For the first time since 2000, the WNBA’s Seattle Storm unveils a new logo and branding. The team is turning a new leaf with a futuristic logo that is kicking off a new leg for the organization.
The Storm entered the WNBA in 2000, and up until Mar. 2, the inaugural logo was the only primary one attached to the brand. The original logo was cartoon-like and featured the “Storm” letters very boldly and in your face. This was complemented by a basketball underneath and the Space Needle in the background.
The design was quite similar to the Seattle SuperSonics, which was an NBA team before the organization was moved to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder.
For the past 20 years, this is all that the Storm was known by visually. Now, the new identity is propelling them forward in this new era of social justice and team pride.
Seattle Storm Primary Logo 2021 - Present
The new logo keeps some of the classic pieces but is redesigned in a way to fit the times. The classic green, yellow, and white colors are still present, and the logo features a futuristic Space Needle along with a subtle basketball shape in the background.
The team describes the logo as “the storied history of the franchise, its championship culture, and connection to the city of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest,” the Storm said in a statement.
The Storm made sure to still keep the classics while giving the brand an updated look. The updated gear is now on sale, so you can show your pride on your chest.
In that same statement, the team made it clear that the nuts and bolts would remain the same so that the legacy of the team stays intact.
“The primary colors, Lightning Yellow, a deep Thunder Green, and a brighter Bolt Green, maintain the legacy of the original Storm brand,” the team said.
In some cases of rebranding, a team tries to let go of the past and move on to brighter horizons. Generally, this is done when the team has not performed well, or there is a dark past. This is not at all the case with the Storm. They are trying to preserve the culture while elevating the look to the modern age.
On top of the rebranding, the team has commissioned a mural to be made by artists Mari Shibuya and Yahyr. On Mercer and Queen Anne Avenue, the art will be displayed on the Toulouse Petit Building. This is just a block away from the Storm’s home arena.
It is clear that Seattle’s agenda is to impact far more than the logo being displayed on a jersey. The Storm’s new identity is being ingrained into the local culture, something that WNBA teams pride themselves with doing.
So, the Seattle Storm is officially rebranded to fit the modern age, but the winning culture and legacy remain together. Be sure to see the Storm in action sporting their new look soon!
See the Seattle Storm logo history and team history.