Perhaps surprising to no one, the Sixers are the first NBA team to ink a sponsorship deal for their jerseys.

Last night, the Sixers tweeted this crazy-creepy GIF of Betsy Ross sewing something on a blue jersey:

As it turns out, it’s a StubHub logo. StubHub, of course, recently struck a deal with the Sixers to be their exclusive ticket seller (another first…).

From the press release [caution: buzzwords]:

The Philadelphia 76ers and StubHub announce the first jersey patch sponsorship among major sports leagues in American history, making the Sixers the first NBA team to declare a jersey sponsor.  The StubHub patch will feature the brand’s recently launched new logo and appear on the front left of Sixers’ game jerseys starting in the 2017-18 season.  On April 15, 2016, the NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of jersey sponsorships as part of a three-year pilot program.  Starting in the 2017-18 season StubHub’s jersey patch will be included on all jerseys sold at Sixers’ home games.

“This marks another groundbreaking first for the Philadelphia 76ers and StubHub.  Our brands are now inextricably linked as we create lifelong memories for our fans in Philadelphia and around the world,” said Philadelphia 76ers CEO Scott O’Neil. “Our partnership with StubHub continues to generate progressive and forward-thinking platforms created to improve the fan experience and advance our industry.  The essence of our relationship with StubHub is our shared culture and ambition to innovate, which drives us to reimagine traditional partnership activation and continually ask, ‘What if?'”

“Since day one, StubHub has been a pioneer and innovator within the live entertainment ecosystem and we could not be more excited to join the Philadelphia 76ers in making history with this ground-breaking partnership,” said StubHub President Scott Cutler. “The Philadelphia 76ers are not only a beloved global brand, but they also serve as incredible partners and collaborators for StubHub – and we look forward to continuously innovating and improving the fan experience together.”

And there you have it.

I have no problem with ads on jerseys. They do it in soccer and no one is worse for the wear. What I wish American sports would also borrow from soccer is the tradition of getting new jerseys every year. Why not? Keep things fresh. You can still embrace tradition– Man U’s kits always look the same, but with just slight wrinkles.

Side note: This Sixers press release went out at 7:09 a.m. on Monday, a much more news-cycle-friendly time than, say, 9 p.m. on a summer Saturday, which is when they like to issue Joel Embiid injury updates. It’s almost like the Sixers actually wanted you to read this one.

UPDATE:

Haha. Of course Bloomberg. Joshua Harris loves Bloomberg.

UPDATE 2:

YOU’RE NOT A PUBLIC COMPANY!

UPDATE 3: Starting after next season, the StubHub logo will be featured on all jerseys sold at Sixers home games.