Monarchs Alternate Logo

The Sacramento Monarchs have been a part of the WNBA since 1997, and over the years they've had several different logos to represent their team. From their original logo featuring a monarch butterfly in flight to their current one with an aggressive lion's head, each has its own unique history.

The Monarchs' first logo was unveiled when the team joined the league in 1997. It featured a purple-and-black color scheme and depicted a monarch butterfly flying across two basketballs that were held together by ribbons of gold stars. This symbolized how all members of society could come together through sports regardless of race or gender – something that was especially important at this time as women's professional sports teams were just starting to gain traction in mainstream culture.

In 2003, after six seasons with this design, it was replaced by another one featuring an intimidating lion’s head set against orange flames on top of two crossed basketballs again surrounded by golden stars and purple accents - representing strength and power while still maintaining some elements from its predecessor such as color scheme. This new look also came with more modern typography for “Sacramento” which made it easier for fans to identify them from other teams around town (such as NBA Kings). The updated design also reflected changes within the organization including hiring new general manager John Whisenant who wanted his squad “to roar louder than any other team."

In 2009 however, due to financial difficulties facing franchise owner Joe Maloof's family business empire (which included Palms Casino Resort), he decided to sell his ownership stake to fellow investors led by former player/coach Gary Staley resulting in yet another change in branding: a simplified version of the previous alternate logo without flames but retaining same colors font style used before being sold off completely 2011 when group leads Andy Miller bought out remaining shares Maloof family owned franchise thus ending era Sacramento Monarchs professional women’s basketball club city California capital region...for now least!