The Photo Behind the NBA Logo Has Surprisingly Humble Origins
The NBA logo is one of the most iconic symbols in sports, instantly recognizable around the world. The silhouette of a basketball player dribbling has represented the league since 1969, becoming a timeless emblem of the game. But what many fans don’t know is that the photo behind the logo has surprisingly humble beginnings.
A Snapshot of Basketball History
The image that inspired the NBA logo comes from a photograph of Jerry West, a Hall of Fame player who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Taken in the 1960s, the photo captures West in motion, dribbling up the court with his signature smooth style. At the time, it was just one of many action shots of the era—never intended to become an iconic sports symbol.
How the NBA Logo Was Created
In 1969, the NBA was looking for a new visual identity to distinguish itself from the rival American Basketball Association (ABA). The league hired Alan Siegel, a renowned designer, to craft a logo that embodied the essence of basketball. While searching through thousands of photos, Siegel came across the image of Jerry West and was struck by its simplicity and elegance. He transformed the photo into a two-tone silhouette, creating the now-famous NBA logo.
Why the Logo Remains Unchanged
Despite speculation over the years about changing the logo, the NBA has kept it the same for over five decades. Though the league has never officially confirmed that the silhouette is Jerry West, the connection is widely accepted. Even West himself has expressed mixed feelings about being the face of the league’s logo, once calling it an “honor” but also saying he wished it were someone else.
A Humble Beginning, A Lasting Legacy
What started as an ordinary basketball photograph became a defining symbol of the NBA. From playgrounds to arenas, the logo is a constant presence in the sport, proving that sometimes, the most legendary things have the most unexpected origins.
