There’s a new scripture being written in the gospel of style, and it’s not in a glossy magazine; it’s in the NBA tunnel. Long gone are the days when arriving at an arena meant a tracksuit and sneakers as the pinnacle of pregame fashion. Today, the tunnel has become a runway, and accessories—particularly men’s bags—are no longer afterthoughts. From sleek crossbody bags that cut across the torso with quiet precision to unapologetically large duffles that exude travel and status, NBA players are redefining how these pieces are worn, styled, and celebrated.
And make no mistake, this isn’t a subtle movement. These athletes, often towering well over six feet, bring proportion, personality, and fearless confidence to their bag choices. They aren’t hiding their accessories; they’re making them the headline. In a league where personal branding is as vital as points per game, the bag (whether a structured tote, a quilted shoulder piece, or a monogrammed carryall) is a statement: I know who I am, and my style has arrived before I do.
Here are 6 fashion bags we’ve spotted on our favorite NBA players…
#1. The Bold Red Statement Tote – Tyrese Haliburton
Statement totes are commanding the show with NBA players. Recently, Tyrese Haliburton walked the tunnel in deep blue jeans, a crisp white tee, and an oversized red button-down shirt, perfectly complemented by a woven red tote slung over the shoulder. Here, men’s bags are more than utility; they’re integral to the color story. The bag echoes the shirt’s vibrant hue, anchoring the outfit while amplifying its overall energy. The woven texture adds dimension, transforming the look from simple color matching into a study in layered style.
The oversized tote also signals a shift in the evolution of men’s bags. While crossbody designs prioritize mobility, a roomy tote conveys confidence that says you’re ready to carry your life with you, and do it in unmistakable style.
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#2. The Luxe Fur/Shearling Tote – Shai Gilgeous Alexander
Here, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a walking luxury billboard. A plush cream fur coat, matching trousers, and a beanie in the same tonal palette create an understated yet unmistakably lavish silhouette. Gilgeous-Alexander completes the ensemble with a large shearling tote, perfectly echoing the coat’s rich texture. This is the kind of men’s bag that blurs the line between accessory and outerwear—as if it were crafted from the same fabric as the jacket itself.
This pairing proves that men’s bags don’t have to be boring to be functional. The tote’s oversized shape offers the carrying capacity of a duffle bag, while its soft shearling construction transforms it into a tactile statement piece. It’s a clear reminder that accessories can (and should) play in the same luxury league as the rest of the outfit. While crossbody bags prioritize mobility, a tote like this is all about presence, turning practicality into high-style theater.
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#3. The Monogrammed Men’s Duffle Bag – Allen Iverson
If there were a Mount Rushmore of NBA tunnel bag moments, this one would be carved in stone. Allen Iverson stuns in earthy corduroy trousers, a leather puffer vest, and a white beanie, grounded by crisp white sneakers. In his hand? A Louis Vuitton men’s duffle so iconic it practically deserves its own security detail. The monogrammed LV print is timeless, and its sheer size makes it clear: this player is not packing light.
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#4. The Sleek Black Woven Leather Clutch – Russell Westbrook
Some players treat the tunnel like an office hallway. Others treat it like Paris Fashion Week. This look firmly belongs in the latter category. Walking with unshakable ease, Russell Westbrook pairs a sharply tailored beige double-breasted suit with black platform shoes, topped with a mustard baseball cap and sunglasses. In his hand, a black woven leather clutch rests confidently—no strap, no fuss—pure statement.
Here, the clutch acts as a minimalist power move. By keeping the rest of the outfit monochromatic and letting the intricate weave of the bag take center stage, he proves that excess isn’t necessary to stand out. The textured finish adds a layer of craftsmanship and refinement, making this men’s bag as appropriate for courtside appearances as it is for after-hours events.
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#5. The Sleek Black Leather Tote – Saquon Barkley
Some players bring quiet sophistication to the tunnel, and Saquon Barkley just proved that simplicity can still steal the show. He was spotted in cropped navy trousers, a textured light-blue knit polo with a bold lime trim, and black leather loafers, effortlessly elevating the look with a structured black leather tote. The bag is sharp, minimal, and perfectly in step with the rest of the outfit, showing that functionality and polish can coexist seamlessly.
Unlike oversized duffles that make a loud statement, this tote whispers confidence. Its clean lines and premium leather construction make it versatile enough for both casual and business-forward outfits, making it the kind of men’s bag you can carry from morning meetings to post-game dinners. Barkley’s approach proves that the right tote can be the centerpiece of a look, even when the rest of the outfit is pared-back perfection.
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#6. The Sport-Luxe Green Crossbody – Tyrese Maxey
Then there’s the modernist’s approach to functionality: a compact green patterned men’s crossbody bag slung diagonally across a black-and-white streetwear ensemble. Tyrese Maxey leans into comfort with an oversized Amiri tee, black shorts, and black-and-white sneakers, letting the bag add both color and structure. Its muted olive tone keeps it versatile, while subtle patterning injects personality without overpowering the outfit.
This is the men’s crossbody bag at its most practical. It’s hands-free, perfectly sized for essentials, and styled to work whether you’re heading to the gym, catching a flight, or making an arena entrance. It’s proof that even in the most relaxed looks, the right bag can still command attention.
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Why NBA Players Are Winning the Bag Game
NBA players have the platform, the paycheck, and the stylistic freedom to push boundaries, and they’re using all three to champion men’s bags. What matters isn’t just the brand or the price tag; it’s the intention behind the styling. These athletes show that a bag isn’t a secondary detail. It’s a focal point capable of elevating an entire look.
By normalizing accessories like crossbody bags, oversized totes, and designer duffles, they’re erasing outdated gender norms and proving that style is about expression, not rules. And because their tunnel walks are photographed, posted, and dissected instantly online, their influence spreads rapidly from the runway to highlight reels to your Instagram feed.
How to Bring NBA Tunnel Bag Energy Into Your Wardrobe
You don’t need a multimillion-dollar contract to pull off these moves. Start small—a sleek black leather crossbody bag can integrate seamlessly into your daily outfits. From there, graduate to bolder choices: a woven tote in a standout color or a patterned duffle bag for weekend getaways.
The key is proportion and purpose. If your outfit is simple, let the bag do the talking. If your clothes are already bold, choose a bag that complements rather than competes. Above all, the best men’s bags are the ones you wear with confidence, whether they’re clutch-size or carry-on large.
NBA players aren’t just dominating on the court; they’re playing the fashion game at a championship level. In this era, their bags are more than accessories; they’re storytelling tools. From the all-red woven tote to the woven clutch and the monogrammed duffle, each choice reflects a different facet of style: coordination, boldness, and luxury. That’s the true gospel of men’s fashion bags—preached, quite literally, on the move.
Take a look at more of our favorite bags spotted on NBA players…
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