Lakers-Themed Merch Headlines ‘BLACKPINK In Your Area’ Collaboration Between Fanatics, Complex, and Mitchell & Ness…see more…
In a bold fusion of sports culture and K-pop, an eye-catching new collaboration between Fanatics, Complex, and Mitchell & Ness has brought together one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises—the Los Angeles Lakers—and global music sensation BLACKPINK. The multi-platform merchandising campaign, titled “BLACKPINK In Your Area,” is not only a celebration of BLACKPINK’s worldwide influence but also a creative leap into the synergy between fashion, fandom, and sports.
Global Appeal Meets Iconic Style
The collection, launched this week, features limited-edition merchandise that includes co-branded Lakers gear—jerseys, caps, bomber jackets, hoodies, and more—with design elements inspired by BLACKPINK’s signature aesthetics: a mix of sleek black, bubblegum pink, and edgy glam. It marks the first time the K-pop powerhouse has been directly associated with an NBA team in an official merchandise collaboration, and the Los Angeles Lakers were the clear choice.
Why the Lakers? Both BLACKPINK and the Lakers are global brands with enormous cross-cultural appeal. The Lakers represent championship tradition and Hollywood-level glamor, while BLACKPINK embodies bold, trendsetting energy with a similarly passionate global fan base. Merging the two creates a rare product line that appeals to both hardcore basketball fans and BLINKs—the name for BLACKPINK’s loyal followers.
Mitchell & Ness, known for their throwback gear and authentic retro sports apparel, took the lead on design. Their creative team infused traditional Lakers colors and logos with BLACKPINK’s aesthetic—substituting the classic purple and gold with black and pink, giving the line an ultra-modern, youth-driven feel. A BLACKPINK-branded Lakers jersey is already trending online, while a black satin varsity jacket with pink Lakers insignia and rhinestone embellishments has emerged as the collection’s crown jewel.
The Power of the Triple Collaboration
The collaboration was born from an innovative initiative spearheaded by Fanatics, the leading global digital sports platform. With Fanatics’ growing interest in global cultural trends and pop crossovers, the company approached Complex and Mitchell & Ness with the idea of creating a collection that would unite fans across different passions—music, fashion, and sports.
Fanatics president of merchandise, Joe Bozich, said in a press release:
“We’re constantly looking for ways to push the envelope and deliver merchandise that reflects how fans express themselves today. This collaboration isn’t just about apparel—it’s about shared identity, lifestyle, and celebrating influence across cultures.”
Complex, the cultural media brand long known for bridging music, fashion, and pop culture, served as a promotional powerhouse for the launch. The brand will feature exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage of the design process, and BLACKPINK-related content through its ComplexCon event series. Sources confirm that a BLACKPINK-themed activation is planned for the next ComplexCon event in Los Angeles later this year.
BLACKPINK’s Influence in Fashion and Sports
BLACKPINK, composed of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, has consistently pushed boundaries between music and fashion, collaborating with luxury houses like Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Celine. Their presence in sportswear and urban fashion, however, has been relatively under the radar—until now.
Jennie, often dubbed “Human Chanel,” has also shown an affinity for Lakers games, having attended multiple games at Crypto.com Arena in recent years. The group’s growing Western presence, especially in cities like Los Angeles and New York, made the BLACKPINK x Lakers link an organic pairing.
In an exclusive quote featured in Complex, BLACKPINK member Lisa said:
“We love fashion, we love basketball, and we love our fans. This collaboration is exciting because it brings all of that together. Seeing our name next to the Lakers is surreal and powerful.”
The collaboration also aligns with a rising trend in which K-pop artists engage with U.S. sports leagues. BTS previously partnered with the MLB for custom jerseys and merchandise. With BLACKPINK now entering the NBA fold, expect further crossovers between global music icons and professional sports.
Early Reactions and Market Buzz
Fan response has been electric. Within hours of the release, several pieces from the collection were sold out online, particularly limited-run items like the BLACKPINK Lakers swingman jersey and embroidered caps. On social media, hashtags such as #BLACKPINKxLakers, #InYourAreaLakers, and #LakersKpop have trended across multiple platforms, with thousands of users sharing unboxing videos and fan-edits of BLACKPINK members wearing the new gear.
Resale markets are already seeing the collection spike in value, with some jerseys being listed for over triple the retail price on sites like StockX and Grailed.
NBA marketing analyst Travis Holland commented,
“What we’re seeing is the future of fan merchandise. It’s no longer just about rooting for a team; it’s about aligning with a lifestyle, a look, and a movement. BLACKPINK brings that kind of influence wherever they go.”
What’s Next?
There’s growing speculation that this BLACKPINK x Lakers release may be the first of multiple collaborations between K-pop stars and NBA franchises. According to insiders at Fanatics, discussions are already underway for similar campaigns with other artists and teams, including rumored interest from NewJeans and Stray Kids for future collabs.
Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s merch release coincides with their world tour anniversary and the possible rollout of solo projects by members Lisa and Rosé. With the group’s contract status with YG Entertainment still a hot topic, this high-profile Western branding deal signals that BLACKPINK’s influence remains as strong as ever.
For the Lakers, it’s another example of how the franchise continues to transcend basketball and operate as a cultural institution. The team has long embraced Hollywood flair and international appeal—something this collaboration powerfully reinforces.
Final Thoughts
At the intersection of courtside fashion, global music stardom, and nostalgic streetwear, the “BLACKPINK In Your Area” collaboration with the Lakers, Fanatics, Complex, and Mitchell & Ness has set a new benchmark for creative merchandise partnerships. More than just apparel, this drop is a symbol of modern fandom—a way to represent not just what you watch or listen to, but who you are.
Whether you’re a Lakers die-hard, a BLINK, a collector, or a cultural enthusiast, this release proves that when sports and music collide under the right vision, the results can be electric—and sold out.
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Social Caption (Optional for Instagram/Twitter):
💜🏀 BLACKPINK meets the Lakers in an epic merch drop! Fanatics x Complex x Mitchell & Ness launch limited-edition ‘BLACKPINK In Your Area’ collection. A must-have for BLINKs and hoops fans alike.🔥 #BLACKPINKxLakers #InYourAreaLakers #NBAFashion
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