A logo is not only a symbol of a brand, company, or organization. It often crafted carefully to symbolize important meaning, philosophy, or belief that they hold. While many people may not think too deeply about the meaning behind certain logos, they are certainly important for the company itself.

Sports logos also have important meaning and interesting stories behind them. Here are stories behind some of the most popular logos.

• Adidas

Adidas was created by a shoemaker named Adolf “Adi” Dassler. Many people think that Adidas is a combination of his nickname and last name. However, he claimed that it is an acronym for ‘All Day I Dream About Sports.’ 

The concepts of three stripes for this sports logos had been around since 1967, although there was no significant meaning of it at the time. His only reason was only to create a simple logo that stuck in customer’s memories. 

In 1972, a new design was created, three stripes in the form of a trefoil. The meaning of this new logo was the versatility of the company. Then in 1990, the logo became three slanted stripes, as you may recognize today. This newest logo represents the obstacles and challenges faced by athletes to reach success.  

• Nike

Nike logos took more than 17 hours of works and dozens of concept options despite its simple looks before it was established as you know it today. Carolyn Davidson was a graphic design student when she created the sports logos in 1971. 

This Nike Swoosh logo was actually created from simple instruction. Phil Knight, a co-founder of Nike, commissioned Carolyn to design a logo that conveys motion but will look good on a shoe. It was how she came up with dozens of concepts, one of which was today’s famous Nike logo. 

• Under Armour

Kevin Plank created this brand in 1996, who was still a student and athlete at that time. Motivated by his unwillingness to work in sweat-soaked t-shirts, he did some research on synthetic fabrics. From this research, he designed the first compression T-shirt that he called HeatGear shirt.

The term body armour inspired these UA sports logos. However, his brother accidentally called the brand Under Armour and the name stuck to this day. 

• Reebok

The Reebok logo you recognize today is the second change from its original sports logos. In 1895, their logo featured a Union Jack flag that represents their humble and local beginnings. 

In 1986, this brand announced its new logo, which is a streak across a racing track. This logo was inspired by the product and designs of the company, which were side stripe and cross-checked. It also symbolizes the era of performance products. 

In 2014, Reebok once again changed its logo into a Delta. This newest logo symbolizes how fitness can change people’s lives in a positive and transformative way: the three lines each representing physical, mental, and social changes.

• Puma

Puma was created by Rudolf Dassler, the brother of Adidas creator Adolf Dassler. Puma’s sports logos had a pretty simple design since its first creation, a jumping puma. The logo had been altered several times, but the puma image remains in almost every changes.

There are no hidden meaning or hints in this brands’ logo. It means exactly what it depicts, which are a big predator cat. The jumping puma means movement, velocity, strength, and power, which became a commercial success.

Meanwhile, it was said that the brand name was based on the past story of the creator. The legend said that Rudolf Dassles was called Puma by his friends due to his romantic affairs. 

Every brand has a unique story and meaning behind its logo creation, which also applies to sports logos. Some sports brand even have to perform several changes throughout their business before finally found the right logos as you know it today. That is why it is understandable that you will probably also experience major changes when experimenting with your logo design. 

Find more inspiration for your logo design, fonts, or other graphics template here!