Official NBA 2025 Playoff Collection Now Available at Pro Merch!

The postseason just got personal. Pro Merch is proud to unveil our 2025 NBA Playoff Collection, featuring officially licensed NBA merchandise designed exclusively for fans who live for the big moments. From clutch Game 7s to coast-to-coast rivalries, this drop captures the energy of this year’s hottest matchups—Knicks vs. Pacers and Nuggets vs. Thunder.

🧢 Limited-edition player gear
👕 Custom tees, hoodies, snapbacks

Designed by Pro Merch. Licensed by the NBA. Created for real fans.

🛍️ Product Listing – NBA Collection by Pro Merch

Category: Basketball Merch, Licensed Apparel, NBA Playoff Gear
Brand: Pro Merch
Collection: NBA

🏆 Product Title:

NBA 2025 Playoffs – Official Pro Merch Collection

Celebrate the postseason with the official 2025 NBA Playoff gear from Pro Merch, where authenticity meets high-performance style. Designed in-house and officially licensed, this exclusive collection highlights the key matchups of the NBA’s most electric round yet.

Support your squad with custom tees, headwear, and posters showcasing Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, Nikola Jokić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—all tailored for this postseason run.

🔹 Premium fan-first designs
🔹 Limited Game 7 memorabilia
🔹 Fully licensed NBA Product

📰 Pro Merch 2025 NBA Playoff Report

🏀 Knicks vs. Pacers – Old Rivals, New Era, Same Stakes

The Eastern Conference Finals are heating up with a classic showdown: New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers—meeting this late in the playoffs for the first time in 25 years.

🔸 The Knicks, fresh off eliminating the Celtics in a statement Game 6 win, rely on Jalen Brunson’s control, Karl-Anthony Towns’ range, and Tom Thibodeau’s iron-fist coaching.
🔸 The Pacers are deeper, faster, and more unpredictable—powered by Tyrese Haliburton’s precision passing and a 10-man rotation that wears opponents down.

📈 Key Stat: Indiana has a playoff eFG% of 58.3%—on pace for an all-time NBA record.

👀 Players to Watch:

• New York: OG Anunoby – the X-factor both offensively and defensively.
• Indiana: Pascal Siakam – leading scorer and matchup nightmare.

🎯 Prediction: Pacers in 6. Their versatility, speed, and ability to push tempo could give them the edge over a Knicks team with heavy mileage on its starters.

⛹️‍♂️ Game 7 in the West – Nuggets vs. Thunder Will Decide It All

The Western Conference Semifinals come down to one epic conclusion: Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, live Sunday, May 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

🔥 Nikola Jokić vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
A cerebral MVP versus the league’s most polished young star. Jokić controls every inch of the court with footwork and vision, while SGA slices defenses apart with elite pace and poise.

🏀 What’s at Stake: A shot at the Timberwolves in the Western Finals and a potential title push.

🔑 X-Factor: Can OKC’s youthful bench keep up with Denver’s experience in altitude and under pressure?

🔮 Prediction: Nuggets in 7. Jokić turns in a classic and gets Denver back to the Western Conference Finals.

At Pro Merch, we don’t just sell gear—we tell stories through sport. Every design is crafted by artists who live the game, and every drop is built around moments that move fans. From the hardwood to the stands, we deliver official, licensed NBA apparel made to commemorate the present and honor the legacy.

In 2025, we’re bringing you closer than ever to the action with our NBA Playoffs Collection, made exclusively for this season’s unforgettable runs.

Baseball fans, the moment has arrived. With Major League Baseball’s historic reinstatement of Pete Rose and other legendary figures, Pro Merch is proud to launch a power-packed collection of official MLB and vintage Cincinnati Reds gear, highlighted by exclusive tribute items honoring the man himself—Charlie Hustle.

From the Cincinnati Reds to the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos, Pete Rose left his mark on every ballfield he stepped on. Now, you can celebrate that legacy with gear that’s as iconic as the player.

🌟 Pete Rose: A Legend Across Three Teams

Pete Rose was more than just a Reds icon. While he started and ended his legendary 24-year career in his hometown of Cincinnati, Rose also brought his trademark intensity and record-breaking play to two other franchises:

• 🔴 Cincinnati Reds (1963–1978, 1984–1986) – Home of the Big Red Machine, where Rose won two World Series titles (1975, 1976) and became MLB’s all-time hit leader.
• ⚪ Philadelphia Phillies (1979–1983) – In Philly, Rose helped lead the team to its first-ever World Series championship in 1980 and was a fan favorite for his relentless hustle.
• 🔵 Montreal Expos (1984) – Though his time with the Expos was brief, Rose collected his 4,000th hit in Montreal, becoming only the second player in history to reach that milestone.

No matter the city, no matter the uniform—Pete Rose played all out, all the time.

🖼️ New Release: Pete Rose “Hit King” Veterans Stadium Silk Posters

Commemorate the swing that shook the world: Pete Rose’s legendary hit at Vet Stadium that surpassed Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record. Now immortalized in our exclusive indoor/outdoor silk posters, this moment lives on in crisp, museum-grade clarity.

✨ Poster Features:

• Premium heavyweight 200 gsm semi-gloss paper with a silk finish
• Water and scratch-resistant for long-lasting display
• Ideal for both indoor fan caves and outdoor patios
• Available in 19 sizes with horizontal, vertical, and square formats
• UV ink printing for vivid, photo-realistic detail

Whether you watched that historic hit live or heard about it from your baseball-loving grandfather, this poster is a piece of American sports history made for your wall.

Not Just Pete Rose: MLB Lifts Ban on 16 Other Previously Ineligible Figures

With the historic decision to remove Pete Rose from the permanently ineligible list, Major League Baseball has extended that same reversal to 16 other individuals—many of whom had been blackballed for over a century. This sweeping move marks a profound shift in how the league is reckoning with its past.

🕵️‍♂️ The Black Sox Scandal Revisited

Eight of those reinstated were members of the infamous 1919 Chicago White Sox, later dubbed the “Black Sox,” accused of conspiring with gamblers to throw the World Series. Among them:

• “Shoeless” Joe Jackson – A batting legend with a .375 average during the 1919 Series, Jackson was banned despite limited evidence of wrongdoing. He died in 1951, never having seen his name cleared.
• Eddie Cicotte – One of the top pitchers of his era, Cicotte confessed to taking part in the fix but later recanted. His 14-year career included a stellar 2.38 ERA.
• Happy Felsch, Chick Gandil, Fred McMullin, Swede Risberg, Buck Weaver, and Lefty Williams – All played roles in or knew of the fix. Weaver notably refused to participate or accept money but was still banned for staying silent.

🧾 Other Early 20th-Century Bans

Beyond the Black Sox, several other players and figures banned for gambling or related controversies have also been reinstated:

• Joe Gedeon and Gene Paulette – Neither played for the 1919 White Sox, but were banned after being linked to gamblers.
• Benny Kauff – Banned not for gambling but for a separate car theft case, despite being acquitted in court.
• Lee Magee, Phil Douglas – Both implicated in schemes to fix games in the 1910s and 1920s.
• Jimmy O’Connell and Cozy Dolan – Banned for trying to bribe a Phillies shortstop to lose games in 1924.
• William Cox – The only owner on the list, Cox was banned in 1943 after admitting to betting on his own team, the Philadelphia Phillies.

⚖️ What It Means for Baseball History

Commissioner Rob Manfred’s decision effectively rewrites a century of baseball exclusion. For Pete Rose, it reignites the conversation about Cooperstown. But for the others—long deceased—it’s a symbolic act of historical revision, giving overdue recognition to complex legacies once buried under scandal.

This unprecedented move doesn’t guarantee Hall of Fame induction, but it removes the formal barriers that blocked all 17 individuals from even being considered.

The World Hockey Association (WHA) was a major force in the professional ice hockey world between 1972 and 1979. Though it was short-lived, the WHA left an undeniable impact on the sport, introducing innovation, fierce competition, and key players who would go on to shape the NHL. For nearly a decade, the WHA provided fans with a high level of play and a glimpse of what hockey could look like outside the shadow of the National Hockey League (NHL).

In this article, we take a deep dive into the history of the WHA, focusing on its teams, players, key moments, and eventual merger with the NHL. We also explore some of the fascinating stories behind the league’s iconic All-Star Games, highlighting the fierce rivalries and unforgettable matchups that defined the WHA’s lasting legacy.

The WHA Teams: Franchises, Cities, and Their Fate

The WHA was home to a mix of well-known cities and new markets that hadn’t yet embraced the sport of professional ice hockey. While some of these franchises succeeded in making a name for themselves, others folded or were absorbed into the NHL.

The Alberta Oilers (1972–1979)

One of the most successful teams in WHA history, the Alberta Oilers (later known as the Edmonton Oilers) joined the NHL in 1979 and became a dominant force in the league. Stars like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri would go on to cement the Oilers’ legacy as one of the greatest NHL franchises.

The Chicago Cougars (1972–1975)

The Chicago Cougars had a short but memorable run in the WHA, folding in 1975 after just three seasons. Despite strong local support, the team struggled to keep up with the growing financial and competitive pressures of the league.

The Cincinnati Stingers (1975–1979)

The Cincinnati Stingers played from 1975 to 1979 before joining the Central Hockey League in the 1979-80 season. Despite the team’s brief existence, the Stingers managed to create a passionate fan base before their departure from the WHA.

The Cleveland Crusaders (1972–1976)

Another team that came and went in a short time was the Cleveland Crusaders, which folded in 1976. Despite a promising start, the Crusaders faced financial struggles and ultimately couldn’t keep up with the WHA’s intense competition.

The Denver Spurs and Ottawa Civics (1975–1976)

Both the Denver Spurs and Ottawa Civics had fleeting existences in the WHA, with both teams folding within a year of their formation. These teams were unable to attract the fan support or financial stability needed to survive in the league.

The Houston Aeros (1972–1978)

The Houston Aeros were a mainstay in the WHA, remaining active until 1978. Under the leadership of legendary coach Gordie Howe, the Aeros achieved success on the ice, creating some of the league’s most iconic moments.

The New England Whalers (1972–1979)

The New England Whalers, later known as the Hartford Whalers in the NHL, were one of the WHA’s flagship teams. With legendary players like Rick Middleton and Dave Gagner, the Whalers helped to solidify the WHA’s place in history before transitioning to the NHL.

The Winnipeg Jets (1972–1979)

Perhaps the most famous WHA team to make the jump to the NHL, the Winnipeg Jets continued their legacy in the National Hockey League after 1979, where they would go on to become a powerhouse in their own right.

The Quebec Nordiques (1972–1979)

The Quebec Nordiques were another team that made the transition to the NHL after the merger, eventually becoming the Colorado Avalanche. The Nordiques were known for their intense rivalries and for being one of the WHA’s most competitive franchises.

WHA All-Star Games: Memorable Moments and Epic Matchups

The WHA All-Star Game was an annual tradition that brought together the league’s best talent. It featured various formats over the years, with some years focusing on regional matchups between Eastern and Western Divisions, while others highlighted international teams or celebrated the AVCO Cup champions.

1973 WHA All-Star Game – Eastern Division 6, Western Division 2

Held in Quebec, the first WHA All-Star Game set the tone for the intense competition that would follow. The Eastern Division triumphed, with the game marking the beginning of an annual tradition that would continue for the league’s remaining years.

1975 WHA All-Star Game – Western Division 6, Eastern Division 4

In Edmonton, the Western Division showcased its dominance in a high-scoring game, with both teams putting on an exciting display of speed and skill.

1977 WHA All-Star Game – Eastern Division 4, Western Division 2

This game, held in Hartford, was notable for its emphasis on Canadian-based teams (five) versus U.S.-based teams (nine), offering fans a thrilling showcase of talent from both sides of the border.

1978 WHA All-Star Game – AVCO Cup Champion Quebec Nordiques 5, WHA All-Star Team 4

In one of the most memorable All-Star Games, the reigning champions Quebec Nordiques took on the WHA All-Stars, winning by a narrow margin in an intense contest. The game exemplified the fierce competition that existed in the WHA.

1979 WHA All-Star Series – WHA All-Star Team vs. Dynamo Moscow

In what would be the final WHA All-Star event, the WHA All-Star Team played a three-game series against the powerhouse Dynamo Moscow. The WHA team triumphed in all three games, with scores of 4-2, 4-2, and 4-3, marking a glorious end to the WHA’s All-Star tradition.

The Legacy of the WHA: A Legacy That Shaped the NHL

Despite its relatively short existence, the World Hockey Association played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of professional ice hockey. The league pushed the NHL to evolve by introducing new innovations such as the penalty shot and helping to popularize hockey in regions that had previously not embraced the sport.

The WHA also introduced several players who would go on to become household names in the NHL, including Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri. These players, among others, not only changed the face of the NHL but also helped to elevate the status of the league to what it is today.

Ultimately, the WHA’s merger with the NHL in 1979 brought an end to the league, but its impact on the sport of ice hockey will never be forgotten. Today, the Edmonton Oilers, Quebec Nordiques (now the Colorado Avalanche), and the Winnipeg Jets all continue to carry the legacy of their WHA origins in the NHL.

The World Hockey Association remains a fascinating chapter in the history of professional sports, and its contributions to ice hockey are still felt today. Whether through the incredible All-Star Games, unforgettable matchups, or the stars that emerged from its ranks, the WHA helped to shape the future of the game and set the stage for the NHL’s global popularity.