The Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics, has a rich history that reflects its transformation from its Seattle origins to its current identity as a professional NBA team based in Oklahoma City. Since adopting the Thunder name in 2008, the team has used a single logo that encapsulates its new identity.

Meaning and Evolution

1. 1967–2008: Seattle SuperSonics
   • The team was established in 1967 as the Seattle SuperSonics, adopting a logo that symbolized the city’s identity.
   • Early logos featured a green basketball with a space needle inside, alongside a sonic shuttle flying upward. This symbolized speed and modernity.
   • Over the years, the SuperSonics logos evolved, incorporating elements like a yellow basketball, a Seattle skyline, and varying green and yellow color schemes.
2. 2008–Present: Oklahoma City Thunder
   • Following the relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008, the team adopted the name “Thunder” to honor the region’s association with storms and the Thunderbirds division of the U.S. Army.
   • The current logo, introduced on September 3, 2008, features a shield-shaped design with:
     • "OKC" displayed prominently over a partial basketball.
     • The team name “Thunder” positioned above in a bold font.
   • The design intentionally did not incorporate any elements from the Seattle SuperSonics to establish a distinct identity.

Design Elements

• Font:
  The word “Thunder” uses the Industria Bold font, a modern and dynamic sans-serif typeface created by Neville Brody.
• Colors:
  The team’s official color palette symbolizes energy and vibrancy:
  • Thunder Blue (PMS 285): Represents the vast Oklahoma skies.
  • Sunset (PMS Warm Red C): Evokes the region's stunning sunsets.
  • Yellow (PMS 1235): Adds energy and brightness.
  • Thunder Navy (PMS 282): Provides depth and strength.

Key Features of the Thunder Identity

• The shield shape and clean lines give the logo a modern, professional look.
• The partial basketball signifies the team’s connection to the sport.
• The bold color palette and typography embody energy and resilience, reflecting Oklahoma’s dynamic spirit.

The Thunder logo, with its unique design and local significance, has become a defining symbol of the team’s new chapter in NBA history.