Exclusive: Director Gina Prince-Bythewood and Esther Wallace talk Love & Basketball × Playa Society 25th Anniversary Collaboration
Earlier this year (April 21) marked the 20th anniversary of Gina Prince-Bythewood directorial feature debut, the romantic classic ‘Love and Basketball.’
Having worked as a writer on numerous series such as A Different World, South Central and Felicity, this was her big transition to the film world. Produced by Spike Lee and his 40 Acres and a Mule banner, Prince-Bythewood was confident in her story and with a cast that featured newcomers and veterans.
Centering on two childhood friends who love and play basketball together through many life challenges from childhood to adulthood, the film starred Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps in lead roles supported by Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert, Kyla Pratt, Debbie Morgan, Harry J. Lennix, Gabrielle Union, Boris Kodjoe, Regina Hall, Monica Calhoun and Tyra Banks.
While the film grossed around $27M at the box office, it found a second audience once it hit home video and most folks saw it on VHS. Throughout the years, more and more people have seen the film and each person has loved it so much that the film is consistently named among the top romantic films ever whenever someone does a list.
Today, Playa Society — the streetwear and culture brand known for uplifting women’s sports — officially launched ‘First Quarter: Ball Better Than You’, the first capsule in a year-long collaboration created in partnership with Love & Basketball filmmaker, Gina Prince-Bythewood, to honor the film’s enduring cultural impact for over 25 years.
Playa Society is a streetwear brand founded by Esther Wallace in 2018, created to celebrate and advocate for women in sports through its merchandise, community events, and social initiatives. The brand is known for its unique designs, which often feature hand-drawn portraits of female athletes, and for its advocacy for gender equality in sports.
This historic collection marks the first time the film has ever officially licensed its logo and assets, signaling a new era of storytelling, nostalgia, and sports culture.
This collection also marks the first of multiple planned collaborations between Prince-Bythewood and Playa Society in a way that honors the film while pushing the narrative forward.
The capsule includes hoodies, tees, headwear, and accessories — all available exclusively at playasociety.com while supplies last. Some of the legendary designs include:
Love & Basketball Hoodie (also available in a Crop Hoodie) - This hoodie is the heartbeat of the collection made to celebrate the film that shaped an era. Bringing together Love and Basketball and Playa Society for the perfect blend of love, game, and culture added to your wardrobe.
Love & Basketball “Lil Monica” T-shirt - Celebrating the first unapologetic depiction of a female athlete in film, the Playa Society x Love & Basketball Lil’ Monica T-shirt honors the confidence and tenacity of Monica Wright in the “First Quarter” of the film, played by Kyla Pratt. This hand drawn sketch captures all the energy and attitude.
“Ball Better Than You” T-shirt - This Playa Society X Love and Basketball statement tee celebrates Monica Wright's self-assuredness from the moment she delivers the iconic line “Ball Better Than You”, that defines her on-court confidence. Featuring the quote in orange text against a soft oat tee, this design honors the tenacity and skill that makes her a legend. It's a shout-out to the unapologetic heart of a woman choosing to be great, both in the game and in her life.
Blackfilmandtv.com's Wilson Morales talks Gina Prince-Bythewood & Esther Wallace talk Love & Basketball × Playa Society 25th Anniversary.