The Indiana Pacers, one of the most iconic basketball teams in the NBA, have maintained a strong visual identity throughout their history, with their logo undergoing subtle changes that reflect the team’s growth and tradition. Since its inception in 1967, the Pacers' logo has remained a symbol of the team’s consistency and connection to its heritage.

Logo Evolution and Meaning

The team's name, "Pacers," is a nod to Indiana's rich history, particularly its passion for horse racing and speed. This concept is reflected in the team’s logo, which has undergone multiple updates, yet remained closely tied to its roots.

1967–1976

The original Indiana Pacers logo featured a bold, solid blue "P" with a white hand holding a yellow basketball positioned to the right of the letter. This simple yet striking design laid the foundation for the team’s future emblems. The combination of blue, yellow, and white became synonymous with the team’s identity.

1976–1990

In 1976, the Pacers added the wordmark "Indiana Pacers" beneath the logo, in an italicized serif font. The addition of the wordmark provided a more formal and professional feel, complementing the modern, bold appearance of the emblem. The color palette remained focused on blue and yellow, reinforcing the team's established identity.

1990–2005

By 1990, the logo underwent a more refined transformation. The hand was removed, and the letter "P" was boldened, with a yellow basketball placed in the rounded part of the "P." Three lines emerged from the basketball, symbolizing motion and speed. The word "Pacers" was now featured in a clean, modern sans-serif font, which gave the logo a fresher, more contemporary look.

2005–2017

The 2005 redesign featured an outlined "P" in thin gray, adding a sense of depth and dimension to the emblem. The wordmark was updated again, this time using a geometric sans-serif font with flattened shapes, giving the logo a more modern and dynamic appearance. The increased spacing between the letters of "Pacers" enhanced the sense of airiness and balance, giving the entire logo a sleek, polished look.

2017–Present

In 2017, the Pacers’ logo was modernized once more, with the "P" placed inside a white circle, framed by a thick yellow and blue border. The word "Pacers" was written around the perimeter in a light, narrow sans-serif font, spaced out to create a sense of openness. This version of the logo reflects the team’s ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining a connection to its historical roots.

Typography and Symbolism

The typography used in the Indiana Pacers’ logos has always emphasized legibility and clarity. The current font is a simple sans-serif typeface, similar to Agency FB Bold Italic. This geometric and modern style, combined with the arch-shaped arrangement of the wordmark, contributes to the logo's timeless appeal.

Colors

The Pacers’ official color palette consists of navy blue (Pantone 282), yellow (Pantone 123), and silver (Pantone Cool Gray 5), with white also appearing in the logo. The blue and gold are directly inspired by the colors of the state flag of Indiana. These colors represent the team's legacy and its connection to the community. The specific color codes are as follows:

• Pacers Blue:
  Pantone 282 C
  Hex: #002D62
  RGB: (0, 45, 98)
  CMYK: (100, 68, 0, 54)
• Yellow:
  Pantone 123 C
  Hex: #FDBB30
  RGB: (253, 187, 48)
  CMYK: (0, 15, 94, 0)
• Silver:
  Pantone Cool Gray 5 C
  Hex: #BEC0C2
  RGB: (190, 192, 194)
  CMYK: (0, 0, 0, 29)

These colors help evoke feelings of energy, professionalism, and movement, in line with the team's identity as a fast-paced, competitive force in the NBA.