You’ve seen the orange hoodie. It’s basically everywhere now—from NBA tunnels to coastal coffee shops. But that little silhouette of a player with her hair in a bun isn’t just a cool graphic. It’s a flag. For a long time, WNBA teams and logos felt like an afterthought, or worse, a carbon copy of whatever the guys were doing.
That’s changed. Big time.
If you look at the league today, it’s 2026, and the branding is finally as loud as the dunks and the trash talk. We’ve moved past the "pink it and shrink it" era. Now, we’re seeing logos that actually tell stories about the cities they represent and the women who play there. Honestly, it’s about time.
The "Out of the Box" Moment
Back in 2019, the league did something radical. They hired Sylvain Labs to rethink the whole WNBA brand identity. Before that, the logo was a player inside a box. Very traditional. Very "NBA-lite."
The new logo? She’s free. No borders.
Christy Hedgpeth, who was the COO at the time, basically said the box had to go because the league was expanding and taking up more space. They even kept the hair bun because that’s how the players actually look on the court. It’s a small detail, but it matters. It’s real.
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But the league-wide branding is just the foundation. The real personality lives in the individual teams.
The New Guard: Valkyries, Tempo, and the Return of the Fire
The WNBA is growing faster than anyone predicted. We aren't just stuck with the original twelve anymore. The Golden State Valkyries officially tipped off in 2025, and their logo is probably the most sophisticated piece of design in the league.
It’s a V, sure. But look closer. The wings are shaped like the cables of the Bay Bridge. It’s sharp, it’s intimidating, and it doesn't look like a "girls' team" logo. It looks like a powerhouse.
Then you’ve got 2026 bringing in the Toronto Tempo and the return of the Portland Fire. Portland’s brand is a massive nod to history. They had a team called the Fire back in the early 2000s, but it folded. People loved it, though.
The new 2026 Fire logo isn't just a flaming basketball like the old one. It’s a rose on fire—a direct shoutout to Rose City. It uses fire red, brown, blue, and pink. It’s weird, it’s vibrant, and it’s very Portland.
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Meanwhile, the Toronto Tempo decided to go with a maroon "T" inside a basketball with six speed lines. Those six lines? They represent the five players on the court plus the "sixth man"—the fans. It’s a bit more abstract, but in a city like Toronto that loves its "6ix" branding, it works perfectly.
Why the Phoenix Mercury Rebrand Mattered
You can't talk about WNBA teams and logos without mentioning the Mercury. They are OGs. They’ve been here since 1997. But for a long time, their logo felt a bit... dated?
In late 2025, they finally pulled the trigger on a total rebrand. They took that iconic "M" and tilted it exactly 19.97 degrees. Why? Because 1997 was their first year. That’s the kind of nerd-level detail fans actually care about. They also leaned into the "Merc" nickname, officially putting it on their gear.
Most teams are realizing that their "Rebel" or "City" edition jerseys are where they can take the biggest risks. The New York Liberty's seafoam green is iconic, but their black-and-gold alternate looks are what you see people wearing in Brooklyn.
The Logos People Still Argue About
Not every logo is a slam dunk. Kinda the nature of design, right?
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- Indiana Fever: People are split. Since Caitlin Clark arrived, the Fever is the most visible team in the league. Their logo is still that 2000s-era script. Some fans want a modern refresh to match the new era, while others think you shouldn't mess with a classic while it's winning.
- Connecticut Sun: Their logo features a "C" inside a sunburst. It’s a tribute to the Mohegan Tribe, who own the team. It’s one of the few logos that carries deep cultural and sovereign meaning, making it almost untouchable regardless of design trends.
- Las Vegas Aces: It’s clean. It’s corporate. It’s very "Vegas." It works because the team is a dynasty, but some critics find it a bit sterile compared to the fiery vibes of the newer expansion teams.
What’s Coming Next?
We already know Cleveland is coming in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philly in 2030. That’s eighteen teams.
The branding for these cities is going to be a battleground. Cleveland fans are already debating whether to bring back the "Rockers" name or start fresh. Detroit is likely to lean into the "Shock" history, but expect a much grittier, industrial design than the teal-and-red look they had in the 90s.
How to Pick Your Team Based on the Vibe
If you’re new to the W, sometimes the logo is the easiest way in.
- The Minimalist: Go with the Las Vegas Aces or the Seattle Storm. Clean lines, professional, very modern.
- The Historian: The New York Liberty or Phoenix Mercury. They’ve kept the torch burning since day one.
- The Trendsetter: Golden State Valkyries or Portland Fire. These are the logos that look best on a premium streetwear hoodie.
- The Community-First: Connecticut Sun or Minnesota Lynx. These logos are deeply tied to local identity and history.
The reality is that WNBA teams and logos are finally being treated with the same budget and creative respect as the NBA. They aren't just "feminine" versions of existing brands. They are stand-alone icons.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start looking at the alternate merch. The "City Edition" drops are usually where the best design work happens, often involving local artists who actually live in these neighborhoods. That's where the real culture is moving.
Check your local team's shop for the "Rebel" series jerseys—they usually sell out faster than the standard home whites for a reason. Keeping an eye on trademark filings is also a pro move if you want to guess the names of the Philly or Detroit teams before they’re announced.