manylighting

In today's logo breakdown we will take a look at some teams that are in need of a logo makeover. Sports logo design has continued to evolve but there are still major sports teams out there that could use a logo makeover and could add a little more modern design spin to their looks. We'll take a look league by league and see who could use the help of one of us sports designers or logo experts!

NFL:

Jacksonville Jaguarsthe Jaguars have had the same colors and logo since their inception in 1995. At the time, the design they have matched the styles of the day. The teal color was extremely popular, as was the use of black, so the colors made some sense at the time, though even that trend was starting to get old at the time. In today's NFL these colors don't look quite as fresh as they did in 1995. The logo is also very 1990's style. There are many ways you could update a Jaguar and make it look more modern and intimidating. It is also time to rid themselves of the teal and go with a color more suited to the current times. The Jags are definitely at the top of my list of NFL teams in need of a makeover.

Honorable Mention:

Cincinnati BengalsThe Bengals have updated their logo in recent years, implementing the striped B, which is a really nice, simple logo. Their uniform set is also relatively fresh and innovative. However, the striped helmets that were so innovative when they first hit the gridiron have been around a long time and the team needs to try a new style. These helmets were introduced in 1981, 28 years ago! Even though the helmets are still cool 28 years later, it would be great to see the Bengals hit the field in something different. I know this is not likely to happen, because most of the seatbacks in Paul Brown Stadium have the striped helmet embossed in them. That would be a big costly project replacing that, so knowing the Bengals like we do, new helmets are not likely in the equation.

MLB:

Houston Astrosas I've discussed before on Sports Design Blog, I loved the Houston Astros look in the 1970's and 1980's. The colors and the cool Astrodome logo were my favorites as a kid. So, my choice here is a bit personal. Ever since the Astros drifted away from the spacey font and the HStar on their hats, I've been a bit let down by my favorite childhood team's look. Their current logo is an improvement form its predecessor, but still doesn't recall the great graphic look of Astros past. The star is still represented there in a way, but the font they use just does not do it for me. I would love to see the Astros go after a look that would fuse the coolness of their early look with a modern spin and bring back that old school Astros uniform and logo magic.

NBA:

Portland TrailblazersThe NBA is a league that is filled with teams that could use a logo makeover but I wanted to focus on two teams. The team taking the top spot is the Portland Trailblazers. The Blazers have had the same uniform and logo look since Bill Walton was eating granola and hiding out in Montana in the offseason. Their look currently is the same one that they had when they took Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. Their logo has evolved a bit over the years but is still basically the same as it has been for what seems like forever. The uniform set has gone unchanged and is in need of a modern makeover. With the team moving forward, having oncourt success and shedding its old image with a younger, more citizenfriendly roster, it is definitely time for the Blazers to adopt a fresh look.

Honorable Mention:

Oklahoma City ThunderI can't remember a time that I was more disappointed with a logo unveiling than I was when I saw the Thunder debut this look. Moving a franchise and changing its name provides a team with a great opportunity to make a bold statement and create something great, but the Thunder really dropped the ball on this one. The name Thunder makes you think of power, darkness, bright flashing lightning, loud sounds, and an imposing presence. The logo and the colors that the Thunder chose don't even come close to conveying any of those images. The color set looks like a fresh spring day in Georgia, not a dark, stormy day in Oklahoma. There is nothing to the logo or colors that says Thunder. I know this is only their second season, but this team really blew a great opportunity and needs to change direction on this look quickly.

Honorable Mention 2: Several other NBA teams could use a logo refresh, like the Clippers, Bobcats, Rockets and the Wizards, but we'll save them for next time.

NHL:

Los Angeles KingsI will be the first to admit that I am no hockey expert. I might have been better served to let Johnny at PuckDrawn write this part, because he has the NHL knowledge to do so. I will however, take a shot. The team for me that really has gone down the wrong logo path is the Los Angeles Kings. First, I'm on Paul Lukas' team when he says that purple is death. I know its a kingly color, but I'm just not a big fan. The logo just seems a bit clipartish to me and not up to the standards of a professional team. Simple, boring and nondescript. Call me old school, but I loved the silver and black look of the 1990's more than this, even though I know that era was dominated by many teams switching to that color scheme. Hopefully some of you NHL logo experts can comment further on NHL teams needing a makeover, but I'll go with the Kings.

I hope I've written enough to spark some debate. I'm sure everyone has strong feelings about teams needing new looks, so feel free to add comments and provide insight into your choices.