Donovan Mitchell Designs New Uniforms for His Alma Mater, Louisville

Nine seasons after leaving Louisville, NBA star Donovan Mitchell continues to impact his former university. On thursday, the University of Louisville unveiled a new basketball uniform designed in collaboration with Mitchell and Adidas, incorporating elements from his signature shoe line with the sportswear giant Louisville.

A “Spida” Inspired design

The new uniform features a striking red base accented by black side panels on both the jerseys and shorts. A prominent spider web vinyl pattern-a nod to Mitchell’s well-known nickname,”Spida”-is woven throughout the design. This web motif extends to the outlines of the jersey numbers and letters, creating a cohesive and visually dynamic look.

Coming soon to a court near you 🔥

unveiling the Donovan Mitchell x Louisville collection!

Shop: https://t.co/qoWY4WZhGv#GoCards x #TooNice pic.twitter.com/qGkqTqSELG

– Louisville Athletics (@GoCards) January 8, 2026

The Origin of “Spida”

Mitchell earned the nickname “Spida” during his AAU days in the sixth grade. According to reports, he stole the ball five consecutive times during a tournament game, prompting a parent to exclaim, “That’s spida D! He snatched it out the air like a spider!” Beacon Journal

Adidas Partnership and Uniform Details

The uniforms will be worn by both the University of Louisville men’s and women’s basketball programs. Mitchell’s custom “Spida” logo is prominently displayed on the jersey and shorts, alongside Louisville’s iconic “dunking Cardinal” logo on both sides of the shorts.

Mitchell’s partnership with Adidas began in July 2017, shortly after being drafted 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets. He unveiled his first signature sneaker with the brand in December 2018 ESPN.

Louisville’s Current Season

As of January 8,2026,the No. 20-ranked Louisville cardinals hold an 11-4 record. They recently suffered an 84-73 loss to No. 4 Duke on Tuesday ESPN.

Key Takeaways

• Donovan Mitchell designed new uniforms for his alma mater, the University of Louisville, in collaboration with Adidas.
• The uniforms feature a “Spida” theme, referencing Mitchell’s nickname and signature shoe line.
• Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will wear the new uniforms.
• Mitchell’s partnership with Adidas began in 2017, leading to the creation of his signature sneaker line.