NBA to release limited-edition sneakers to commemorate league's 68th anniversary

The NBA is releasing these red, white and blue sneakers to commemorate its 68th anniversary. (NBA) The NBA is set to release a limited-edition series of red,

The NBA is releasing these red, white and blue sneakers to commemorate its 68th anniversary. (NBA)

The NBA is set to release a limited-edition series of red, white and blue sneakers to celebrate the league's history.

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Launching with a June 6 release date, the NBA will sell 1,946 sneakers to commemorate the NBA's first season in 1946 and recognize the league's 68th anniversary.

The shoes -- which will include a unique, four-digit number from "0001" to "1946" as part of the limited-edition release -- will be packaged in a black and gold box that features the league's 30 team logos and other milestones.

The NBA's special-edition sneakers will come in a black and gold box. (NBA)

The sneaker design include a a red sole, a red toe, red laces, a white body, a blue upper with white stars, and the league's logo on the tongue. Imagine wrapping the special paper napkins sold for July 4th barbecues around your ankles and that's pretty what the NBA came up with here. The retail price is $119.

Although the shoes possess an obviously patriotic bent, a press release from the league noted that the shoes will be available to a worldwide audience, including fans in Mexico, India and China.

Fans in India, China and other international locations can purchase the NBA's anniversary sneakers. (NBA)

“The global popularity of the NBA is at an all-time high and we wanted to create a unique product that would allow fans around the world to display their passion for the NBA,” NBA president of global operations and merchandising Sal LaRocca said. “This shoe gives collectors the opportunity to celebrate the league’s incredible heritage.”

To generate buzz for the new venture, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will autograph and then auction off the first pair of shoes. Interested buyers can get in on the action right here on Friday. All proceeds from the Air Silvers will be donated to NBA Cares, the league's charitable organization.

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