The NBA logo, one of the most iconic symbols in sports history, was first introduced in 1969. Its creation marked a significant moment in the evolution of the league, coming on the heels of intense competition with its rival, the American Basketball Association (ABA). But what makes this emblem so special? And who is depicted on the NBA logo?

Who Is Depicted on the NBA Logo?

Since 1969, the NBA logo has been built around the silhouette of Jerry West, one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. A legendary player for the Los Angeles Lakers, West’s dynamic on-court style earned him the nickname "The Logo," a title that continues to be associated with the NBA's brand today.

Despite being the figure behind the logo, West himself has always downplayed the association, stating that he never sought such attention and that he did not feel deserving of the honor. In fact, in various interviews, West has suggested other players, such as Michael Jordan or even NBA commissioner Adam Silver, could be represented on the logo. Nonetheless, Jerry West’s silhouette has remained a powerful symbol of excellence in basketball.

Meaning and History of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo, which was unveiled in January 1969, was designed by Alan Siegel and inspired by a photograph of Jerry West in action, taken by photographer Wan Roberts for Sport magazine. Siegel explained that the dynamic, upright posture of West captured the essence of basketball — grace, motion, and energy. The final logo design is a simple, yet effective representation of these qualities.

The original logo was a rectangular shape, divided into two halves. The left side was red, and the right side was blue. A white silhouette of Jerry West dribbled a basketball in the center, dividing the two colors. Below the silhouette, the “NBA” wordmark appeared in white capital letters, using a bold sans-serif typeface. The red, white, and blue color scheme evokes the patriotic spirit of the United States and symbolizes basketball as the national pastime.

Evolution of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo has undergone very few changes since its introduction in 1969. The original design remained unchanged until 2017, when the league made minor adjustments to the font and color palette. The logo’s iconic silhouette and color scheme have remained central to the league’s visual identity.

Here’s a look at the different iterations of the NBA logo:

1. 1950 – 1953: The First NBA Logo
   The NBA's first logo was circular, featuring a stylized basketball with the words "National Basketball Association" written across the top and bottom. This early design was fairly simple and focused on the basketball itself.
2. 1953 – 1962: The Red Basketball Era
   The logo evolved with the introduction of a red basketball and white lettering. The word "NBA" was now placed in clean, sans-serif type, simplifying the look.
3. 1962 – 1969: A New Design
   In 1962, the ball was white again, and the "NBA" letters were now in black. The logo was slanted diagonally, giving it more movement and energy.
4. 1969 – 2017: The Iconic Jerry West Logo
   The 1969 logo, which introduced Jerry West’s silhouette, became the definitive version of the NBA logo for nearly five decades. The design was simple, powerful, and instantly recognizable.
5. 2017 – Present: Subtle Refinements
   The most recent change to the logo came in 2017, when the typeface was slightly refined, with thinner lines and more modern contours. However, the overall design remained unchanged, and Jerry West's silhouette continues to be the central feature.

Symbolism of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo’s symbolism is more than just a graphic design — it represents the heart of the game. The silhouette of Jerry West is a symbol of the speed, athleticism, and grace that basketball embodies. The use of red, white, and blue ties the logo to its American origins, emphasizing the national pride that basketball holds in the U.S.

The logo’s design is also a tribute to the competitive nature of the sport, as West himself was known for his relentless drive to win, despite often falling short in the NBA Finals. This resonates with the journey of the NBA itself, which has grown from a struggling league in the 1960s into a global powerhouse that showcases the best basketball talent in the world.

Why Jerry West?

Jerry West was chosen for the logo because of his iconic status in the NBA. At the time of the logo's creation, West was already recognized as one of the best players in the league, with a reputation for both scoring and playmaking. He had already led the Lakers to several NBA Finals and was known for his graceful athleticism, making him a perfect fit for the logo’s elegant design.

West’s silhouette captures a moment of dynamic motion, which resonates with the flow of a basketball game. His role as both a player and coach with the Lakers made him a fitting ambassador for the league’s visual identity.

NBA Logo Earnings and Global Impact

The NBA logo is not only one of the most recognizable sports symbols worldwide, but it also generates significant revenue. According to design firm Siegel+Gale, the NBA logo brings in over $3 billion annually through licensing. This figure speaks to the global appeal of the league and the widespread recognition of its iconic emblem.

Could the NBA Logo Change?

In recent years, following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant in 2020, there were calls from fans and players to replace Jerry West’s silhouette with Bryant’s image as a tribute to his legacy. Despite this, the NBA has firmly stated that it has no plans to alter the logo, with the existing design representing the timeless essence of the game.

While some continue to advocate for a new logo, the NBA remains loyal to its iconic symbol, which has stood the test of time for over five decades.

The Legacy of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo remains one of the most powerful symbols in sports, representing the league’s rich history and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s a visual representation of the game’s spirit and the legacy of players like Jerry West, who helped define the NBA’s identity during its early years.

As the NBA continues to grow in global stature, its logo will undoubtedly remain a central part of the league’s branding, standing as a symbol of basketball excellence for generations to come.NBA Logo