The NBA logo, introduced in 1969, prominently features the silhouette of Jerry West, a legendary player for the Los Angeles Lakers. This silhouette has been synonymous with the NBA's visual identity for decades, earning West the nickname "The Logo." Despite his acknowledgment of the logo’s resemblance to him, the NBA has never officially confirmed that the figure is based on West. The design was created by Alan Siegel, who was inspired by a photograph of West from Sports Illustrated that captured the dynamism and grace of the sport. The logo remains a vital symbol of the NBA, representing the energy, tradition, and competitive spirit of basketball.

History of the NBA Logo

The NBA logo has undergone several redesigns throughout its history:

1. 1950-1953: The original logo featured a basketball with the word "National Basketball Association" around it.
2. 1953-1962: The ball was changed to red with "NBA" written in white.
3. 1962-1969: The logo became more streamlined, with a white basketball and the word "NBA" in a bold, serif type.
4. 1969-2017: The iconic design featuring Jerry West's silhouette was introduced, with the colors red, white, and blue, symbolizing the American flag. The silhouette is placed within a rounded rectangle, dividing the logo into two sections, with "NBA" at the bottom left.
5. 2017-present: The most recent update slightly altered the font, giving it a cleaner and more modern look, but the silhouette and overall design remained unchanged.

Symbolism and Impact

The NBA logo is recognized globally and is an integral part of the brand’s identity, generating significant revenue through licensing, estimated to exceed $3 billion annually. The logo's design and its connection to Jerry West symbolize excellence, action, and the global impact of the NBA, making it one of the most iconic logos in sports.

Though the logo is widely associated with Jerry West, there were discussions in 2020 about potentially replacing him with Kobe Bryant, but no changes have been made. Despite West's humble reluctance to be called "The Logo," the emblem remains a powerful symbol of the NBA’s rich history and continued legacy in the world of sports.