The Philadelphia 76ers unveiled the first step of an updated brand identity on Tuesday morning, which included new primary, secondary, and partial team logos.
The team made the announcement on their official website and Twitter account, along with the introduction of a new #MadeInPHILA slogan.
Here's your first taste of our new look. We'll complete it on June 18. #MadeInPHILA » http://t.co/0dQOi3Ebfg pic.twitter.com/N6QmgtgClK
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) May 12, 2015
The new primary logo, which is the fifth logo in team history, pays homage to the Sixers’ 1977 emblem, with the addition of an outer blue ring inlayed with six white stars and “Philadelphia” in all caps.
Along with the new primary logo, the team added two secondary logos with historical ties. The first displays the iconic “76” surrounded by 13 stars to represent the original American colonies, but it was the other secondary logo that grabbed fans’ attention. The so-called “Ballin Ben” secondary logo features Philadelphia icon and historical figure Ben Franklin, dressed in 76ers garb and dribbling a basketball, and generated a considerable amount of publicity.
The updated logos are the first step in the Sixers’ visual identity update, which will be capped off on June 18, when the team unveils new jerseys for the 2015-16 season. According to the team website, there will be a number of Sixers legends and current stars on hand to usher in the team’s new look at a public event held at Wells Fargo Center. Billy Cunningham, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson, and the sister of the late Wilt Chamberlain are amongst the special guests who will be on hand for the special event, where fans “will be treated to a series of dynamic digital displays and interactive elements.”
Sticking with the throwback trend, the new jerseys are said to be inspired by Philadelphia’s jerseys from the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s eras.