Andrew Pace
Fortnite players have been eagerly awaiting the return of the NBA basketball skins, which were first introduced in May 2021 during a special event called The Crossover. The collection included over 30 skins featuring NBA teams, along with accessories and emotes like the Shoot & Score Pack and the Dribblin' traversal Emote. While there were speculations about the skins returning at the start of the season or during the final games of the In-Season Tournament, they have not made a reappearance yet. With the recent release of an Icon Series skin for Neymar Jr., it's evident that athletes are not off-limits for Fortnite skins, and there is continued interest in seeing basketball stars like LeBron James represented in the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of release | 21st May, 8 PM EST |
| Name of the event | The Crossover |
| Number of skins | 31 uniforms, including all 30 NBA teams |
| Name of the pack | Shoot & Score |
| Items included in the pack | Hookshot Emote, Mini Hoop Back Bling |
| Other items | Dribblin' traversal Emote, player lockers selected by Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young |
| How to purchase | From the game store |
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What You'll Learn
The Crossover event
Prior to the event, there was speculation about whether NBA skins would be added to Fortnite, with some players expressing disappointment that they were not available during the NBA finals. There was also discussion about whether Fortnite would release an NBA skin for LeBron James, given his worldwide popularity as a basketball player.
Overall, The Crossover event in Fortnite successfully integrated NBA-themed content into the game, offering players a unique and engaging experience. The event showcased Fortnite's ability to collaborate with popular brands and deliver exciting and innovative content to its players.
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How to unlock NBA skins
The NBA skins were introduced in Fortnite for the first time on May 21, 2021, along with a massive event known as "The Crossover" or Crossover. There were over 30 new skins featuring NBA teams. The NBA skins can be purchased from the in-game store. To find the store, from the game menu, navigate right four times to access the Item Shop. Players should look for the "In the Paint" item set. This collection of skins features 31 game uniforms, including one from each NBA team.
Shortly after the launch of the NBA skins, two special player lockers curated by Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young were released. These sets of cosmetics, emojis, jewelry, harvesting tools, and wraps were available in the item shop. Players could also purchase the "Shoot & Score Pack" to get the Hookshot Emote and the Mini Hoop Back Bling, which can be set to display the logo of any NBA team.
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NBA Team Battles
On May 21, 2021, Fortnite players witnessed the NBA come to their game for the first time through an event known as "The Crossover." This event introduced over 30 new skins featuring the teams of the NBA, allowing players to represent their favorite teams in the game. The skins were available for purchase in the game store, and players could also acquire accessories and emotes such as the "Shoot & Score Pack", which included the Hookshot Emote and the Mini Hoop Back Bling. This back bling could be customized to display the logo of any NBA team.
The release of NBA skins in Fortnite was highly anticipated, with some players expressing their eagerness to play as their favorite teams, such as the Phoenix Suns. The NBA skins provided a unique opportunity for players to showcase their team spirit and affinity for the NBA within the Fortnite universe.
While the initial release of NBA skins in Fortnite occurred in 2021, there has been ongoing speculation and interest in the return of these skins. Some players have regularly checked the item shop, hoping for the skins to become available again. With the introduction of the Neymar Jr. Icon Series skin, it is evident that athlete skins are not off the table. Additionally, the worldwide popularity of basketball stars like LeBron James makes a strong case for the re-release or expansion of NBA skins in Fortnite.
The NBA Team Battles in Fortnite represent a successful collaboration between the video game and the NBA, catering to the interests of players who are also basketball enthusiasts. With the ability to purchase jerseys from any team and acquire skins representing all 30 NBA teams, Fortnite has created an engaging experience that blends gaming and sports fandom. The NBA Team Battles in Fortnite have set a precedent for future collaborations with other sports leagues, such as the NFL, further enhancing the game's appeal to a diverse range of players.
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Jersey and skin availability
On May 21, 2021, Fortnite introduced NBA basketball skins for the first time. The "Crossover" event featured over 30 new skins representing all 30 NBA teams. These skins were available for purchase from the game store in the Item Shop. The “Shoot & Score Pack” offered the Hookshot Emote and the Mini Hoop Back Bling, which could be set to display the logo of any NBA team. Additionally, the "Dribblin' traversal" Emote was also made available for purchase.
The release of NBA skins in Fortnite was part of a larger trend of crossovers and collaborations between the game and other franchises, such as the Batman Comic and the NFL. While there was speculation about the return of NBA skins in 2022, with some players checking daily for their availability, it is unclear if and when they will make a comeback.
Fortnite has also featured other basketball-related items and collaborations. In 2023, there was speculation about a possible LeBron James skin, given his global popularity as a basketball player. Additionally, the game has featured an Icon Series skin release for the soccer player Neymar Jr., indicating that athletes are not off-limits for future skin collaborations.
While the NBA skins were a limited-time offering in 2021, their success and player interest suggest that they could make a return in the future. However, as of 2022, there has been no official announcement or confirmation regarding their return.
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NBA skin release history
Fortnite has released several NBA-themed skins and accessories over the years. In December 2022, Epic Games announced the release of a Giannis Antetokounmpo Fortnite skin and accessories. Antetokounmpo, of the Milwaukee Bucks, joins other legendary athletes, including LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, Neymar, and Naomi Osaka, in having their likenesses recreated in the popular video game. The Giannis Antetokounmpo skin was released on December 24 at 7 pm ET, with prices for the items ranging from 1500 V-Bucks for a skin to 3000 V-Bucks for a bundle. The game also included a "Warm-Up" emote along with the skin.
Previously, Fortnite had released the NBA Beacon, a rare back bling that could be purchased in the Item Shop for 400 V-Bucks. The NBA Beacon was first released in Chapter 3: Season 1 and is part of the NBA 75 Set.
While there is no confirmation, some players have expressed interest in seeing the return of NBA skins, particularly those of the Phoenix Suns, during the final games of the In-Season Tournament.
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Frequently asked questions
The NBA skins came to Fortnite for the first time on May 21, 2021, with an event known as "The Crossover".
The NBA skins are purchased from the game store. To find the store, tab over to the right four times from the Play menu to access the Item Shop.
Yes, players can pick up the "Shoot & Score Pack" to get the Hookshot Emote and the Mini Hoop Back Bling. The Mini Hoop Back Bling can be set to display the logo of any NBA team.
