Have you ever wondered about the history behind the NBA logo? Or rather, who is the NBA logo? Well, it’s not commonly spoken about in mainstream media, so it is no surprise if you haven’t.
So, what’s the deal behind the logo, anyway? There’s so much to discuss. In fact, the NBA logo has a long history.
This article will discuss the history of the NBA logo and some of the most popular discussions about its future.
The Jerry West NBA Logo: How It All Started?
Today’s NBA logo was the first-ever logo created for the league. It was created in 1969 by brand consultant Alan Siegal. Before the NBA logo was created, Siegal also worked to develop the Major League Baseball (MLB) logo.
He wanted to do something similar and create a logo that was equally impactful as the one the MLB had. He began searching for inspiration that would strike him the same way the inspiration for the MLB logo did.
This is where the controversy starts. Siegal found a photo of professional basketball player Jerry West playing a match. West’s pose was perfect for the foundation of what Siegal wanted for the logo.
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Siegal decided to base the logo on Siegal’s photo and sent it to his commissioner, Walter Kennedy. Kennedy loved it as much as Siegal did, not knowing where the photo came from or who it was even based on.
Remember that not even West knew that his picture would be used as the reference for the NBA logo. In fact, he wasn’t even asked before the logo was completed.
Apparently, Siegal made around eight to ten different variations of the logo that were all based on West’s pose. The NBA accepted it instantly and began using it almost immediately. He said that when he presented the logo to the NBA, he didn’t make a big deal out of the inspiration that he used.
According to him, some people naturally found out that the picture was based on West without Siegal even disclosing that. Kind of crazy, isn’t it?
What Did West Think of The NBA Logo?
As mentioned earlier, West didn’t even know he would be the inspiration for the NBA logo. Naturally, he didn’t like all the new attention it brought. Some people even referred to him as “The Logo” when they first met him.
But wouldn’t the inspiration for the NBA logo, something that everyone in the world will see, be an amazing goal for any professional basketball player? You would probably assume so, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, the important part to remember is that West did not want nor agree to be the logo.
Siegal mentioned that he talked to West a few times but very rarely. On one occasion, West asked Siegal who the commissioner for the logo was. Siegal told the truth and said Kennedy, to which West just turned a blind eye and ignored Siegal.
During an interview with West’s biographer, Siegal was asked a series of questions about his inspiration and whether West was the actual influence on the logo. However, West never actually talked directly to Siegal during this time.
Did Jerry West Request a Change?
At first, he was mildly surprised and had a pretty neutral reaction to it. Jonathan Coleman, West’s biographer, stated that Jerry was equally proud and embarrassed to be the inspiration for the NBA logo.
Eventually, West became so embarrassed that he confronted the NBA and told them he no longer wanted to be known as “The Logo” and demanded that the NBA change it. He recommended using other inspirations, such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
This event took place four years ago. Since then, nothing has changed. The NBA still uses the Jerry West NBA logo. The inspiration behind the NBA logo passed away on June 12, 2024, at the age of 86.
Looking Towards Change: A Possible Kobe Bryant NBA Logo?
One of the most popular recommendations for a new NBA logo was to use the famous player Kobe Bryant as inspiration. This recommendation became especially popular right after the unfortunate event that led to his passing in January 2020.
The idea circulated on X (formerly Twitter) but wasn’t as popular as many would expect. It started to gain attention, though, when his wife, Vanessa Bryant, supported it.
Kyrie Irving also chimed in on Instagram, posting a picture of Bryant as the new logo for the NBA with a caption saying, “Gotta happen, idc what anyone says. BLACK KINGS BUILT THE LEAGUE.” This drew a lot of attention because the nation desired to see Black people represented equally as their white counterparts.
But wouldn’t this fix the logo issue? We’d get a brand-new logo with a highly esteemed Black professional NBA player. West would also get his wish of being removed from the NBA logo to come true.
However, using Bryant as the new logo has some drawbacks and will likely never happen.
Many people speculate that this is due to Bryant’s controversy when he was accused of assault in 2003. The case was settled but remains permanently ingrained in history.
So What’s Next?
Well, nothing as of now. Not much talk has been going around about what logo the NBA will use in the future. Fans are still pushing (alongside Irving and Vanessa Bryant) for the logo to take inspiration from Kobe Bryant.
The chances of Kobe making it as the new NBA logo are slim. But we’ll never know what happens.
