The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They compete in the Western Conference’s Northwest Division of the NBA. Although the Thunder were established in Oklahoma City in 2008, the franchise itself was founded in 1967 as the Seattle SuperSonics.
Throughout the years, the franchise has seen several legendary players, including Gary Payton, Ray Allen, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and more recently, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Since the relocation, the Thunder have built a strong basketball culture, reaching the NBA Finals in 2012 and consistently competing at a high level.
Logo Evolution
1967 – 1970
The franchise’s first logo, introduced as the Seattle SuperSonics, featured a green basketball with white lines surrounded by a golden skyline of Seattle, including the iconic Space Needle.
The text “Seattle SuperSonics” was wrapped around the design in bold uppercase font. The color palette—green and gold—was a nod to Seattle’s lush landscapes and golden opportunities.
1970 – 1971
In 1970, the logo was simplified. The city skyline was removed, and a stylized “S” was introduced, with a basketball hoop and backboard integrated into the design. This modern approach aimed to present a sleeker, more professional image.
1971 – 1975
The logo received a more artistic refresh. A large “S” shaped like a basketball was combined with a vertical “Seattle SuperSonics” wordmark. The identity focused on balancing iconography with legibility.
1975 – 1995
This 20-year era featured one of the most beloved logos. The skyline returned with the Space Needle standing prominently above a basketball court. “Sonics” was spelled in a curved, lowercase font, capturing a sense of motion and energy.
This logo resonated with fans and became synonymous with Seattle basketball culture.
1995 – 2001
In the mid-’90s, the logo took on a more aggressive and angular design. The green and yellow were darkened, and the font adopted a 3D block style. The word “Sonics” was tilted diagonally across a deep red basketball, with “Seattle” arching above it.
This look aligned with the aesthetics of the time—bold, gritty, and urban.
2001 – 2008
Before relocating, the final SuperSonics logo introduced in 2001 was a return to simplicity. The letter “S” was featured inside a circle with a basketball background. The wordmark “Seattle SuperSonics” encircled the emblem.
This logo paid homage to the original design while modernizing it for a new era.
2008 – Present
When the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, a completely new identity was created. The logo features a blue and orange shield with “OKC” in bold letters over a basketball. The word “THUNDER” sits across the top in a sporty sans-serif font. While it lacks a mascot or regional symbolism, it projects a clean, corporate image.
Font & Style: Custom sans-serif with a sleek, angular look
Color Scheme: Light blue, navy blue, orange, yellow, white
Symbolism
- Shield Shape: Represents strength and protection
- Basketball: Central to the sport
- Colors: Blue for loyalty and integrity, orange and yellow for energy and excitement
While some critics argue the logo is generic, it effectively communicates a modern, professional brand.
Font and Typography
Throughout the franchise’s history, the typography has evolved with cultural and design trends. Early logos used block or rounded sans-serif fonts, while later iterations, especially post-2008, adopted customized angular fonts to match the boldness of the Thunder name. The current font in the Thunder logo is proprietary but resembles Eurostile Extended in spirit—clean, strong, and future-forward.
Color Evolution
| Era | Primary Colors |
|---|---|
| 1967–1995 | Emerald Green, Gold, White |
| 1995–2001 | Forest Green, Red, Copper |
| 2001–2008 | Dark Green, Yellow |
| 2008–Present | Blue, Orange, Yellow, White |
The color palette of the Thunder stands out in the NBA landscape. Blue and orange offer a balance of trust and enthusiasm, aligning well with Oklahoma’s identity and spirit.
FAQ’s
1. Why did the Seattle SuperSonics become the Oklahoma City Thunder?
The team relocated due to disputes over a new arena in Seattle. In 2008, the franchise was purchased by a group that moved it to Oklahoma City after failing to secure public funding for upgrades in Seattle.
2. What was the original name of the Oklahoma City Thunder?
The franchise was originally named the Seattle SuperSonics when it was established in 1967.
3. Who designed the current Thunder logo?
The current Thunder logo was developed by the NBA’s in-house branding team with consultation from the ownership group. The exact designers are not publicly credited.
4. Has the Thunder logo ever changed since 2008?
No, the Thunder have used the same logo since their inception in Oklahoma City. However, alternate wordmarks and uniforms have evolved.
5. What is the meaning behind the name “Thunder”?
The name “Thunder” reflects Oklahoma’s weather patterns, especially the state’s location in Tornado Alley. It also symbolizes power, energy, and intensity—attributes tied to the team’s style.
Final thoughts,
From their beginnings as the Seattle SuperSonics to their current identity as the Oklahoma City Thunder, this franchise has undergone numerous branding transformations. Each logo has captured the spirit of its era, from nostalgic cityscapes to modern, clean shields.
As the Thunder continue to develop on the court, their visual identity remains a cornerstone of their brand presence. With a youthful roster and strong cultural roots, the Thunder are poised for a bright future both on and off the hardwood.