Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve spent any time on Raptors Twitter lately, you know the vibes are a mix of nostalgia and a desperate plea for something—anything—that isn’t another chevron. We’ve reached a point where the new logo Toronto Raptors designers have put forward is less about a total identity crisis and more about a massive, year-long 30th-anniversary party.
The team is officially 30. Feeling old yet? To celebrate, they didn't just dump the "claw ball" we’ve had since 2015. Instead, they’ve leaned into a commemorative look that honestly feels like a love letter to the 90s kids who grew up on Vince Carter dunks and purple jerseys.
What’s Actually Happening with the 30th Anniversary Logo?
The 2024-25 season brought us a special anniversary emblem that most people are calling the "new" look. It’s not a permanent replacement for the primary logo, but it’s everywhere. It features a giant, stylized "30" where the zero is actually the claw-marked basketball we know and love.
But here is the kicker: the font.
The team brought back that jagged, aggressive 90s lettering for the "30." It’s a subtle nod to the original branding without going full "Barney" dinosaur. They also released a version where the original red raptor—the one dribbling the ball—is literally biting into the zero. It’s aggressive. It’s nostalgic. Honestly, it’s kinda what the fans have been begging for since they ditched the purple.
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The Indigenous Heritage Design: A Masterclass in Symbolism
In January 2025, the team took things a step further. They didn't just stick to anniversary logos; they dropped a reimagined Indigenous Heritage logo that actually made people stop scrolling. Designed by Luke Swinson, an Anishinaabe artist from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, this wasn't just a "recolor."
Swinson basically gutted the circular frame and replaced it with a landscape that tells a story. You’ve got:
- Two figures playing basketball (the central focus).
- A flowing river and hills representing life and the land.
- An eagle flying toward a sunset.
- The four sacred medicines—tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass—woven into the edges.
This logo appeared on jerseys for the Indigenous Heritage Game against the Bucks. It represents "Indigenous joy," and frankly, it’s one of the most artistically dense things an NBA team has ever put on a court. It makes the standard "claw" look a bit corporate by comparison.
Why Do People Keep Thinking There’s a Permanent Rebrand?
It’s the rumors. They never die.
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For the 2025-26 season, the Raptors unveiled "City Edition" jerseys that pay homage to the 2019 championship team. Because these jerseys use a "remixed" version of the 90s aesthetic, every time a leak hits the internet, someone claims a permanent new logo Toronto Raptors reveal is coming.
The truth? The primary logo—the red and black basketball with the silver claw marks—is staying put for now. President Masai Ujiri has been vocal about "looking forward," but the organization knows the power of the past. They are currently in a "hybrid era." They keep the modern, clean logo for the corporate side but flood the market with "throwback" and "commemorative" logos to keep the jersey sales moving.
A Quick Reality Check on the Logo Timeline
- 1995–2008: The "Dino" era. Purple, red, and a very 90s cartoon raptor.
- 2008–2015: The "Modern Dino." They ditched purple for red and black but kept the lizard.
- 2015–Present: The "Claw Ball." A minimalist circle meant to look "mature."
- 2024–2026: The Anniversary/Heritage phase. We are seeing high-concept variations rather than a single new primary image.
The "Chevron" Fatigue is Real
You can't talk about Raptors branding without mentioning the chevrons. Since the 2019 title, the team has been obsessed with those upward-pointing V-shapes on the jerseys. Fans are tired of it. Sorta.
The 2025-26 City Edition jerseys actually brought back a white version of the raptor logo, which some fans joked looks like a "skeleton" or a "ghost raptor." It’s a polarizing look. Some love the clean, "basics" feel of the black and white court designs, while others are screaming for the return of the pinstripes.
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The organization is walking a tightrope. They want to honor the 2019 win (which used chevrons), but they also want to appease the fans who want the 1995 vibes. The result is a bit of a mish-mash of styles that defines the current "new" look.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to keep up with these changes or grab the gear before it disappears, here is what you actually need to do:
- Watch the City Edition Drops: The 2025-26 "Remix" jerseys are limited. If you want the version with the white-out dino, buy it during the season. These "alternate" logos rarely stay in the rotation for more than 12 months.
- Check the Artist Series: The Indigenous Heritage gear usually donates a portion of proceeds (like the 20% to ENAGB Youth Agency). These are the logos that actually hold cultural value and tend to become "grails" for collectors later on.
- Don't Believe Every "Leaked" Primary Logo: Unless you see it on the official NBA LockerVision site or a verified SportsLogos.net report, it’s probably just a concept drawing from a talented fan on Reddit.
The "new" look isn't one single image anymore. It’s a rotating gallery of 30 years of Canadian basketball history. Whether you love the minimalist claw or miss the purple dinosaur, the Raptors are currently giving you a little bit of both.
Next Step: Head over to the official Raptors Boutique or the NBA Store to see the 30th-anniversary collection in person. Look specifically for the "bitten ball" logo—it’s the best bridge between the old-school ferocity and the modern brand.