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Fortnite players have been eagerly awaiting the return of NBA skins, which were first introduced in 2021 with The Crossover event. This event allowed players to purchase jerseys and skins from any NBA team, including all 30 teams in the league at the time. While some players were able to take advantage of this opportunity then, many are still waiting for the NBA skins to come back so they can represent their favourite teams in the game. With the recent release of an Icon Series skin for Neymar Jr., it's clear that athletes are fair game for Fortnite skins, and some speculate that a LeBron skin could be in the works. However, as of 2023, there is no confirmation on when or if the NBA skins will return to Fortnite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of release | 21st of May, 2021 |
| Time of release | 8 PM EST |
| Name of the event | The Crossover |
| Number of skins | Over 30 |
| Teams included | All 30 NBA teams |
| Additional items | "Shoot & Score" pack with the Hookshot Emote and Mini Hoop Back Bling |
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What You'll Learn
The Crossover event
The NBA's arrival in Fortnite feels like a natural progression, given Epic's ability to tap into exciting pop culture and sports trends. With the NBA Playoffs coinciding with the event's launch, the timing couldn't be better to introduce basketball to Fortnite's Battle Royale mode. The Crossover event allows players to showcase their favourite NBA teams and players in the game, adding a unique layer of personalisation and representation.
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How to unlock NBA skins
On May 21, 2021, the NBA collaborated with Fortnite for the first time, introducing over 30 new skins featuring NBA teams. These skins can be purchased from the in-game store, the Item Shop, which can be found by navigating right four times from the game menu. The collection, called "In the Paint", features 31 game uniforms, including one from each NBA team.
In addition to the skins, players can also purchase the "Shoot & Score Pack" to obtain the Hookshot Emote and the Mini Hoop Back Bling, which can be set to display the logo of any NBA team. The Dribblin' traversal Emote is also available for purchase. Shortly after the release of the NBA skins, two special player lockers curated by Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young were made available in the Item Shop. Each locker includes emotes, back bling, harvesting tools, and wraps, allowing players to experience the style of these two basketball stars.
It is worth noting that while most Fortnite cosmetic items can be acquired by purchasing and upgrading the season's Battle Pass, the NBA skins are purchased separately from the in-game store.
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NBA Team Battles
On May 21, 2021, the NBA came to Fortnite for the first time with an event known as "The Crossover." Over 30 new skins featuring the teams of the NBA were introduced, allowing players to purchase a jersey from any team, similar to the NFL skins. The "In The Paint" set included 31 uniforms, including all 30 NBA teams, and the "Shoot & Score" pack came with the Hookshot Emote and Mini Hoop Back Bling.
The NBA skins were selected by Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young and included emotes, back bling, harvesting tools, and wraps, reflecting the style of these two basketball stars. The NBA's introduction to Fortnite felt right in line with Epic's ability to tap into exciting pop culture and sports trends driving the internet wild.
While there was speculation about the return of the NBA skins in 2022, with some players checking for their availability daily, it is unclear if and when they will be back. However, with Neymar Jr.'s Icon Series skin release through the Battle Pass, it is evident that athletes are not off-limits for Fortnite skins. Given LeBron James' global popularity as a basketball player, his addition to the game would likely generate significant interest.
The NBA Team Battles in Fortnite provided a unique opportunity for players to represent their favorite NBA teams and engage in exciting battles with their chosen skins, emotes, and back bling. The event created a buzz among players, especially those passionate about both Fortnite and the NBA, offering a fresh and immersive gaming experience.
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Player lockers
Fortnite players have been eagerly awaiting the return of the NBA basketball skins, which were initially expected to release in 2020. The wait continued until 2023, when "The Crossover" event was announced, bringing the NBA to Fortnite. On May 21, 2021, players were finally able to purchase jerseys from any NBA team, along with over 30 new skins representing all the NBA teams. This special event, titled "The Crossover," marked the first time the NBA collaborated with Fortnite, allowing players to showcase their favourite teams in the game.
The release of the NBA skins in Fortnite was highly anticipated, with players expressing their desire to play as their favourite teams, such as the Phoenix Suns. The skins were made available for purchase from the game store, specifically in the Item Shop, providing players with a straightforward way to unlock these cosmetic items.
In addition to the skins, "The Crossover" event introduced a range of NBA-themed cosmetics, including emotes, back bling, harvesting tools, and wraps. Two notable player lockers were selected by Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young, giving players a glimpse into the style preferences of these basketball stars. The event also included the "In The Paint" set, which featured 31 uniforms representing all 30 NBA teams, and the "Shoot & Score" pack, which came with the Hookshot Emote and Mini Hoop Back Bling.
The introduction of NBA basketball skins in Fortnite aligns with the game's history of crossovers and collaborations. Fortnite has consistently tapped into pop culture and sports trends, creating exciting experiences for players. With the NBA Playoffs coinciding with the release of these skins, the timing further enhanced the excitement around the integration of basketball into Fortnite's Battle Royale mode.
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Fortnite's Battle Royale mode
In August 2024, Epic Games announced a significant change to the Battle Royale mode, stating that cosmetics in expired Fortnite battle passes would be eligible to return to the battle royale store after 18 months or more. This change was made to address the previous issue of locking skins and items in the Epic vaults indefinitely, making them inaccessible to players who didn't unlock them during the respective season.
With this new update, players can expect to see the return of various skins and items from past seasons, such as Fallout, Family Guy, Transformers, and Marvel-themed battle passes. Additionally, new cosmetic items, including skins, are introduced to the shop with each new season, keeping the Battle Royale mode fresh and exciting for players.
While there is no specific mention of when the basketball skins will return, the announcement by Epic Games suggests that players can expect to see select items from past seasons return to the store. This could include the NBA skins, but it is not guaranteed, as the announcement primarily focuses on items tied to other IP collaborations.
The Battle Royale mode in Fortnite continues to evolve, with new updates and collaborations keeping players engaged and excited for what's to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The basketball skins, officially titled "The Crossover", came to Fortnite on May 21, 2021, for the first time. Players could purchase a jersey from any team, and the "In The Paint" set included 31 uniforms, including all 30 NBA teams.
The new 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.
The "Shoot & Score" pack includes the Hookshot Emote and Mini Hoop Back Bling. There are also player lockers, selected by Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young, which include emotes, back bling, harvesting tools, and wraps.
There is no confirmation on whether LeBron will be added to the game, but given his worldwide popularity as a basketball player, it is likely that his addition would generate a lot of interest.
