LIU Sharks Logo PNG
The LIU Sharks logo is dynamic and fluid. The symbol is associated with the flow of water and the silent predator’s swift, smooth glide in the ocean depths. The emblem sends a message to opponents, highlighting the players’ danger, speed, and determination.
LIU Sharks athletics combines two programs that developed separately for decades. Long Island University opened in Brooklyn in 1926, and its teams were first called the Blue Devils. In 1935, a Brooklyn Eagle reporter compared their black uniforms to blackbirds, giving the program its lasting nickname. Under Clair Bee, men’s basketball won the NIT in 1939 and 1941, while the team set a national record with 43 consecutive victories.
A second athletic branch began in 1954 at the C.W. Post campus in Brookville. Its teams, known as the Pioneers, competed mainly in Division II and reached the baseball World Series in 1968. Brooklyn later joined the NCAA Northeast Conference and made eight Division I basketball tournament appearances. The Blackbirds won three straight league titles from 2011 to 2013 and returned to the NCAA tournament in all three seasons.
On October 3, 2018, LIU announced that the Blackbirds and Pioneers would merge after the 2018-19 season. The change reduced the cost of running two athletic departments and created one Division I program. Students and alumni selected Sharks as the new name, announced on May 15, 2019, while blue and gold linked both campuses’ identities.
The unified program began on July 1, 2019. It inherited Brooklyn’s conference membership, moved Post football to Division I without a standard transition period, and carried forward a combined record of 23 national championships, 215 conference titles, and 362 All-American selections.
Meaning and History
What is LIU Sharks?
It is an athletic program that combines the Brooklyn and Long Island University Post campuses into one team. It plays in the NCAA Division I Northeast Conference and specializes in hockey, baseball, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. The shark mascot and blue-and-gold colors reflect the team’s character. Based in New York City, the team uses sports facilities at both campuses to train and play student-athletes.
1989 – 1995
The logo features a symbol associated with the university’s Brooklyn campus. Thanks to a sports reporter, the team’s nickname and symbol first appeared in 192,7. After the team’s uniform color changed from blue to black, the commentator compared the players on the field to Blackbirds. The name resonated with the audience, replacing the team’s previous name, the Blue Devils.
The logo depicts a bird perched on a large letter “B.” The letter is colored in blue, white, and yellow, symbolizing natural elements. A similar style is used for the team name, positioned below along the base of the “B,” with an added reference to the team’s affiliation with the university’s Brooklyn campus.
The black letters of the inscriptions harmonize with the blackbird’s feathers, while the yellow elements echo its beak, creating a visual connection. Combining blue, yellow, white, and black creates a cohesive and visually appealing composition. The use of blue shades reflects the maritime character of the Brooklyn area, surrounded by water.
1996 – 2007
The team’s emblem has been updated to a dark, formidable design with mystical details. It features a thrush with outstretched wings firmly gripping the university’s black monogram. The composition is designed to resemble a tree branch or a building spire, adding depth and dimension to the piece. White highlights on the bird’s feathers enhance the glint effect. The black color, combined with a powerful beak and clawed talons, evokes associations with a raven, amplifying the impression of strength and menace. The visual design reflects the boldness, professionalism, and speed of the players confidently leading the game on the field.
2008 – 2018
The bird is partially hidden behind a black plaque with the team’s full name on the updated logo. The plaque’s tilt and the entire composition to the right enhance the impression of dynamics and motion. White letters, surrounded by a thin double outline, create an elegant and expressive image. The logo emphasizes the team’s achievements and its status among first-division teams.
2019 – today
In 2019, the sports teams of two campuses merged to form a unified team called the “Sharks.” The logo was designed with a water theme, featuring blue and white. The main design element is a large blue abbreviation of the university, beneath which a shark is depicted. With bared teeth, sharp fins, and a tail, the predator conveys strength and aggression, reflecting the team’s attitude on the field. Yellow shadows on the shark’s surface soften the overall image, emphasizing the unification of the two campuses into one team.