The Complete History of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo is a symbol recognized by millions around the globe, but its journey to becoming an icon wasn't immediate. Here's a unique and detailed timeline of how the NBA logo evolved into its current form and the story behind it.

The Evolution of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in sports, embodying the league’s dynamic spirit and rich history. Since its introduction in 1969, the iconic silhouette has remained largely unchanged, yet its story reflects the league’s growth and the lasting impact of its players. In this blog, we’ll explore how the NBA logo came to be and how it continues to evolve with the game.

1950–1953: The First Logo 

The first-ever NBA logo had a much different look compared to the one we know today. Introduced by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1950, this logo was circular, with a prominent basketball image in white. 

The phrase "National Basketball Association" was written in red, and the lettering followed a curved design around the ball. The basketball was adorned with two green-arched stitches, giving it a unique look. While this initial emblem only lasted for three years, it played a vital role in setting the foundation for the brand and symbolizing the early years of professional basketball.

1953–1962: A Simpler Approach 

In 1953, the NBA felt the need to simplify and streamline its logo. They replaced the previous emblem with a bold red basketball on a white background, featuring the letters "NBA" in all caps, written diagonally across the ball. The clean, professional look emphasized the growing professionalism of the league. This version of the logo remained in use for nearly a decade, marking the first significant visual change in the NBA's branding.

1962–1969: A New Color Scheme 

By 1962, the NBA logo underwent another transformation, this time with an updated color scheme. The basketball took on a greyish tone, while the bold "NBA" lettering remained. 

The diagonal placement of the letters was still central to the design, but the new color palette gave the logo a more refined and mature appearance. This version served the league well throughout the 1960s as basketball grew in popularity across the United States.

1969: The Iconic Red, White, and Blue Logo 

The most notable change in NBA logo history occurred in 1969, a year that marked the introduction of the now-famous red, white, and blue design. Facing pressure from the American Basketball Association (ABA), the NBA sought to rebrand itself with a more modern and nationalistic logo to capture public attention. 

The Longevity of the 1969 Logo 

From 1969 to 2017, the NBA logo remained largely untouched. Its simplicity and elegance made it one of the most iconic logos in sports history, instantly recognizable to basketball fans worldwide. This design became synonymous with the NBA's rise to international fame, showcasing legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant.

2017: A Subtle Redesign 

In 2017, the NBA made a small adjustment to the logo that had dominated the league for nearly 50 years. The letters "NBA" were given a sleeker, more refined look with thinner lines and sharper contours. Although the change was minimal, it added a modern touch to the classic design while keeping its timeless appeal. The silhouette of Jerry West remained untouched, as did the red, white, and blue color scheme.

2021: 75 Years of Hoops and Sparkles

In 2021, the NBA hit its 75th anniversary and gave its iconic logo a sparkling upgrade. Borrowing the diamond symbol (usually for a 60th anniversary, but hey, close enough), the league introduced a brilliant twist on Siegel’s classic design. 

With sleek white lines mimicking a basketball court and the bold '75' shining next to 'Logoman' Jerry West, this glitzy refresh was a slam dunk for the 2021-22 season. Though we might see more milestone makeovers, it’s clear Siegel’s legendary logo isn’t dribbling away anytime soon!

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The new NBA logo featured this silhouette in white, set against a red and blue background, representing the colors of the American flag, while "NBA" was displayed in bold, white lettering.

Who’s Really on the NBA Logo?

Jerry West, a man who faced more battles off the court than on, is the unspoken face of the NBA logo—a role he never quite embraced. Born in 1938 in West Virginia, West endured a tough childhood, sleeping with a gun under his pillow, fearing for his safety due to his father’s abuse. When his brother tragically died in the Korean War in 1951, the once fiery Jerry became a quiet, introspective figure. These hardships shaped his legendary work ethic.

A star at both East Bank High School and West Virginia University, West’s basketball journey is nothing short of incredible. He racked up honors like Southern Conference MVP and All-American, ending his college career with over 2,000 points and 1,200 rebounds. Before entering the NBA, he co-captained the U.S. Men's Basketball Team to Olympic gold in 1960. That same year, West was drafted second overall by the Lakers—then based in Minneapolis.

Nicknamed "Mr. Clutch" and later “The Logo,” West embodied determination and skill. His fierce rivalry with the Celtics and multiple finals losses earned him another title: "The Best Player Never to Win a Ring." But that finally changed in 1972, when he led the Lakers to victory over the Knicks. West’s accolades? An All-Star, All-NBA First Team, and even All-Star Game MVP. Not bad for a guy who said he never wanted to be the center of attention!

Yet, it’s his silhouette on the NBA logo that haunts him the most. Despite no official acknowledgment, West always suspected the logo was modeled after him, and while flattered, he felt burdened by it. 

The shy West wasn’t interested in the spotlight, and the "Logoman" legacy made him feel reduced to a single image, overshadowing his true achievements. Over time, he grew to despise being known as just "the logo" and even suggested that it’s time for a change—perhaps Michael Jordan’s iconic jump, LeBron’s breakaway dunk, or Kareem’s skyhook could take center stage.

NBA New Logo Inspiration

Alan Siegel, the designer behind the Major League Baseball (MLB) logo, was tasked with designing this new symbol.

Siegel's breakthrough came when he found a photo of Jerry West, a Los Angeles Lakers player, captured mid-game in an elegant, dynamic pose. The silhouette perfectly encapsulated the essence of basketball—athleticism, fluidity, and grace. 

Now, he’s gone on to a remarkable career in branding and design, founding both Siegel+Gale and later Siegelvision. 

Fun fact: Siegel might be better known for his design skills, but don’t challenge him to a game of HORSE—he claims he can sink 9 out of 10 three-pointers!

Post-retirement, West didn’t stray far from basketball. He became an NBA coach for the Lakers, and later, a decorated executive, helping secure eight NBA championships for teams like the Warriors, Grizzlies, and Clippers. In 2019, West even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, adding another accolade to his already lengthy list.

As for a logo redesign? When the basketball world lost Kobe Bryant in 2020, there was a call to honor him by making him the new face of the logo. Though supported by many, including Kobe's wife Vanessa, the idea never gained traction. For now, the "Logoman" remains, whether Jerry likes it or not.

NBA Marketing Regulations & Team Logos 

The NBA is meticulous about its branding, enforcing strict regulations on team logos and uniforms. One prominent rule is that team logos must feature a basketball. This ensures uniformity across the league's branding while keeping the focus on the sport itself. Additionally, player attire is subject to strict rules, with notable exceptions such as Michael Jordan's famous sneaker rebellion, which led to a significant boost in Nike’s Air Jordan line.

The Story Behind the NBA Logo's Creation

Alan Siegel

The Mastermind Alan Siegel, a renowned branding expert, was chosen by NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy to reimagine the league’s image. Siegel’s expertise in creating logos that resonated with the public made him the perfect fit for this task.

The Search for the Perfect Image

 Siegel scoured through thousands of photographs before settling on a picture of Jerry West. This particular image captured the grace, athleticism, and movement that Siegel wanted to convey in the logo.

The Logo's Legacy and Cultural Impact

 "Mr. Logo" Although West became the unofficial face of the NBA, the role brought him little joy. West was known to be a private person, and being labeled "Mr. Logo" made him uncomfortable. He often expressed that the NBA should consider redesigning the logo, perhaps even using another player’s silhouette.

Calls for a Redesign: The Kobe Bryant Movement

 After the tragic death of Kobe Bryant in 2020, there was a significant push on social media to redesign the NBA logo in his honor. Many fans and even Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, supported this idea. However, the NBA has refrained from making this change, likely due to the logo’s established identity and the costs involved in rebranding.

Why Change Something That Works?

 The NBA logo has remained relevant and recognizable for over half a century. Changing it now would be risky, as it has become an integral part of the league’s identity.

Tips for Designing a Basketball Logo

Basketball team logos are iconic representations of team identity and pride. From classic designs to modern revamps, each NBA team logo, be it Detroit Pistons or Los Angeles Lakers, tells a story of evolution and legacy. In this blog, we’ll dive into the fascinating history of the NBA logo itself. If you’re interested in learning more about the logos of 20 renowned NBA teams and what makes them so memorable in the world of sports branding, be sure to explore our blog section!

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Designing a basketball logo requires a blend of creativity and clarity, capturing team identity while ensuring the logo is bold, memorable, and instantly recognizable. 

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Design Tool Recommendation For those looking to create a standout basketball logo, consider using LogoMe, an AI-powered logo maker. Logome can help you design a professional and unique logo with ease, combining creativity with technology to bring your vision to life.

Conclusion

The NBA logo has withstood the test of time, evolving from a modest circular design in the 1950s to the iconic symbol we see today. The story behind the logo, from its creation by Alan Siegel to the inspiration drawn from Jerry West, has only added to its legendary status. Despite occasional calls for change, the NBA logo remains one of the most enduring and cherished symbols in sports history.

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