Andrew Pace
The NBA logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in sports. The logo, designed by Alan Siegel in 1969, depicts a white silhouette of Jerry West, placed on a red and blue background. The NBA has been very reluctant to acknowledge that the logo is West, and he is often referred to as 'Logoman'. The logo is an example of non-standard advertising, with the red, white, and blue colors of the American flag used to emphasize that basketball is a national sport. The logo has been an emblem of the powerful basketball league since 1971.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of colours | 3 (red, white and blue) |
| Image | A silhouette of Jerry West |
| Year created | 1969 |
| Creator | Alan Siegel |
| Inspiration | A photo of Jerry West |
| Teams with basketball in logo | 21 |
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The NBA logo
The logo was designed by Alan Siegel in 1969, inspired by a photo of Jerry West, a legendary LA Lakers player. The photo, taken by Wen Roberts, was of West holding a ball and embodied grace, strength, and dynamism. Siegel presented the design to the NBA, without mentioning that it was based on West, only that it was inspired by a photo of a player. The logo was instantly iconic and helped the NBA become the unquestionable home of American basketball.
The logo consists of a rectangle with rounded edges, with the left side shown in blue and the right in red, with a white silhouette in the middle. The letters "NBA" are in white in the bottom left corner. This design remained untouched until 2017, the longest-lasting logo for the brand.
The NBA has been reluctant to acknowledge that the logo is based on West, often referring to him as 'Logoman' in official material. The reason for this is unclear, but it may be due to potential copyright issues or the fear that West might ask for a payout. Despite this, West has stated that he does not feel he deserves such attention and does not like being called 'The Logo'.
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Team logo rules
Firstly, it is worth noting that there is an observable trend of NBA teams incorporating basketballs into their logos. While this may be an unwritten rule, it is a notable characteristic of NBA team logos. According to some sources, the league encourages or requires teams to have at least one logo that incorporates a basketball. This rule may be in place to help spread interest in the sport, as a basketball can easily signify the sport of basketball.
When it comes to uniform decoration rules, the placement and size of logos are regulated. For example, logos, labels, patches, or trademarks are typically restricted to specific areas of the uniform, such as the game shorts or other apparel items. They are generally not allowed on the game jersey or undershirt. There may also be restrictions on the size of the logo, with specifications provided in official rulebooks.
In addition to the placement and size restrictions, there are rules regarding the uniformity of headbands, wristbands, and other accessories across team members. These items should be free of hard objects and must be made from soft, 'non-abrasive' materials. Solid colours are often mandated, with colours matching the jersey or restricted to black, beige, or white.
It is important to note that these rules may vary depending on the league and its specific guidelines. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the official rules of the relevant league or organization for comprehensive and accurate information regarding team logo rules in basketball.
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Logo colours
The NBA logo is one of the most recognized symbols in sports. It features a silhouette of a basketball player, Jerry West, in white, against a blue and red background—the colours of the American flag. The use of these colours is intended to remind viewers that basketball is an American national sport.
The colours of NBA team logos and uniforms can vary. They often include white, black, blue, and red, but can also feature other colours to reflect the team's character, location, history, or foundation culture. For example, the Brooklyn Nets logo symbolizes the sport of basketball and the team's location in Brooklyn, while the Portland Trail Blazers logo symbolizes two basketball teams with five players each, represented by five red and five white stripes. The Golden State Warriors logo symbolizes the Bay Bridge, and the Oklahoma City Thunder logo features a basketball at its centre.
The colours used in team logos can also be influenced by practical considerations, such as printing costs. For example, a logo with only two colours can save a lot of money when printing millions of logos on merchandise.
The colours used in basketball logos can also be influenced by wider trends in design. For example, jerseys are often designed with minimalism and a "clean" look in mind, which can be seen in the use of straight angles and a black, white, and grey colour palette in modern home design.
In addition to the visual impact of colour, the choice of colours in a logo can also have a symbolic meaning. For example, the Miami Heat logo features a basketball on fire, represented by the colour red, going through a hoop. The red colour symbolizes the heat of the team's name and the action of the game.
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Logo evolution
The National Basketball Association, or NBA, is one of the four major professional sports leagues in the USA and Canada. The NBA logo is one of the most recognized symbols in sports. The logo has a fascinating history and has evolved over the years to become the iconic symbol it is today.
The game of basketball was invented by PE teacher James Naismith in 1891. The NBA was formed on 3 August 1949, as a result of the rivalry between the American Basketball Association and its newly-created rival, the American Basketball Association. The NBA's first logo was introduced by the NBS and was composed of a circular emblem featuring a white basketball with the words "National Basketball Association" in red, with green stitches. The logo stayed with the organization for three years.
In 1953, the logo was redesigned, creating a red basketball with white lettering. This time, the lettering was shortened to only "NBA," in a diagonal, strict, and clean font. The basketball emblem was displayed on a white background, with the colors and lettering bold and prominent. This logo lasted for over eight years, but in 1962, the organization decided it was time for another change, opting for a whiter, almost grey basketball with black lettering and stitching.
It wasn't until 1969 that the NBA introduced its iconic vertical logo, featuring a rectangular emblem with rounded edges, blue and red sides, and a white silhouette in the center. This logo was designed by Alan Siegel, who was inspired by a photo of the legendary LA Lakers player Jerry West. The silhouette of West, a successful and well-known basketball player, captures grace, strength, and dynamics. This logo has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years, a testament to its timeless and versatile design.
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Logo inspiration
The logo is an essential part of a brand's identity and recognition. It is crucial to design a creative logo and market it effectively. The NBA logo, for example, is one of the most well-known sports logos globally, recognised by fans worldwide. The NBA logo has undergone several redesigns since its inception, with the current version being the longest-lasting logo for the brand. The iconic logo consists of a white silhouette of Jerry West, a legendary NBA player, against a blue and red background, representing the colours of the American flag. This logo was designed by Alan Siegel in 1969 and has become an enduring symbol of the league's visual identity.
The inspiration for the NBA logo came from a photograph of Jerry West, capturing the player's grace, strength, and dynamics. The logo's simple yet elegant design has contributed to its timelessness and impact. The use of red, white, and blue colours not only represents the American flag but also reinforces the league's association with the popular, all-American MLB. This strategic design choice helped the NBA establish itself as the unquestionable home of American basketball.
The evolution of the NBA logo began in 1946 when the league was founded. The original logo featured a circular emblem showcasing a white basketball with red lettering and green stitches. This initial design laid the foundation for the brand and remained in use for three years. In 1962, the logo underwent a colour change, with the basketball appearing whiter, almost grey, and the lettering displayed in black.
In 1969, the NBA introduced a significant redesign, replacing the circular emblem with a rectangle featuring rounded edges. This new logo incorporated blue and red colours, with a white silhouette of Jerry West in the centre and the NBA lettering in white uppercase. This design overhaul marked a pivotal moment in the league's visual identity, and it remained unchanged until 2017.
The power of the NBA logo lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its ability to generate significant revenue through licensing. The emblem has become a source of pride and recognition for basketball fans worldwide, contributing to the league's success and popularity.
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Frequently asked questions
The NBA logo, designed by Alan Siegel in 1969, depicts a white silhouette of Jerry West, placed on a red and blue background. The logo has been an integral part of the NBA's visual identity for over 50 years.
The logo on an NBA team's jersey often includes a basketball, the team name, and the colours associated with the team. Some teams also incorporate mascots or symbols that represent their city or region.
There is an NBA rule stating that teams must include a basketball in one of their logos. Most teams choose to include it in their primary logo.
The colours red, white, and blue are often used in NBA logos to represent the colours of the American flag and emphasise that basketball is a national sport.
