The Los Angeles Clippers logo has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the team’s changes in location and identity over the decades. While the basketball motif has remained central to its visual identity, each redesign incorporates unique elements tied to the team's evolution and culture.

Meaning and History of the Los Angeles Clippers Logo

The Los Angeles Clippers' story began in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves in New York. Since then, the team has undergone multiple relocations and rebrandings, becoming the San Diego Clippers in 1978 before settling in Los Angeles in 1984. Over time, the Clippers' logo has evolved to represent these transitions while staying rooted in basketball imagery.

What is the Los Angeles Clippers?

The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team in the NBA, representing the Western Conference. Originally founded as the Buffalo Braves, the team adopted its current name during its brief San Diego tenure, symbolizing the city’s rich maritime heritage. Today, the Clippers play at Crypto.com Arena, with Tyronn Lue as head coach.

Logo Evolution

1970 – 1971

The Buffalo Braves’ first logo featured a simple basketball-centric design. However, it lacked the distinct identity tied to its later iterations.

1971 – 1978

A bold redesign introduced a stylized "B" featuring a red-and-white feather motif, honoring Native American heritage. The contemporary design and patriotic color scheme were visually striking.

1978 – 1982

Upon moving to San Diego, the team embraced its new coastal identity. The San Diego Clippers logo featured three triangular sails on a blue circle, with a red sun rising behind them. This nautical theme emphasized the Clippers' connection to maritime culture.

1982 – 1984

To highlight the team’s athletic focus, the logo adopted a basketball design. A red-and-white ball featured dynamic horizontal stripes representing motion and energy, paired with bold blue lettering.

1984 – 2010

Relocating to Los Angeles brought subtle changes. The "San Diego" text was replaced with "Los Angeles," and the two horizontal stripes on the basketball were removed. The logo retained its vibrant red, white, and blue color scheme.

2010 – 2015

A darker and more sophisticated color palette was introduced, refining the red and blue shades. The wordmark adopted a sharper, italicized font, adding a modern, professional touch.

2015 – 2024

The Clippers unveiled a fresh design featuring a white basketball outlined in black, with a "CLA" monogram at the center. The bold wordmark "CLIPPERS" appeared beneath, framed by blue and red horizontal lines. This logo balanced modernity with a playful nod to basketball's dynamism.

2024 – Present

The most recent redesign incorporates a maritime steering wheel at its center, surrounded by basketball lines. The circular emblem reflects both the team’s basketball roots and its Clippers name, referencing ships and navigation. The text "Los Angeles Clippers" encircles the crest, separated by stars, in a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme. The design conveys balance, boldness, and team spirit.

Typography and Color Palette

Typography

• Earlier logos featured fonts resembling Baskerville Old Serial Heavy, known for its classic and bold serif design.
• The modern Clippers logo uses a customized sans-serif typeface, emphasizing simplicity and readability.

Color Scheme

The Clippers' palette has consistently featured red, white, and blue, embodying energy and patriotism. In 2015, black and silver were added for depth and sophistication.

• Red: PANTONE 186 (#C8102E)
• Blue: PANTONE 7687 (#1D428A)
• Silver: COOL GRAY 5 (#BEC0C2)
• Black: (#000000)

Legacy of the Los Angeles Clippers Logo

The Clippers' logo history mirrors the team’s journey from Buffalo to Los Angeles, blending themes of basketball, maritime heritage, and American spirit. With its current emblem, the Clippers honor their roots while projecting a strong, modern identity that resonates with fans and symbolizes their competitive spirit on and off the court.