Last week, we had another “Question of the Week” from Mike Chamernik, and he’s back today with his latest QOTW.
Enjoy!
by Mike Chamernik
The Dallas Mavericks have dominated the sports news cycle in 2025. It started with a massive, and massively unpopular, trade. Next, team leadership handled the trade by saying all the wrong things. Then, they lost a bunch of games and all their players got hurt, to absurd degrees. It’s an all-time disaster of a season.
With so much attention on them, Uni Watchers have probably noticed that the Mavs have somehow had the same logo and uniforms for 24 years now. It’s not a dated look, but it’s also not a classic, either.
I would’ve expected Mark Cuban, the forward-thinking billionaire who had owned the team up until a year or so ago, to have changed the branding to make it more contemporary. Then again, perhaps the Mavs liked how the logo and unis became associated with franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki.
Are there any logos and uniforms that you are surprised have lasted so long? Why do you think the logo or uniform has had such legs? Would you want the look to change?
Thanks, Mike — great question again. I’ll say this, one design I never expected to last this long is the Eagles current uni. But a run of success and two Super Bowls later (plus they changed their wordmark this past season, which means at least four more years) and they may never go back to kelly full time. Looking forward to hearing how the readers respond to this one!
The JP Losman/Eric Moulds era Bills uniforms were painful to look at. They made it so long I thought ownership might keep them forever.
The New York Yankees have mediocre uniforms. I’m less surprised by their persistence than by the persisting respect they have among fans, and especially among fans who profess an interest in uniform aesthetics. The road uniforms have finally been mostly fixed, so they’re above-C-grade, but the mismatched logos on the home uniforms are almost comically bad. Teams that have designed new uniforms with similarly mismatched logos between jersey and cap have been roundly condemned for exactly the flaws that people either ignore or seem to love in the Yankees home uniforms.
I agree. It’s amazing how many “iconic” uniforms would be widely panned if they were introduced today.
I always thing this about the St Louis Cardinals. Those birds are so big…if this was new, would people think it was a bit much?
As a Cardinals fan, I can understand your point. But, lets be honest, if were today they would not be the Cardinals they’d be something stupid like the St. Louis Sasquatch anyway.
I’m certainly a homer, and extremely biased, but I don’t much mind the Yankees mismatched logos. We know from their Field of Dreams throwbacks what it would look like if they brought the jersey logo to the hat, and I’ve seen enough knockoff jerseys sold near Yankee Stadium to know that the hat logo would look terrible on their jersey.
I’m surprised the Carolina Panthers haven’t massively changed it up. The “stripes” down the middle of the helmet are laughably 90’s and they’d be the prime target for a change IMO. Not even a new logo just for something different on the sleeves. Everything’s been the same, just in different colors over time. Helmet in silver or black; jerseys in white, black, or blue; pants in white, silver, black, or blue. I’m delightfully surprised they haven’t gotten a custom number font, and I’m disappointed about some of the 90’s stripes. But mostly, I’m surprised the new owner after Jerry Richardson didn’t make some changes for the sake of uniform changes.
That’s a good one
The Rockies, the Carolina Hurricanes, and most of all the Mavs are all desperately in need of complete overhauls. They are all just stuck in the past in the worst possible way; some 90s logos are timeless like the Pistons and the Ducks, but none of those three are.
I’m sure the Mavs will get a rebrand when they move to Vegas though lol the other two I don’t see changing any time soon.
Hurricanes look good but yeah the Rockies are very mid-1990s
I’d argue the Carolina Hurricanes have never looked good, but being saddled with a name like that, I don’t have much in the way of better ideas for a hockey team logo with that name. Stealing the palm tree in the breeze idea from the Flint Tropics would be too minor league looking for a main crest.
Agreed, I came here to cast a vote for the Rockies. I hate the CR interlocking logo and the thin lettering on everything. I’d love to see a modernization of the current set with a secondary logo like the padres swingin friar, but as a hiker or mountain climber swinging a pickaxe.
The Rockies have so much wasted potential to me. And yeah, I kind of hate the CR logo, but that’s just personal taste. For a cap logo, it’s fine. It wouldn’t take too many tweaks for the Rox to be a great-looking team instead of a forgettable 1990s holdover.
I can’t wait for the day the Atlanta Falcons change their logo. When I was a kid I hated it because it didn’t make any sense to me. Even after I figured out it was supposed to be a bird, I have still never liked it, especially because the bird sort-of-but-not-really being the in the shape of an F has always felt forced. The 2003 update helps, but it’s still among my most hated logos in all of sports.
Also, FWIW – as somebody who doesn’t follow the NBA – for me, the 2025 sports news cycle has been dominated by Alex Ovechkin’s GR8 Chase, as he gets closer and closer to breaking what was long considered an unbreakable record.
I can’t wait for the day the Atlanta Falcons change their logo. When I was a kid, I hated it because it didn’t make sense to me. Even after I realized it was supposed to be a bird, I still didn’t like it, mostly because the bird sort-of-but-not-exactly being in the shape of an F seemed forced. The 2003 update helps, but it’s still one of my most hated logos in all of sports.
Also, FWIW – as somebody who doesn’t follow the NBA – for me, the 2025 sports news cycle has been dominated by Alex Ovechkin’s GR8 Chase, as he gets closer and closer to breaking what was long considered and unbreakable record.
Agreed on both counts. The current “Atlanta Falcon” always reminds me of this:
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Do you live in Canada? I haven’t heard all that much about Ovi’s chase here in Chicago.
I do, and I wouldn’t say it’s dominating the headlines.
To be fair, I live in Richmond, VA and I grew up in the DC suburbs, so the Caps are my local team. But I do hear more about Ovi than the NBA. So I don’t see the Mavs as “dominating” the headlines, unless the primary source of sports news is ESPN, which has pretty much sold its soul to the NBA.
Also seeing a lot more headlines about the annual “Who’s Getting Stuck with Aaron Rodgers and His Massive Ego” lottery.
I’m surprised the Capitals are approaching 20 years in their primary set. I wasn’t a big fan of the Capitals wordmark instead of a logo, but from the 400-level, the navy over red over navy looks fantastic.
The “barves” Nationals road cap – navy with red bill. Maybe I just wish the all navy with the curly W returned because it’s the best cap in DC baseball history.
Outside the Beltway –
Steelers Futura jersey numbers
Midnight green Iggles – every time I see a crowd shot of fans, half are wearing Kelly green.l
Given the recent success I assume the Eagles won’t be changing soon, unfortunately
The Caps current uniforms are so mediocre. Just swapping the Capilals lettering for the Weagle would be a huge upgrade, as the Weagle’s wings would make the underarm stripes make visual sense that they don’t with the wordmark. My personal preference would be to start fresh with something like last season’s Reverse Retro, with the angled bottom stripes, at home, and a white version of either of their two alternate W-with-stars logos on the road.
And of all the ugly things the Nats have worn, the Barves cap is by far the dumbest. The two cap niches available to the team in the NL East are solid dark navy or red with a navy bill, so of course the Nats have spent the most time playing in a Philles all-red cap or a Barves navy-and-red cap.
I love the Capitals red and blue sweaters with with the hockey stick L logo, but I also like the Weagle. The only one I don’t like the black and blue set from 1995-2007.
I’m somewhat surprised that my team, Arsenal, have kept their “updated” badge for so long. It was released in 2002 and was somewhat ahead of its time, but with many clubs now turning to modernized versions of their classic looks, it is quite dated. Kits that use just the cannon are very popular with fans, so it’s only a matter of time before the current badge is scrapped.
A similar example is Liverpool, who have eschewed their “full” crest, which was introduced in 1999, in favour of just the liver bird, but they haven’t officially retired it yet.
I would argue that the Mavs’ uniform set IS dated. My MyPlayer in 2K plays for them, and I have only used their current home and away sets for a handful of games. I much prefer their green/blue/white options, as well as some of the more experimental navy and black looks from the last decade.
I actually think the Mavs have a pretty cool logo locked behind mediocre uniforms. The horse and basketball is much cooler than the M with just a hat.
As for looks that I’m surprised have lasted long, I find it interesting how long the black has remained in the Reds uniform. The franchise’s most memorable moments happened under the plain red and white, so I would’ve figured they would’ve returned to it when the black craze died down. Not that I’m against it though. I think the Reds have historically had boring uniforms and the black adds some interest to the look (and I’m a sucker for drop shadows). But, I know that isn’t a popular opinion.
Angels is another candidate, but the reason why is much more clear. I would classify their current look as “nepotism jerseys”. Mediocre jerseys only worn because that’s what the team won their championship(s) in. LA Kings come to mind as another example. But, it’s been so far removed from 2002 that I don’t think the current set sparks that much joy from fans any more. I would like the Angels to completely rework their set. And don’t return to an older look. The current throwbacks have a terribly dated wordmark and feels too much like discount Red Sox jerseys. The “Angels in the Outfield” look is good, but unremarkable and blends in too much with the sea of navy and red in MLB. And the Disney era is a bit much for my liking, but I would welcome incorporating light blue as a tertiary color. Give me something new.
Mavs logo is nice.
I like the Angels logo and unis but they aren’t particularly inspiring. Uni Watch friend Todd Radom designed them
The Eagles statement I agree with, but I would add to that, saying the Giant’s current look, especially their road uniforms with no blue below the helmet. I think the major necessity needs to be upgrading their throwback blue and their previous “color rush” white to their current uniforms, invoking the ’90’s eras New York Giants uniforms.
The Mara’s are incredibly conservative with changing the uniforms, but I think it’s only a matter of time, since the home and aways don’t even FEEL like the same uniforms. Under current ownership, I don’t think we’ll see an “interchangeable” set like say, the Broncos, but some kind of modern classic seems likely in the near future.
I think the detroit pistons blue/red ball logo has always been difficult to connect with. I feel like that should be retired and they move forward with teal grant hill era.
The Pistons really benefit from 1990s nostalgia (I loved the horse head as a kid)
I agree!
I’m probably in the minority but I always liked their “rust belt” unis. And yes, I kinds dislike the plain basketball logo, reminds me of the CBS logo. Go back to the horsepower logo!
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The NFL Panthers and MLB Rockies are basically unchanged from Day One. Clearly the folks in charge believe in sticking to their guns and not falling prey to fads and ill-conceived changes. Good on them. That being said, the tapered stripes on the Panthers’ helmets and pants haven’t aged well, and Colorado’s spindly jersey lettering is hard to read. But each team’s colors are well-chosen.
It’s “only” lasted 7 years, but I remain surprised that the Jags are going into an 8th year with their incredibly boring set. I think when the current set got unveiled, many of us said “okay so the Jags are just a team on a 5-year uniform cycle.” 4 years of the teal flake, 5 years of the “gradient”, but now an unprecedented 7 years in the current set, with no indication I’m aware of that they’ll be changing soon.
I liked what the Jags wore in the late 2000s. Clean.
Titans logo and the Carolina Panthers uniforms. Basically anything with triangle/truncated stripes.
For me, it’s the LA Chargers uniforms. Every time I see them on television, I love the colors, but it just needs something, they look incomplete.
They need TV numbers. I know the general trend is moving them to the shoulders, to accommodate shrinking sleeves, but putting the numbers on the sleeve, thereby mimicking the number under the bolt on the helmet, would look quite good.
The Orioles script has remained the same, save for color differences, since 1995. The script Baltimore did have a minor change (to taper or not to taper). I’m surprised there haven’t been any changes to this uni-set for a while. I don’t see it as a “classic” like how I view the Cardinals or Dodgers.
I like how the O’s brought back the cartoon bird a decade ago
The Ravens uniform has barely changed since 2000. The only real changes ever made have been to the collar. I don’t know why I like the uniform so much, but I’m a big fan. It has become a modern classic!
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It helps that the Ravens have been good every year (pretty much) since their first Super Bowl
Absolutely with you on the Eagles. I’ve always said the NOB/numeral font and the overly blocky and cartoony wings make them look like a mid-’90s arena league team. The wordmark modernization is a massive upgrade, but every time they bring out the throwbacks, it just acts as a reminder of how awful the current set is.
I know we’re talking uniforms but…
Brutus Buckeye’s clearly-80s rugby shirt bothered me for a long time. But now, I’m not sure you could change it.
Looking at the “Big 4” leagues:
NHL – Avalanche. I’m not a big fan of their look overall. Their jersey design has been more or less the same since their inception and it’s not great. They’ve had some decent alternates that use their colors well, but on the whole, their unis feel dated. Their logo is fine and I think they just haven’t come up with anything better, so there’s no need to change it. There’s also the association with success in the early days.
NFL – The Bengals have had their underwhelming B logo since 2004! The Tiger head logo is exponentially better and should never have been relegated to secondary status. No clue why they’ve kept the B as the primary for so long.
NBA – The Thunder’s logo feels like it was always meant to be a placeholder and feels like a create-a-team logo from NBA Live 2000. It’s not an ugly logo, and I love their colors, but it they could do soooo much better. The team has generally been consistently good since their move to OKC, so I’d guess that’s why they’ve kept it.
MLB – Guardians. The winged-G-baseball logo is not good. My guess is that they’ve kept it because it’s only been 3 seasons, but it was dated the day it was unveiled imo.
Agreed on the Avs and Thunder.
If there is one sports logo out in the world where, as soon as you see it, you know the exact time it was made is the badge for Nottingham Forrest Football Club.
When you look at it, you might be deafen by how loud it screams mid-1970s.
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I love it
It’s in no way a bad logo, but I’m astonished that the Chicago Bulls haven’t so much as slightly tweaked their logo in 59 years. Not that I think it needs any changes, but given how frequently we see logo changes in the NBA I’m surprised that the wordmark hasn’t been changed, or the logo shoved into a pointless shape (shield, roundel etc).
The Bulls’ and Flyers’ insignias are remarkable for their longevity.
Rockies fan here who agrees with most of what has been said in these comments about their uniforms. I don’t hate their current look as much as some seem to and I appreciate that they’ve maintained a consistent visual identity for most of their existence, but the Rockies could use several tweaks to improve their design. In addition to widening the font for their jersey lettering, I’d like them to play up the purple more than the black. Lots of teams use black, but not many use purple. Own that color!
Also, add some more visual separation between the black and the purple. Their both dark and tend to get muddled together at any sort of distance. I don’t know if that means adding more gray/silver to the mix or finding a new complementary color, but either would help.
Moving on to another team, I’ve grown tired of the Seattle Mariners’ current color scheme after 30+ years. I appreciate that they’re the only ones to use “Northwest Green,” but it’s more of an afterthought to navy blue in their uniforms. As a darker shade of blue-green/teal, “Northwest Green” doesn’t provide enough contrast to the navy and makes the uniforms look drab. Honestly, I find myself missing their old royal and gold uniforms just for the pop of color they provided. If they stick with their current color scheme, I wish they’d make Northwest Green the featured color, just to break with what feels like the 782 other MLB teams that use navy blue as their main color.
While I haven’t grown weary of their three decades old look, the contrast with their Sunday cream throwbacks does tend to make them look more dreary, like our not-unusual afternoon sun that overshadows [?!?] the rest of the gray day. The CC I can live without, primarily because of the insistence on using black. But I mostly replied to say this: FINALLY someone else here is properly naming their contrasting color!
Agree with BvK about the Rockies. Glad they’ve ditched the black vests, but the basic home and road sets have barely changed in 30+ years. They’re fine, and I really appreciate the desire to maintain the visual identity, but some tweaks wouldn’t be amiss. The caps are perfect, except I’d prefer just a “C” to the interlocking CR.
Another one is the Reds. Hate the drop shadows, hate the font, they should go back to the ’68-’69 look, those were perfect.
I realize that the Cowboys’ uniforms are classics but those pants drive me crazy. They play tricks on my eyes. What color is that supposed to be, and what is it supposed to match?
The Cincinnati Reds current set of uniforms are horribly dated. I’m all about the wishbone C REDS logo and Mr. Red, but the fonts for the letters and numbers are absolutely miserable. Originally, the CINCINNATI across the roads were taller but somewhere they grew smaller and look a mess. A nice block font would be great, and you can even keep the drop shadow if you want, but it isn’t necessary.
I wish the Tampa Bay Rays would wear their spring training uniforms and ball caps for regular season. They are pretty sweet!
Am I allowwd to say the Canadiens???
If you were creating a team today and came up with that you’d be laughed out the building.
It would be improved immensely by having an ‘M’ for Montreal in the middle, rather than an ‘H’ for Club de ‘H’ockey Canadien.
It feels a bit arrogant as though you need to be in the know to appreciate it rather than it appealing to the wider public or casual fan.
Drops mike!
Beside the extra long time of having that logo, one thing historically might also against your M idea. The old Montreal Maroons of the 20’s and 30’s in the NHL had that big M as a logo, and they were a team associated/for the English Montreal hockey fans, not the French ones.
If we’re talking full sets: panthers and dolphins, are top of my mind. If we’re talking logos or elements: white Sox old English logo, diamondbacks logos and wordmarks, bills helmet logo. A LOT of nhl teams are desperately in need of at least some significant tweaks. Predators, avs, sabres, hurricanes all come to mind. The thunder are WAY past due for a total do over of their primary design language, as are the heat.
Unfortunately the latest trend in MLB logos over the last decade is to turn cap logos into official team logos. Pirates, Padres, Rockies, A’s, Tigers, Twins, Rangers, and Angels have turned creative logos into a dull and no imagination logos based on their caps. Even the Reds and Indians ( I know it’s Guardians) have such lifeless dull logos now. Their 70’s logos were so iconic.
What a shame.
The Minnesota Wild needs a complete makeover. I always thought the logo was pretty dumb. The colors of forest green and red contribute to the drabness of the uniform. Their alternates, using the old North Stars colors, are far more dynamic.
The Rays have had those plain-Jane uniforms since 2008, so 17 years. They need something more colorful, harking back to their early Devil Rays years.
Surprised the Braves’ tomahawk logo has lasted so long — 38 years since they brought it back. Two teams with Native imagery have changed their names since then but the tomahawk remains.
Given how often the White Sox changed their uniforms up until 1990, the fact that the current set is going into its 35th year is remarkable.
So many of these comments level the comment ‘it’s so 90s’ at some of these teams (like the Panthers) as if it’s an insult. If the Panthers look like they’re stuck in the 90s, then the Packers look like they’re stuck in at LEAST the 60s. Why is one acceptable and the other isn’t? I LOVE that the Panthers have stayed true to their look, they were born in the 90s, why not keep up the tradition and remind fans of all ages of what that stage of uniforms looked like? If it was a bad design, that would be one thing…but it doesn’t seem to be for most folks, it just feels ‘outdated’. Outdated isn’t synonymous with ‘bad’.
There have been a lot of different uniform trends over the last 100 years, I’m all about having at LEAST one team from each league showcase each ‘era’ of uniforms (preferably from the era they were inaugurated, like the Panthers and the 90s) as sort of a ‘living history’ of what sports uniforms have been and have become.
Here’s to the Panthers staying stuck in the 90s forever. It’s bound to be a ‘modern classic’ sooner or later.
The Steelers have been using that number font since 1997. I know it’s never going back to block numbers, but I feel it’s time for a change.