With approximately one year to go before kicking off its inaugural season in March 2015, today New York City FC unveiled its official team badge. The badge, created by renowned designer Rafael Esquer, was selected by an online, public vote in which fans chose between two potential badges.
Over the course of four days last week, more than 100,000 votes were cast, deciding the badge that will become the bedrock of the club’s identity and a focal point of all team gear and merchandise. New York City FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna, Chief Business Officer Tim Pernetti, and Head Coach Jason Kreis unveiled the winning badge in front of New York City FC leadership, partners, supporters and members of the media at the Adidas Store in New York City this evening.
The winning badge is inspired by the old New York City Subway Token, created by the Transit Authority in 1953 and used for 50 years as the standard fare for a ride. The last version of the token had a cut out pentagon in the center representing the five boroughs, similar to what appears on either side of the monogram, to reinforce the Club’s connection to entire city. The circle is also a symbol of unity, wholeness and infinity, and is often associated with potential and the number one. This is a modern and confident badge that clearly speaks to New York City’s status as a leading city.
The badge features the typeface Gotham, a wholly American font inspired by the City’s signage. Born out of an in-depth study of building lettering in New York City, the monogram reflects the rich graphic language that is so much a signature of the five boroughs. The colors navy blue, white and orange are drawn from the New York City flag.
“Given the significance of a Club’s badge and what it means for a team’s identity, it was important for us to have our fans included from the beginning—a commitment that we’ve made from the start,” said Claudio Reyna, Sporting Director of New York City FC. “Thanks to the the voice of our fans, we feel that we have a design that truly represents our Club and our City.”
Today marks another important milestone in the ongoing development of the New York City FC, and we’re excited to unveil the crest that will represent our Club, our City and our fans,” said Tim Pernetti, Chief Business Officer of New York City FC. “Thank you to the fans who cast more than 100,000 votes and helped make New York City FC history.”
Esquer is best known for his iconic “Made in NY” logo, representing New York City’s efforts to support local film and television production. His work also includes the newest logo for the Houston Rockets and national team uniforms for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
New York City FC merchandise with the new badge is now available for purchase at nycfc.com/shop
Fans also still have the option of submitting their own badge designs until March 31st to become a pixel of the official New York City FC team badge mosaic to be revealed later this spring. The final Club badge mosaic will allow fans to zoom in to find their own design permanently displayed within the shield. A physical manifestation of the mosaic will also be on display in the Club’s permanent facilities. Fans can design and submit their badges through New York City FC’s badge generation tool, known as the “badge configurator” at nycfc.com/mynycfc.
