Charlotte Hornets Logo

Charlotte Hornets logoCharlotte Hornets Logo PNG

In 2004, the NBA welcomed a new team from North Carolina, replacing its 1988 predecessor. The Charlotte Hornets logo symbolizes the aspiration for leadership, efficiency, courage, determination, and effective defense.

Charlotte Hornets: Brand overview

Founded:1988
Founder:Michael Jordan
Headquarters:
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
Website:nba.com

In the late 1980s, George Shinn, a North Carolina entrepreneur, along with a group of like-minded individuals, decided to bring professional basketball back to Charlotte (in the 1970s, there was an ABA team called the Carolina Cougars). The fact of historical heritage, combined with the city’s high growth rates, allowed Shinn to obtain approval from David Stern (the commissioner of the National Basketball Association from 1984 to 2014) to open the 24th NBA club.

The new club’s name was chosen through a fan vote, and the preferred option of Charlotte Spirit gave way to the name Hornets. However, by the end of the 90s, the once-popular team found itself in a deep crisis: the arena did not meet the VIP seating needs, and Shinn was accused of rape, negatively affecting the team’s overall reputation.

Overcoming all difficulties, the Hornets managed to change their location and move to Louisiana. However, the Pelican State quickly got its team: the agreement for the old team’s move provided for the possibility of creating a new club. This was done in 2003.

Recalling the experience of the glorious past, the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission once again appealed to the imagination and creativity of fans. They proposed such names as the original Charlotte Shinn Kickers, the unique Charlotte Carolinas, and the nostalgic Charlotte Cougars. In the final shortlist were Dragons, Fly (North Carolina is also known as the state of the first flight – thanks to the Wright brothers), and, actually, Bobcats. The latter was determined as the new name. The promise was fulfilled, and in 2004, the Charlotte Lynx team appeared in the league.

This name was chosen deliberately: North Carolina, along with Colorado, leads in the number of lynxes (about 12 subspecies) living there. This animal embodies all the qualities inherent in the ideal basketball player: athleticism, speed, fearlessness of a stronger predator, and excellent hunting skills. Rumor has it that the choice in favor of “Bobcats” is directly related to Bob Johnson, the team’s owner.

According to the old proverb, there is never a new fashion, but there is an old one. In May 2014, ten years after the team’s appearance, the “Charlotte Bobcats” were unexpectedly renamed the “Charlotte Hornets.”

According to the agreement between the clubs, all its early history (before the move to New Orleans in 2002) will be attached to the team from Charlotte if the relocating team decides to get rid of the “Hornets” in the name.

Meaning and History

Charlotte Hornets Logo History

The expansion franchise, which appeared in 1988, received an original logo right after the name was approved. It was proposed during a contest. The choice of this variant is not only due to the aggressive nature of the insect but also to historical statements by some famous personalities. For example, General Cornwallis once called the city of Charlotte a “hornet’s nest of rebellion.” Residents showed themselves during the Revolutionary War when the British were fierce defenders and formidable opponents. Therefore, George Shinn, the club’s owner, chose this particular name. Over the years, the team has had six logos.

What is Charlotte Hornets?

It is one of the thirty franchises of the National Basketball Association. It plays in the Southeast Division and represents the most populous city in North Carolina. The team’s history began in 1985 when George Shinn assembled a group of entrepreneurs to head the new NBA basketball club in Charlotte.

1988 – 1989

Charlotte Hornets Logo 1988-1989

All history and glory were inherited by the team from Charlotte by agreement with the club that moved to New Orleans and got rid of “Hornets” in the name. The initial version contained an image of a hornet – one of the representatives of the swarm, fierce and merciless to opponents. The insect is in flight. Dark wings are spread, and a basketball is clutched in its front paws. The hornet is in front of a large white letter “H.” Behind them is a large turquoise letter “C.” Below is the word “Charlotte.” It has an arc shape and is written in capital letters.

1989 – 2002

Charlotte Hornets Logo 1989-2002

In the 1989 season, an updated team logo was presented. The anthropomorphic winged insect in white gloves and sneakers is playing with a basketball. Small strokes around each object indicate movement. On the hornet’s face is a condescending smirk, and on its chest is the letter “H,” above which is written the word “Charlotte.” The insect is surrounded by the full name of the club and expresses readiness for attack. This is indicated by its raised antennae, piercing gaze, spread wings, and sharp sting.

2005 – 2007

Charlotte Bobcats Logo 2005-2007

Until 2005, the club did not play, as it was evacuated due to the destructive Hurricane Katrina. After the forced move and renaming of the team to the “Charlotte Bobcats,” the management approved a new logo. It’s a roaring lynx with its head turned right. The image’s author is designer Chris Weiller. He presented a red forest predator with an aggressive grin and sharp teeth. Above it is the slanted inscription “Bobcats,” and even higher is the sign “Charlotte.”

2008 – 2012

Charlotte Bobcats Logo 2008-2012

In 2008, there was a slight redesign of the logo, which affected the color palette. As a result, the colors became subdued: instead of fiery red, orange appeared, and dark blue became a little lighter.

2013 – 2014

Charlotte Bobcats Logo 2013-2014

Color experiments continued in 2013 when the designers removed the orange from the logo and replaced it with gray. But the textual part became orange: it says the word “Charlotte,” which the designers added to the general background, framing it. The second part of the name is in white.

2014 – today

Charlotte Hornets Logo 2015 Present

At the end of 2014, the team returned to its original name, “Hornets,” so it switched to the debut image using the formidable Hornet. In the current version, it is positioned in profile and depicted in front of the phrase “Charlotte Hornets.” The insect has white wings spread in flight, a piercing gaze, and a sharp sting. It clings to the word “Charlotte” with its upper paws. The lower part of its body is replaced by a basketball.

Charlotte Hornets: Interesting Facts

The Charlotte Hornets are a basketball team from Charlotte, North Carolina. Their cool story includes moving, changing names, and much support from their fans. Here’s what makes them special:

  1. Beginning: The Hornets started in 1988, named after Charlotte’s nickname from the Revolutionary War because the city fought hard like a nest of hornets.
  2. Moving and Coming Back: The team moved to New Orleans in 2002, but Charlotte got a new team in 2004, the Bobcats. In 2013, they became the Hornets again and returned to their history from the original team.
  3. The Hive: Their arena is called “The Hive,” like a home for hornets, and thanks to the fans, it’s always full of energy.
  4. Mascot: Their mascot, Hugo the Hornet, is fun and keeps everyone entertained at games.
  5. Michael Jordan: The famous basketball player, Michael Jordan, bought the team in 2010. He’s the first former player to own a team like this.
  6. Colors and Jerseys: The Hornets are known for their teal and purple colors, which stand out and are loved by fans.
  7. Helping Out: The Hornets do a lot for their community, like helping with education and food through the Charlotte Hornets Foundation.
  8. All-Star Games: Charlotte hosted the big NBA All-Star Game in 1991 and again in 2019, which was exciting for the city.
  9. Buzz City: People call Charlotte “Buzz City” because of the energy around the team and the city.
  10. Players: They’ve had famous players like Larry Johnson and Kemba Walker, who keep bringing in new talent to strengthen the team.

The Charlotte Hornets are more than just a basketball team. They’re a big part of Charlotte, bringing excitement, helping the community, and showing how to bounce back and keep growing.

Font and Colors

Charlotte Hornets Emblem

Due to frequent relocations, the club repeatedly changed its logo, following the next name. In particular, they were based on two images – a hornet and a lynx. The latter is an aggressive insect with a powerful sting.

Charlotte Hornets Symbol

In different seasons, the font of the logo had a different type of writing. In the emblem of the “Charlotte Hornets,” elongated letters with serifs have been used from the very beginning. On the logo of the “Charlotte Bobcats,” the symbols, on the contrary, are blocked and grotesque.

The official palette of the team is turquoise, dark blue, and white. In some versions, red, orange, and gray are also present.

Charlotte Hornets color codes

TealHex color:#00788c
RGB:0 120 140
CMYK:100 36 38 7
Pantone:PMS 3145 C
Dark PurpleHex color:#1d1160
RGB:29 17 96
CMYK:96 98 38 44
Pantone:PMS 275 C
GrayHex color:#a1a1a4
RGB:161 161 164
CMYK:0 1 0 43
Pantone:PMS Cool Gray 8 C

FAQ

When did the “Charlotte Hornets” change their logo?

The last time this sports club changed its logo was in 2014 due to rebranding; before that, it was called Charlotte Bobcats. The team, formed in 2004, received the identity and history of the original “Charlotte Hornets” club, which existed from 1988 to 2002 before it moved to New Orleans.

Who designed the “Charlotte Hornets” logo?

In preparation for the sports franchise’s rebranding, the Nike Brand Jordan group approached designer Darrin Crescenzi to develop a new logo for the “Charlotte Hornets.” He involved the specialists from Rare Design and created many emblems, including a variant reflecting Jordan’s aesthetics and the team spirit of the “Hornets.”

Is Michael Jordan the owner of the “Charlotte Hornets”?

Yes, Michael Jordan is one of the owners of this sports franchise. He owns a majority of the shares of the “Charlotte Hornets.” He purchased this property in 2010.

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