The National Basketball Association, or NBA, is famous for its incredible players and exciting games. It also has a very special symbol – its logo. This logo isn’t just a picture; it tells a story about basketball’s heart and history. But have you ever wondered who the player in the NBA logo is?
Key Takeaways:
- The NBA logo features the silhouette of Jerry West, a 14-time All-Star and NBA champion.
- Alan Siegel designed the logo in 1969.
- Major League Baseball’s logo inspired the look of the NBA logo.
The story of the NBA logo started in 1969. Basketball was becoming very popular around the world. The NBA wanted a unique picture that everyone would remember, something that showed how exciting basketball is.
Enter Alan Siegel, a designer tasked with this significant challenge. Siegel, known for his keen eye for impactful imagery, looked at many photos of NBA players and chose one of Jerry West. This wasn’t just about picking any player. Siegel wanted a picture that really showed what basketball is all about – excitement, skill, and passion.
We’re going to take a closer look at how the NBA logo was made, what it means, and why people talk about it so much. Let’s start by learning more about Jerry West, the player in the famous blue and red logo.
Jerry West: The Silhouette Behind the NBA Logo
Every time you see the NBA emblem, remember it’s Jerry West in that silhouette. The former NBA player who left a lasting mark on basketball is now a symbol for the sport worldwide.
Jerry West is a name every basketball fan should know. Nicknamed “Mr. Clutch,” he played for the Los Angeles Lakers while the NBA grew and became more popular in the 1960s and early 70s.
His scoring ability, brilliant playing style, and dedication to the game inspired many players who came after him. People still talk about the 12-time All-NBA’s games and lights-out shooting, and he is still in the all-time NBA PPG leaders.
The photo that became the NBA logo player was taken during one of his games. In this photo, Jerry West is driving to the basket, a look of determination on his face. It’s a powerful image that captures what basketball is all about: speed, skill, and playing with heart. This is why Alan Siegel chose it.
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Myths and Truths about the NBA Logo
Myth: Jerry West has been officially recognized as the NBA logo.
The truth: The NBA has never officially said Jerry West is the player in the logo. The league insists on calling the silhouette “Logoman.” But many people, including Jerry West, recognize his silhouette.
Myth: Jerry West was chosen for the logo because he was the best player.
The truth: While Jerry West was a great player, he wasn’t picked for the logo just for his skills. The designer, Alan Siegel, chose his photo because it perfectly showed the spirit of basketball.
Myth: Jerry West earns money from the logo.
The truth: This is not true. Jerry West isn’t paid for being the silhouette in the NBA logo. The NBA owns the logo, and they don’t pay any player for it.
Myth: The NBA logo will always be Jerry West.
The truth: There’s always talk about changing the NBA logo player. In fact, more than 3.2 million fans signed a petition to change it to Kobe Bryant following his passing. The NBA has never said the logo will always be the same, so it could change in the future.
The Design Process of the NBA Logo
In 1969, creating the NBA logo was a big task. J. Walter Kennedy, the NBA commissioner at the time, gave the job to designer and brand identity consultant Alan Siegel.
Siegel, who played high school basketball, had to think of a picture representing the whole NBA. He wanted something that showed the energy and excitement of basketball.
Before working on the NBA logo, Siegel had made other logos, including the Major League Baseball (MLB) logo. He had a way of making simple pictures that told a big story. And with the MLB, he presented a baseball player with a bat loaded on his shoulder in just a few colors. Siegel liked how clear and powerful this was.
Siegel wanted the NBA logo to be as strong as the MLB’s. So, he pulled the inspiration and experience from his MLB logo design as he set out to create the NBA logo.
The Symbolism and Color Scheme of the NBA Logo
Knowing he would create something similar to the MLB’s red, white, and blue logo, Siegel set out to find the fitting player silhouette. After looking at many photos of NBA players, the image of Jerry West moving with the ball caught his eye. This dynamic movement and intense energy of a player exploding toward the basket with the ball in hand were exactly what Siegel sought for the NBA logo.
“I was attracted to it because it was nice and vertical, and it had him leaning and dribbling … had a little motion to it,” Siegel explained.
His choice of colors for the NBA logo was also deliberate. Recognizing that the NBA had reputation problems then, Siegel selected red, white, and blue for their symbolism and association with the American flag. Using these colors, he hoped it would share a look with the MLB and connect it to American culture. This color scheme was meant to resonate with fans nationwide, encouraging a sense of unity and passion for the sport.
Crafted in 1969, the final NBA logo showing Jerry West was Siegel’s way of capturing the spirit of basketball — simple yet expressive, encapsulating the sport’s heart and energy.
Learn: How many NBA teams are there?
The Evolution of the NBA Logo
The NBA logo today is a symbol of basketball around the world. But much like the league has evolved over the years, so has the logo changed over time.
The NBA’s First Logo (1950-1953)
The very first NBA logo, introduced in 1950, featured a white circle with red lettering positioned as lines on a basketball. Those red letters read “National Basketball Association,” with the current season at the top.
NBA’s Basketball Logo (1953-1962)
With the original logo often mistaken for a baseball, in 1953, the league introduced an updated logo featuring the image of an amber-colored basketball with white “NBA” lettering.
NBA’s White Basketball Logo (1962-1969)
Roughly a decade later, the league brought the white basketball back with black “NBA” lettering at an angle and precise lines to distinguish it from a baseball.
Current NBA Logo (1969-Present)
The basic design of the logo – Jerry West’s silhouette and the red, white, and blue color scheme – has stayed the same since it was unveiled in 1969. However, there have been minor changes.
In 2017, the league refreshed the red and blue colors in the logo to slightly deeper hues and adjusted the typeface used for “NBA” a bit.
For the 2021-2022 season, the NBA revealed a temporary new logo to commemorate its 75th season. These changes were made to keep it looking modern.
Impact of the NBA Logo
The NBA logo is more than just a picture. It’s a big part of the NBA’s brand. When people see it, they think of exciting basketball games and famous players. The logo helps sell NBA merchandise like jerseys and hats. It makes the NBA recognizable all over the world.
The logo isn’t just crucial for basketball culture; it also has financial value. It helps the NBA make money through merchandise sales, generating over $3 billion a year in licensing fees, according to design firm Siegel+Gale.
Every time someone buys an NBA product, they buy a piece of the brand. The logo also brings people together. Fans from different places and backgrounds feel connected through the NBA logo.
Controversies and Discussions Surrounding the NBA Logo
The NBA logo is well-known but has also been central to many debates over the years.
Some think it should be changed to a newer player who better represents today’s league. Others believe the logo is perfect as it is, representing the NBA’s history.
Fans and players have different views. Some players say the logo should be updated to better reflect the league’s makeup. Fans have their favorites for who should be on the logo. These discussions show how much people care about the NBA and its image.
According to Siegel, he also considered a silhouette of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s hook shot, as well as shots of Wilt Chamberlain, Tom Havlicek, Tom Gola, and others. He felt the one of Jerry West worked best.
For Jerry West, being selected as the iconic silhouette is both flattering and burdensome.
“I don’t like to do anything to call attention to myself,” he said in an interview. “That’s not who I am, period. If they would want to change it, I wish they would. In many ways, I wish they would.”
Changing the logo isn’t simple. There are legal things to think about, like trademarks. Ethically, it’s about respecting the history of the NBA while also looking forward.
Right now, there are no official plans to change the logo. The NBA listens to opinions but has to think about many factors. If the logo ever changes, it will be a big decision, reflecting the league’s growth and future.
Should the NBA logo be updated with a silhouette of Kobe Bryant or another player? Or should it stay the way it is? Let us know in the comments below.
You might also like: Jerry West and other basketball greats are featured in this compilation of best basketball quotes.
FAQs
Who designed the NBA logo?
Alan Siegel, a well-known graphic designer, created the NBA logo. He made it in 1969.
Why was Jerry West chosen for the NBA logo?
Jerry West’s photo was chosen for the NBA logo because it showed great basketball action. The designer, Alan Siegel, thought it perfectly captured the spirit of the game.
Has the NBA logo ever changed since its inception?
The basic design of the NBA logo, with Jerry West’s silhouette, has stayed the same since 1969. Minor changes to the font and line shapes have been made to keep it looking modern.
What does the color scheme of the NBA logo represent?
The NBA logo’s red, white, and blue colors represent the American flag. These colors were chosen to symbolize patriotism and the national spirit of the United States.
Are there any plans to change the NBA logo?
Currently, the NBA has no official plans to change the logo. While there are discussions and suggestions, changing the logo involves many legal considerations.
How much does Jerry West make from the NBA logo?
Jerry West does not earn any money from the NBA logo. Despite being the silhouette in the logo, the league has never officially recognized West as the logo, and he has never been paid for it.
Where to Learn More About the NBA
Our ultimate NBA fan guide is your go-to to learn more about the league, its teams, and NBA players from today and the past.
