Once an instant fan favorite when they debuted ahead of the 2019–20 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks’ iconic “Cream City” jerseys are officially back in action and already turning heads in the team’s 2025–26 campaign.
The throwback threads made their return this season during Milwaukee’s 123–114 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, but that won’t be the signature uniforms’ sole performance on the hardwoods this year. The Bucks and superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo are slated to wear the Cream City unis a total of 11 times this year, including a special MLK Day appearance on NBA on NBC.
What are the Milwaukee Bucks’ “Cream City” jerseys?
Inspired by nostalgia and crafted with purpose, the Milwaukee Bucks’ “Cream City” jerseys don’t just look good; they also tell a story of authenticity. These jerseys pay respect to the city that has nurtured the franchise since its inception as an NBA expansion team in 1968. The rich history includes legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) and Oscar Robertson, both of whom played pivotal roles in the team’s early successes.
At the heart of this custom-made jersey is its unique cream color, which serves as a homage to the bricks that built Milwaukee and inspired the city’s nickname “Cream City.” This color choice is more than just an aesthetic; it embodies the essence of Milwaukee’s architectural heritage.
“This uniform embodies the history of Milwaukee and its ‘Cream City’ moniker with a design that celebrates the cream city bricks that our city was built with,” said Dustin Godsey, Bucks Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, in a press release this summer. He captured the sentiment behind these uniforms beautifully, celebrating both the past and the present.
Fans have long adored these retro-inspired uniforms, and their return has generated palpable excitement in the basketball community. The combination of nostalgic design elements with modern trends continues to resonate with both older fans and a new generation of supporters.
The jerseys are enhanced by a retro, bespoke font that exudes swagger, and they also feature bands of green and blue striping, harkening back to the team’s early days. This design element not only reminds fans of the Bucks’ storied history but also serves as a nod to the franchise’s triumphs, including their first NBA championship in 1971.
Finishing touches on the Milwaukee Bucks’ Cream City jerseys include a stylized “M” at the bottom of the knee-length shorts and a discreet yet classy salute to the state of Wisconsin etched into the waistband buckle. Moreover, this season’s unveiling was complemented by a custom designed court, featuring the “Cream City” moniker at center court. This backdrop enhances the overall experience for players and fans alike, tying in the thematic elements of the city and its heritage.
How to watch the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks on MLK Day
Kicking off the NBA’s first-ever Martin Luther King Jr. Day quadrupleheader on NBA on NBC, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will visit Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, January 19. This much-anticipated matchup promises to be a thrilling display of talent and skill. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, and the game will be available exclusively on Peacock.
The remaining three games of the MLK Jr. Day quadrupleheader air on both NBC and Peacock, featuring equally formidable matchups, including the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks hosting the Dallas Mavericks, and concluding with the Boston Celtics facing off against the Detroit Pistons in the Motor City. The excitement surrounding these matchups adds to the significance of this day, as fans celebrate both basketball and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.