Chicago Bulls to Release NFT Artwork Reimagining Its Iconic Logo

The collection invited NFT artists and designers like Bobby Hundreds, Deadfellaz and Ghxsts to redesign an NBA logo that hasn't changed since 1966.

AccessTimeIconSep 8, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 6:46 p.m. UTC
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The Chicago Bulls are releasing a new NFT collection later this month featuring "1-of-1" artworks designed by several well-known artists tasked with reimagining the National Basketball Association team's iconic logo.

The logo – a red charging bull's face with black and white accents – is unique in that it hasn't changed significantly since the team was founded in 1966. The logo was created by commercial designer Dean Wessel, who was offered free tickets to a game in exchange for the now-synonymous image. The non-fungible token works won't replace the logo but are the first official invitation from the organization to envision a different branding.

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  • Art by Claire Salvo
    Art by Claire Salvo

    The team has worked with 23 artists across the NFT landscape to reinterpret the logo across artistic mediums. Chicago-based artists like Michael Salisbury and NoPattern pay homage to their city alongside global designers like Bobby Hundreds, Blake Jamieson, Gxng Yxng of Ghxsts, Maliha Abidi, Betty and Psych from the NFT project Deadfellaz, Varvara Alay and more.

    "As a '90s kid, I grew up watching Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman play," said Claire Salvo, who reinterpreted the logo using a ballpoint pen on paper. "It was an era when pro athletes were also becoming pop culture icons. The team, the players and the era are all so nostalgic for me."

    Each piece of art will be minted as a single 1-of-1 NFT on the Ethereum blockchain exclusively through Coinbase's NFT platform. The collection, titled "The Aurochs," will be auctioned off on Sept. 22 with a starting price of 0.2 ETH, or roughly $320.

    BobbyHundreds.jpg

    "I am a fan of simple yet impactful bold imagery," said artist Zoe Rain on what drew her to the project. "The power and stature of the Bull is something appreciated and revered by all cultures."

    Proceeds from the collection will be split, with 40% going to artists and 40% going to the Bulls. The NBA will pocket 10% and the final 10% will go to After School Matters, a Chicago-based nonprofit aimed at providing educational opportunities to Chicago's youth.

    Art by Sabet
    Art by Sabet

    The Bulls previously released a Legacy NFT Collection in July 2021, consisting of several images representing the team's six World Championship rings. The collection offered exclusive benefits for owners of multiple NFTs, including a "Bull for a Day" VIP meet-and-greet experience and courtside seats.

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    Rosie Perper

    Rosie Perper was the Deputy Managing Editor for Web3 and Learn, focusing on the metaverse, NFTs, DAOs and emerging technology like VR/AR. She has previously worked across breaking news, global finance, tech, culture and business. She holds a small amount of BTC and ETH and several NFTs. Subscribe to her weekly newsletter, The Airdrop.


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