The My Hero Academia franchise has joined forces with the NBA and Crunchyroll to create an exciting new streetwear collection. Crunchyroll recently unveiled a limited edition line of T-shirts in collaboration with My Hero Academia, Hyperfly, NBA, and NBALAB. The official statement, dated October 30, announces that fans can now show their support for their favorite teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, L.A. Lakers, and the New York Knicks with these T-shirts. Additionally, there are hints of more clothing options to come in the near future, including a full retail lineup featuring T-shirts, hoodies, and more, with additional team designs.
The Crunchyroll Store offers the "My Hero Academia – My Hero Academia x NBA New York Knicks x Hyperfly All Might SS T-shirt," "My Hero Academia – My Hero Academia x NBA Los Angeles Lakers x Hyperfly All Might SS T-shirt," "My Hero Academia – My Hero Academia x NBA Chicago Bulls x Hyperfly All Might SS T-shirt," and "My Hero Academia – My Hero Academia x NBA Golden State Warriors x Hyperfly All Might SS T-shirt" for $64.99 each. These shirts are available in sizes S, M, L, XL, and 2XL, and come with free shipping within the United States. They are officially licensed and made of 100% cotton, with a stylish over-the-shoulder Jedi Street cut. The T-shirts feature a combination of English and Japanese lettering.
In July 2023, the collaboration between My Hero Academia and the NBA was announced with a SMASH-themed poster showcasing the beloved character All Might. Pascal Pakter, the president and co-founder of Hyperfly, praised the anime's impact and values, stating that the inspiring narrative of heroism, teamwork, and perseverance in My Hero Academia aligns perfectly with the core values of the NBA, making this collaboration a natural fit. Previous collaborations of My Hero Academia include partnerships with Fortnite and Sanrio, resulting in unique crossovers with popular characters like Hello Kitty.
The anime adaptation of Kohei Horikoshi's manga, My Hero Academia, first aired on JNN in Japan in April 2016. The series is animated by Studio Bones and will continue with Season 7, along with a fourth movie. Season 6, consisting of 25 episodes, recently concluded in March 2023. All six seasons of the anime can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the collaboration between My Hero Academia, the NBA, Crunchyroll, and Hyperfly. This partnership brings together two of my favorite worlds: anime and basketball. The limited edition T-shirt collection is a great way for fans to show their support for their favorite teams and characters. I appreciate that the shirts are available in a range of sizes, making them accessible to fans of all body types. The designs are also stylish and feature a mix of English and Japanese lettering, which adds to their appeal.
I believe this collaboration is a smart move for both the NBA and My Hero Academia. It allows the NBA to tap into the growing popularity of anime among Gen Z fans, while also giving My Hero Academia a chance to reach a wider audience. I hope that this collaboration is just the beginning and that we will see more partnerships between the NBA and anime franchises in the future.