NBA unveils a subtle typographic update to its logo – the first change in 48 years

The NBA has unveiled a subtle update to its famous logo, modifying the famous red and blue collars and using a new typeface for the letters NBA. “The taller, leaner typeface embodies the NBA game and its athletes.  The logo’s colours will also feature richer hues of red and blue for enhanced visibility on all NBA assets,” says the organisation.

Unveiled this weekend at the 2017 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, the new logo will be used on digital and social channels as well as in broadcast, at events and on merchandise. The logo will be introduced to uniforms, apparel and equipment after the 2017/18 season has concluded.

The project was led by New York-based OCD in collaboration with Commercial Type and Erik van Blokland. The typeface is a modified version of Action, designed by Erik.

“This modernised look strikes the right balance between honouring our iconic logo and allowing us to be consistent and further adapt to changing digital and media landscapes,” says NBA Chief Marketing Officer Pam El.