Philadelphia’s NBA 2K League team has revealed the brand logo and team identity ahead of next year’s inaugural league. The brand chosen is the “76ers Gaming Club (GC)”.
The release states that the name and brand is inspired by the city’s origins and modern edge of the esports athlete. The primary logo (seen below) reflects the number 76, fused into the shape of a bell. The bell is in tribute to Philadelphia’s iconic Liberty Bell and the 1776 Declaration of Independence.
The 76ers GC is one of 17 franchises set to compete in the inaugural which will be run by the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software. The league gets underway in May 2018 but qualification begins in January. Players drafted to the Philadelphia team will move to the area and be provided first class facilities as they bid to become the first champions of the new league.
“We are excited to unveil 76ers GC’s new brand identity as we welcome another dynamic sports property to the Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment family,” said Chris Heck, Philadelphia 76ers President of Business Operations. “Working alongside the NBA 2K League, we developed a brand identity that pays homage to the revolutionary origins of this city, speaks to the new Philadelphia fan and exemplifies the edge of the esports audience.”
The GC logo is revealed just days after the 2K League revealed its primary logo, which uses both the colours and shape of the NBA with the font of the NBA 2K. It doesn’t have the human silhouette, and the release suggests it “speaks to the inclusive nature of the league and the opportunity for any type of player to compete”. The logos were designed by branding agency RARE Design of Hattiesburg, Mississipi.
Esports Insider says: Nifty design from the 76ers GC. It’s quite a subtle one, and doesn’t go too over the top. We’ve seen some interesting branding decisions of late, but this one seems tidy and well received. We’re eager to see what the rest of the franchises come out with.
