NBA opens second US flagship store in Houston

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has opened a new NBA store in Houston, Texas. Located at The Galleria in Uptown Houston, it is the second NBA flagship store in the United States, following the opening of the New York location in 2015.

The new 7,500-square-foot store, which officially opened its doors to the public on November 3, features a wide assortment of official NBA and WNBA merchandise and memorabilia, including jerseys, apparel, headwear, sporting goods, toys, and collectibles from leading brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era, and Wilson.

"The NBA has a vibrant fanbase in Houston, and we are thrilled to bring the NBA Store to their doorstep," said Lisa Piken Koper, head of apparel and sporting goods at the NBA, in a statement. "Through a wide range of merchandise and interactive activations, we will deepen our ties to the Houston basketball community and find unique ways to engage our fans through a truly immersive retail experience."

Lids, in collaboration with Fanatics, will manage the new NBA store, providing a distinctive shopping experience that caters exclusively to NBA enthusiasts. Under Lids' guidance, the new store also features a customization area where customers can personalize NBA jerseys and hats for all 30 NBA teams, and interactive window displays in addition to a 'center court' experience, which will highlight special product collections and serve as an event space.

"As we continue to expand our successful partnership with the NBA, opening an official NBA Store in Houston was a seamless fit," said Bob Durda, president at Lids in a statement.

"Houston is an important sports market and a location that we look forward to continuing to build a first-class shopping experience for local fans and visitors alike. This official NBA Store location will provide consumers access to iconic merchandise right at their fingertips."

The new NBA flagship store opening comes on the heels of the NBA partnership with Skims, which sees the shapewear and swimwear brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian serve as the NBA's official underwear partner.