The Los Angeles Kings' logo has changed dramatically since the team joined the NHL in 1967. Their first design featured a jewel-encrusted crown in purple and gold colors, officially called "Forum Blue." This royal theme established their unique identity in professional hockey.
The Kings' visual brand changed a lot over time. A significant shift happened in 1988 when the team adopted their iconic black and silver colors, which were correct when Wayne Gretzky arrived. This new look helped increase hockey's popularity in Los Angeles and the American Sun Belt.
The Kings' logo story spans their early purple kingdom days to their championship era. Each design change marked key moments in the team's history that led to their Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014.
The Birth of LA Kings Logo (1967)
Long before betting on the NHL was a thing and when punters could use an ESPN bet promo code, Jack Kent Cooke received an NHL expansion franchise for Los Angeles in 1966. He foresaw a team identity that would represent royalty and grandeur. Due to its regal associations, the name "Kings" emerged as his choice from a team-naming contest. A distinctive shield-shaped design with a pointed base marked the debut of the Los Angeles Kings logo, which instantly projected majesty.
The emblem featured a golden crown with purple plumes and detailed jewelwork at its center. Block letters spelled out "LOS ANGELES" above, and "KINGS" appeared in flowing script below that resembled royal proclamations. Purple and gold weren't random color choices. These shades had deep roots in royal courts throughout history. The crown stood as more than decoration. Its intricate design featured circles, ovals, crosses, and precise linear elements that worked together. Each detail reinforced the team's quest for hockey dominance.
The logo's success and longevity stayed almost unchanged until 1982. From the shield's proportions to the crown's detailed elements, every aspect symbolized the team's majestic aspirations. The design elements blended perfectly to establish the Kings as Los Angeles's hockey royalty, which laid the groundwork for design changes in later decades.
Major Logo Changes Through Decades
The Los Angeles Kings' logo transformed in 1988 when Wayne Gretzky joined the team from Edmonton Oilers. This move sparked changes that would reshape the team's visual identity forever. The iconic 'Chevron' logo marked a bold move to black and silver colors. The original design kept a small purple and gold crown, but this version only lasted one season. The team then showed an updated design that used silver and black throughout, with white to boost contrast.
After a decade of the Gretzky-era design, the Kings revealed a new logo in 1998. The new emblem displayed a classic shield with three royal symbols: a lion, crown, and sun, along with crossed hockey sticks. The word 'Kings' stood out in black against a gray background with a noble shade of blue. The team made this change partly because the previous colors had links to gang culture.
The biggest change in the Kings logo came in 2003. The new logo had a big crown and grey and purple tones. It lasted until the end of season 2011 when a sleeker version of the shield design was created. This new look managed to keep the beloved black and silver colors while incorporating elements from past logos. The updated design introduced a unique 'LA' lettering placement and a simpler crown motif.
Most Popular LA Kings Logos Ranked
The Los Angeles Kings' logo has undergone many changes over the years, and some designs have left a lasting impression on fans. Data from supporters, players, and merchandise sales tells us which logos resonated the most with the Kings' community.
The 'Chevron' logo from 1988-1998 remains the most popular design among Kings fans, primarily due to its connection with Wayne Gretzky's legacy. Sales went through the roof when the team returned this classic look through heritage jerseys in 2019-2020. Kings fans still cherish the original purple and gold crown logo from 1967. Many supporters continue to push for a return to these royal colors. The jeweled details and unique shield shape created a lasting impact that shapes modern versions of the logo.
After listening to fans and players, the Kings revealed their newest logo in 2024. This version skillfully blends different eras by combining the popular chevron shape with the original 1967 crown. The new text features bolder letters that are easier to read.
This development shows how much the team values fan input and its heritage.
The Legacy of the Los Angeles Kings Logo
Today, the new 2024 logo skillfully mixes fan-favorite elements from different periods.
It combines the classic logo shape with the original 1967 crown to bridge the gap between old and new. The Kings' visual identity goes beyond simple design updates. It shows how a franchise can honor its roots while moving forward. Each logo version has helped build one of hockey's most distinctive brands, connecting deeply with its history and loyal fans.
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