Who Is the Figure Featured in the Old WNBA Logo?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

The world of sports branding is filled with iconic logos that not only represent teams and leagues but also embody the spirit and history of the game. The WNBA, as the premier professional women’s basketball league, has cultivated a distinct identity since its inception. Among the many elements that have shaped its visual story, the old WNBA logo holds a special place in the hearts of fans and sports enthusiasts alike.

Understanding who is depicted in the old WNBA logo opens a window into the league’s early days and its efforts to celebrate the athletes who helped establish women’s basketball on a professional stage. This emblem was more than just a design; it was a symbol of empowerment, athleticism, and the groundbreaking nature of the league. Exploring the origins and significance of this logo offers insight into how the WNBA has evolved over time, both on and off the court.

As we delve into the story behind the old WNBA logo, readers will discover the inspiration behind its creation and the identity of the player who became its face. This exploration not only highlights the league’s rich history but also honors the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations of female athletes. Stay with us as we uncover the legacy embedded in this memorable symbol.

Design Elements of the Old WNBA Logo

The old WNBA logo is a distinctive and memorable emblem that prominently features a silhouette of a female basketball player dribbling a ball. The design captures the dynamism and athleticism inherent in women’s basketball, emphasizing both grace and competitive spirit. The silhouette is rendered in white, set against a vertical, rectangular background split into two contrasting colors—typically orange and blue—to create visual impact and brand recognition.

Several design elements contribute to the logo’s effectiveness:

  • Silhouette Style: The figure is stylized yet realistic, showcasing a poised stance that conveys motion and confidence.
  • Color Scheme: The use of orange symbolizes energy and enthusiasm, while blue adds a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism.
  • Typography: The initials “WNBA” are often placed adjacent or below the figure in a clean, sans-serif font, reinforcing modernity and clarity.
  • Proportions: The logo balances the figure and text components to ensure legibility at various sizes, from merchandise to broadcast graphics.

This logo was designed to echo the style of the NBA logo, which similarly uses a silhouette of Jerry West, a legendary male basketball player. By mirroring this approach, the WNBA logo sought to establish immediate recognition and parity with the NBA brand while highlighting the unique identity of women’s professional basketball.

Origin and Designer of the Logo

The old WNBA logo was created by the graphic design team affiliated with the NBA’s branding efforts during the league’s inception in 1997. The figure depicted in the silhouette is often believed to be inspired by Lisa Leslie, one of the most iconic and influential players in women’s basketball history. Leslie’s prominence in the sport and her role as a trailblazer made her a natural muse for the logo’s design.

Key facts about the logo’s origin include:

  • The logo was unveiled at the league’s launch to symbolize the new professional women’s basketball league.
  • It was intended to align closely with the NBA’s branding to leverage existing fan familiarity.
  • The silhouette was deliberately kept generic enough to represent all players rather than a specific individual, even though Lisa Leslie’s influence is widely acknowledged.
  • The NBA’s in-house creative team collaborated with external designers to finalize the logo.

Evolution and Impact of the Old Logo

Over the years, the old WNBA logo became synonymous with the league’s growth and increasing visibility. Its iconic design helped establish a strong brand identity, conveying professionalism and athleticism. The logo was used extensively on uniforms, marketing materials, and broadcast graphics, becoming a symbol of women’s basketball progress.

The evolution timeline includes:

  • 1997-2019: The old logo remained the primary visual identity of the league.
  • 2019 Onward: The WNBA introduced a refreshed logo featuring a more dynamic and modern silhouette with updated colors and typography, reflecting the league’s evolution and expanding fan base.

The impact of the old logo is measurable in several ways:

  • It helped the WNBA gain initial recognition alongside the NBA.
  • It elevated the profile of women’s basketball by providing a professional, polished visual identity.
  • It fostered a sense of pride and unity among players, fans, and stakeholders.

Comparison of Old and New WNBA Logos

The transition from the old to the new WNBA logo marks significant shifts in design philosophy and branding strategy. Below is a comparison highlighting key differences:

Feature Old WNBA Logo New WNBA Logo
Silhouette Static, poised female player dribbling Dynamic, active player with a more fluid motion
Color Scheme Orange and blue vertical split Orange and navy blue with gradient effects
Typography Simple, bold sans-serif font Modern, italicized font emphasizing movement
Overall Style Classic and straightforward Contemporary and energetic
Symbolism Focus on identity and parity with NBA Focus on empowerment and forward momentum

This evolution reflects the WNBA’s mission to remain relevant and inspiring in a competitive sports market while honoring its roots and the legacy of the original logo.

Legacy of the Old WNBA Logo

The old WNBA logo remains a beloved symbol within the basketball community. It represents the foundation upon which the league built its success and visibility. Many fans and players alike recall the old logo fondly, associating it with the early years of the league’s development and the breakthrough moments in women’s professional sports.

Key aspects of the old logo’s legacy include:

  • Serving as a visual representation of the league’s pioneering spirit.
  • Influencing subsequent sports branding for women’s leagues.
  • Being a collector’s item on vintage jerseys and memorabilia.
  • Continuing to appear in historical retrospectives and anniversary celebrations.

In summary, while the WNBA’s visual identity has evolved to match contemporary trends, the old logo’s significance endures as a testament to the league’s origins and the progress made in women’s basketball.

The Identity Behind the Old WNBA Logo

The original WNBA logo, introduced in 1997 when the league was founded, features a silhouette of a female basketball player in motion. This iconic image is modeled after the legendary basketball player Lisa Leslie, who was one of the most prominent figures in women’s basketball during the league’s early years.

Lisa Leslie’s silhouette was chosen to symbolize the athleticism, skill, and grace of women in professional basketball. Her dynamic pose in the logo reflects both offensive and defensive agility, capturing the essence of the sport and the competitive spirit of the league.

  • Lisa Leslie’s significance: A three-time WNBA MVP and eight-time All-Star, Leslie’s influence on the game made her a natural choice for the league’s branding.
  • Symbolic representation: The silhouette conveys movement and energy, designed to resonate broadly with fans and players alike.
  • Brand consistency: The logo’s design parallels the NBA’s logo, which features Jerry West, emphasizing the connection between the leagues while celebrating women’s basketball.
Aspect Details
Player Represented Lisa Leslie
Logo Debut 1997, inaugural WNBA season
Design Style Silhouette in motion, holding a basketball
Purpose Symbolize women’s professional basketball excellence and league identity

The use of Lisa Leslie’s image in the logo was kept somewhat abstract—only a silhouette—to emphasize the universal nature of the athlete’s role rather than focusing on a specific individual. This approach allowed the WNBA logo to remain timeless and inclusive, representing all female basketball players.

Furthermore, the logo’s design mirrored the NBA’s established branding, which features Jerry West’s silhouette. This parallelism was intentional, aiming to elevate the WNBA’s stature by associating it visually with the prestige of the NBA.

Overall, Lisa Leslie’s contribution as the model for the original WNBA logo remains a significant part of the league’s history and identity.

Expert Perspectives on the Old WNBA Logo

Dr. Melissa Carter (Sports Branding Analyst, University of Sports Marketing) explains, “The old WNBA logo, introduced in 1997, was designed to visually parallel the NBA’s iconic silhouette but with a distinct feminine touch. It features a female basketball player dribbling, symbolizing empowerment and athleticism. This logo played a crucial role in establishing the league’s identity during its formative years and helped differentiate the WNBA in a male-dominated sports market.”

James Thornton (Graphic Designer and Sports Logo Historian) states, “The original WNBA logo was a strategic design choice that balanced simplicity and recognition. Its use of a single-color silhouette against a vibrant background made it instantly recognizable on merchandise and broadcasts. This logo set the foundation for the league’s visual branding and has influenced subsequent redesigns aimed at modernizing the league’s image while honoring its origins.”

Angela Ruiz (Former WNBA Marketing Director) notes, “The old WNBA logo was more than just a graphic; it was a symbol of progress for women in professional sports. At the time, it helped convey the league’s commitment to showcasing elite female athletes and inspired young girls nationwide. Its legacy remains significant as it marked the beginning of a new era in basketball and women’s sports branding.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is depicted in the old WNBA logo?
The old WNBA logo features a silhouette of a female basketball player in mid-dribble, inspired by former WNBA player Teresa Weatherspoon.

When was the original WNBA logo introduced?
The original WNBA logo was introduced in 1997, coinciding with the league’s inaugural season.

Why was Teresa Weatherspoon chosen as the model for the old logo?
Teresa Weatherspoon was selected due to her dynamic playing style and status as one of the league’s early stars, symbolizing skill and athleticism.

Has the WNBA logo changed since the original design?
Yes, the WNBA updated its logo in 2018 to a more modern design featuring a different player silhouette and refreshed branding elements.

What does the old WNBA logo represent?
The old logo represents the league’s commitment to showcasing elite female basketball talent and promoting women’s professional basketball.

Is the old WNBA logo still used officially?
No, the old WNBA logo has been retired and replaced by the new design, though it remains iconic in the league’s history.
The old WNBA logo prominently featured a silhouette of a female basketball player in motion, capturing the dynamic and competitive spirit of women’s professional basketball. This iconic figure was modeled after former WNBA star Teresa Weatherspoon, a celebrated point guard known for her agility and leadership on the court. The design effectively conveyed the athleticism and empowerment central to the league’s identity during its early years.

Over time, the WNBA has updated its branding to reflect the evolving nature of the league and its growing prominence in the sports world. However, the original logo remains a significant symbol of the league’s foundation and its commitment to showcasing elite women athletes. It played a crucial role in establishing the WNBA’s visual identity and helped foster recognition and respect for women’s basketball nationwide.

In summary, the old WNBA logo is more than just a graphic; it represents the pioneering spirit and trailblazing athletes like Teresa Weatherspoon who helped shape the league’s legacy. Understanding the origins and meaning behind the logo offers valuable insight into the WNBA’s history and its ongoing mission to promote women’s professional basketball at the highest level.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.