NBA. Nets. Brooklyn. Cool.
Four words many thought would never go together.
Two stand out even more: Nets and cool.
At Friday's ribbon cutting for the Barclays Center, the new Brooklyn home for the NBA's Nets franchise, a transformation was clear.
The New Jersey Nets were never cool. The BROOKLYN Nets are.
Almost instantly.
It all starts with entertainer Jay Z. Yes, Beyonce's lesser half. He owns only one-fifteenth of one percent of the franchise, but he seems to have complete ownership of the team's style.
He designed the logo, taking it from red, white and blue to the rugged simplicity of black and white. He helped design elements of the Barclays Center, including the look of the basketball court itself.
"Jay and I collaborate on a lot of different things," said Brett Yormark, CEO of the Nets and the Barclays Center. Yormark admits, he actually has him on speed dial.
What's cooler than that? (Read More:Jay-Z Festival Will Boost Philly's Profile says Mayor)
"He's obviously a tastemaker, and he's got incredible talents," Yormark said. "He lends advice, provides input and has a great vision."
Jay Z didn't appear at the ceremony — most likely to keep the focus on the arena and the team — but his role in the facility's launch is crucial. He sold out eight shows to kick off things, starting on September 28.