Grizzlies Honored Brandon Clarke With Jersey Patch

The Memphis Grizzlies will wear a BC patch this season to honor the life of the late forward Brandon Clarke.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Basketball

Grizzlies Honored Brandon Clarke With Jersey Patch

The Memphis Grizzlies have announced plans to honor former player Brandon Clarke, who died on May 11 at age 29. The team will commemorate his life with a BC jersey patch throughout the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters

These tributes serve to recognize the contributions of Clarke, who was a key part of the roster over his seven-season career. The organization is focusing on providing a space for fans and teammates to remember the athlete during the upcoming season opener.

Clarke played seven seasons in the NBA, maintaining averages of 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He was the 21st overall pick in the 2019 draft and was due to earn $12.5 million in his final contract season.

The players

Brandon Clarke

He was a professional basketball player who spent seven seasons in the NBA after being drafted in 2019.

Memphis Grizzlies

This professional basketball team competes in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association.

Utah Jazz

This professional basketball franchise is based in Salt Lake City and competes in the NBA.

The details

In addition to the jersey patches, the organization will host a pre-game tribute and a moment of silence during the Memphis Grizzlies' opening night game against the Utah Jazz on October 21, 2026. The plans were formally announced on September 19, 2026, which would have been Clarke's birthday.

May 11, 2026: Brandon Clarke died near Los Angeles.
September 19, 2026: Team announced tribute plans on Clarke's birthday.
October 21, 2026: Memphis Grizzlies host their season opener.
2026-27 season: Grizzlies players will wear BC jersey patches.

Season Trajectory

This tribute aligns with the long-standing tradition of professional sports teams honoring late players through season-long uniform patches. It marks a solemn start to the 2026-27 campaign as the franchise navigates the emotional landscape of its opening schedule.

Fans attending the October 21 season opener should arrive early to observe the pre-game tribute and moment of silence. The jersey patches will be a permanent fixture for all games throughout the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Honoring a former teammate is a significant part of the culture for professional athletic organizations. These tributes help maintain the legacy of players while providing closure for the franchise and its supporters.