The Seattle SuperSonics logo reflects the energetic history of the club, which was named after the ambitious supersonic transport project. It highlights Seattle’s spirit of boldness and innovation. The team became integral to the city’s sports culture, uniting fans and creating vibrant traditions.
Seattle SuperSonics: Brand overview
In 1967, a group of investors led by Sam Shulman acquired the rights to establish a basketball franchise in Seattle, marking the start of the Seattle SuperSonics’ history. The team’s name honored the Boeing 2707 Supersonic Transport aircraft, developed in Seattle.
As with many new teams, the SuperSonics, coached by Al Bianchi, finished last in their division during the 1967–68 season. Their home venue was the Seattle Center Coliseum.
The first major changes occurred in 1969 when Lenny Wilkens took over as head coach and player. Under his leadership, the team showed dramatic improvement.
The franchise made its first NBA playoff appearance during the 1974–75 season, marking the start of a successful period. In 1977, the team reached the Western Conference Finals, and in 1978, they made their first appearance in the NBA Finals, losing to the Washington Bullets. However, in 1979, the club won its only NBA championship, defeating the Bullets.
The early 1980s saw regular playoff appearances. In 1983, Barry Ackerley bought the organization and changed its management.
In 1989 and 1990, the team drafted Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, respectively. These players became franchise icons, leading the group to great success in the 1990s.
In the 1993–94, the club had one of its best regular seasons, winning 63 games. They reached the NBA Finals in 1996 but lost to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
The organization moved to the newly renovated KeyArena in 2001. Although performance began to decline, the team remained a consistent playoff contender.
In 2006, the franchise was sold to a group of Oklahoma City investors led by Clay Bennett, raising concerns among fans about the team’s future in Seattle.
Following lengthy legal proceedings and negotiations, the club relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and rebranded as the Oklahoma City Thunder. This decision left Seattle fans deeply disappointed.
Over its 41-year history, the Seattle team has been an influential part of the city’s sports and cultural scene. They have won six divisions, three conferences, and one NBA championship. Legendary players like Lenny Wilkens, Spencer Haywood, Fred Brown, Jack Sikma, Dennis Johnson, Gary Payton, and Shawn Kemp have made lasting contributions to the franchise, and several have been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The former team remains fondly remembered in Seattle, and there is hope that an NBA franchise may return to the city. Despite its bittersweet ending, the SuperSonics story is one of the most memorable in the NBA’s history.
Meaning and History
What is Seattle SuperSonics?
This team became a symbol of basketball culture in the Pacific Northwest. Its green and gold colors, a logo inspired by Seattle’s architecture, and vibrant playing style brought it widespread recognition. The home arena fostered a unique atmosphere filled with passionate fan support, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic in basketball. The players delivered dynamic performances, and rivalries with other clubs added intensity. The legacy of this team lives on devoted fans and popular merchandise, preserving the memory of its contributions to the sport and the region’s culture.
1967 – 1970
The Seattle SuperSonics logo, created in 1967, symbolized the club’s early years. Its central symbol is a green and white basketball separated by lines resembling court markings. In the center of the ball is the Space Needle Tower, a symbol of Seattle that emphasizes the team’s connection to the city. The ball is framed by a curved line that turns into an arrow with a tip, crossing the team’s name, written diagonally.
The lettering font is slanted to add a sense of movement. The green color of the logo is associated with the region’s nature, known for its forests, and the white fragments make the design brighter and more expressive.
1970 – 1971
The logo, updated in 1970, became more concise and focused on basketball themes. The main symbol remained a stylized green ball with white lines indicating segments. In the center of the ball, just above the horizontal line, is the inscription “Seattle SuperSonics” in two levels. The font is simple, sans serif. The white text contrasts with the green background, ensuring its readability.
The visual identity became a symbol of simplification, emphasizing the team and its connection to basketball and Seattle.
1971 – 1975
The new emblem redesign reflects the energy and dynamics of basketball. The main emphasis is on the stylized inscription. The words “Seattle” and “Super” are placed at an angle on the left-hand side, transitioning into the massive word “Sonics” in large, bold. The curved lines of the letters create a sense of movement, emphasizing the swiftness of the game. The font was made in a style popular in the 1970s, giving the logo a unique character.
The green basketball has been reduced and moved to the right of the text. The white lines on the ball contrast with the green background. The composition is balanced: the ball visually balances the large text, completing the overall dynamic. The color scheme, based on green and white, has been preserved, emphasizing Seattle’s natural and geographical features.
The emphasis on “Sonics” evoked the name associated with the aviation industry and Seattle’s progressive technology. The team’s visual appearance conveyed its spirit of renewal and ambition.
1975 – 1995
Introduced in 1975, the logo reflects the team’s connection with the city. In the center is a half-basketball decorated with green lines and yellow filling. The ball’s background depicts a cityscape with the Space Needle tower, Seattle’s symbol. Horizon lines add balance to the composition.
The team’s name, “Seattle SuperSonics,” is below the image. The inscription is in green capital letters and divided into two levels for easy reading. The sans serif font adds rigor and simplicity. The color palette—green and yellow—emphasizes the region’s natural features and the team’s energy.
The emblem appeared during the team’s growing popularity. It became expressive thanks to integrating details of urban architecture and using bright colors.
1995 – 2001
1995, another renovation took place, and the ball received a bright and modern look. In the center, the silhouette of the Space Needle tower was placed, surrounded by a large orange basketball. The tower emphasizes the team’s connection to Seattle, and its location makes the composition more dynamic. Against the background of the ball is the text “Seattle,” printed in white sans serif font for contrast and good readability.
The main inscription, “Sonics,” is in bold, three-dimensional font, using shadows and paths to create a three-dimensional effect. The color palette combines deep green, rich orange, and red, adding brightness and energy. The colors echo previous versions of the logo, maintaining continuity.
2001 – 2008
The latest Seattle SuperSonics logo features simplicity and a modern style. In the center is the monogram “S,” framing a yellow basketball with white lines. Above the ball, the word “Seattle” is in white capital letters inside the arch. The main text of “Sonics” is in yellow font with an outline.
The colors—green, yellow, and white—remain faithful to the club tradition. The logo’s proportions were carefully thought out, allowing it to be used on the players’ uniforms and other materials.
The monogram “S” symbolizes the team and its connection to the city. The basketball reflects the club’s sports orientation, and the text emphasizes the regional affiliation. This visual appearance was the last for the team before its move, preserved in fans’ memory as a symbol of SuperSonics.