What makes the Premier League so unique in 2018? What if I told you it has less to do with what’s on the field and more to do with what’s on TV.
Back in 2016, when the Premier League announced it would release a new design for the league’s graphics, there was a bit of resistance, a bit of hype, and a whole bit of apathy. Then, as the start of the 2016/17 season grew nearer, the league was finally ready to release its new identity.
It was . . . a bit of a shocker to a lot of people for several different reasons. Out with the dated late 90s/early 2000’s look, and in its place, a modern, sleek, and vibrant new identity. The most awe inspiring change to the new Premier League identity: no sponsorships. No Barclays text. No branding before the Premier League name. It was as if the league was getting its groove back and was being inspired by its flamboyant cousin. And it couldn’t have been any more fabulous.
As the first week rolled around for the 2016/17 season and the first matches were televised, I had mixed emotions about the changes. Right from the beginning, the addition of vibrant colors immediately had an effect on the television viewer. All the graphics and logos popped off the screen. There was no question that, when you caught a quick glimpse of a match, you’d know if it was a Premier League match right away just by the colors. This was the intended effect.
I wasn’t super thrilled with the flashing white lion logo that splashes the screen between every reply during coverage. I still find it to be a bit distracting and obnoxious, but as just a small part of the rebranding, overall the new identity is a massive success, despite one’s own personal feelings towards any single design element.
Personal Thoughts
I think the simplified tone down image of the lion works perfectly for a single logo for the league. Prior, there was no single logo or design that fully represented the league. Previously, the lion was depicted from the side, showing his whole body. The silhouette of a lion is used for many purposes and was not unique to the Premier League. Since the lion couldn’t function as a logo itself, the league was forced to also add the text Barclays English Premier League. With a weak graphic logo, it forces the league to use text to further the message, making the logo even worse.
With the new logo, the league moved completely away from trying to depict the whole lion, and instead, focused on creating a strong simple graphic that is unique to the league. Additionally, by using an uncommon pallet color scheme, the league can further distinguish themselves from everyone else solely with the use of color.
Right now the Premier League is years ahead of others in regards to branding and marketing. This consistently proves to be the Prem's strongest suite. And even when it cannot compete with clubs from other leagues, the Prem is able to use what resource it does have to even the score. The Premier League design team deserves a new bumper deal, for sure.
Your Thoughts
So what do you think? Are you a fan of the recent changes or do you long for the older days of the Prem? La Liga also followed behind and have released updated graphics, but I'm not sure if it was as effective. Perhaps I may do another article about La Liga's rebranding. Let me know your thoughts below.
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