Gametime T-Shirt

adidas Phoenix Suns NBA
Latin Nights Flat Brim Flex Hat

adidas New York Knicks NBA
Amar'e Stoudemire Latin Nights Swingman Jersey

adidas Chicago Bulls NBA Latin
Nights Gametime Shooting Shirt

adidas Dallas Mavericks NBA Dirk Nowitzki
Latin Nights Gametime T-Shirt

What do you think of the NBA's Noche Latina program and their Latin-themed gear?

XO,

The Style Ref