NBA Logo Redesigns: Evaluating Proposed Changes

Before you start

This task is about evaluating a proposed NBA logo redesign, not creating official team assets or claiming a design is final. You only need image files you can open locally, such as the current logo and one or more proposed redesigns. Any comparison runs on your device in browser-based tools or a local image editor; no external service is required unless the proposal came with a specific approval workflow.

Step-by-step instructions

Open the current logo and each proposed redesign in separate layers or windows. Align them at the same display size, but do not force non-uniform scaling that distorts marks or wordmarks.

Check the silhouette first. Hide color and compare the main shapes, negative space, and distinctive details such as a player figure, typography, or regional symbol. Note whether the proposal keeps the elements that make the current mark recognizable.

Turn color back on and compare palette changes. Use a contrast checker for text or small graphic elements that sit on colored backgrounds. A redesign can look bold on a large screen but lose clarity on a small social avatar or app icon.

Place the proposal in mockup scenes if available. A storefront sign, jersey-sized mark, and mobile screen are more useful than viewing the logo only on a white artboard.

Keep the evaluation reversible. Save the original file under a new name before cropping, resizing, or exporting comparison frames.

Check the output

The expected result is a clear before/after view where the current logo and proposed redesign are aligned and labeled, with enough resolution to inspect edges and small details. Confirm that the exported preview keeps the intended format, such as PNG or SVG, and that any transparent areas remain transparent. Do not treat a smooth preview as proof of vector quality: pixel-based exports may look sharp on screen but still contain raster limits.

Common problems and next steps

A frequent issue is comparing logos at different visual weights or padding, which makes the new mark seem more balanced than it is. Normalize the bounding box before judging proportions. If the proposal uses a new typeface, check character shapes at small sizes rather than relying on a full-size render.

When the source file is only a photo or screenshot, do not promise a clean vector conversion. You can trace shapes manually, but automatic tracing from a low-resolution JPEG may introduce jagged curves or unwanted artifacts. The next useful step is to ask for the original vector file or a higher-quality exported version before approving any redesign.