Following my article criticizing the 2024 PLL throwback uniforms, I must give a round of applause for the logos themselves. I’m normally very critical when it comes to design decisions for uniforms in the sports world. For some reason, this has become a staple in who I am, with every little detail meaning so much to me. All it takes is a wonky jersey stripe or inconsistent fonts for me to hate an entire look. This translates over to logo design as well. Throughout the PLL, I had a lot of issues with each team’s brand identity, and the recent rebrand didn’t move me like it may have. However, I must hand out my flowers when they are due and say that these 2024 PLL throwback logos are the best thing the league has ever put out visually.
Each mascot visually remains consistent with one another (except the Cannons) and radiates the throwback feel the league was going after. They feel professionally done and can be applied in so many different ways. I normally do a rankings list for things like this, but I truly cannot identify a true number one option. They are all so close to one another ratings-wise that I would have been unable to put together a comprehensive list. All of these would look incredible on any piece of merchandise, especially a crewneck. For the most part, they all feel relatively believable as throwbacks. When you look at old-school Division 1 logos, these could very easily blend in among the crowd, which is what you want.
I personally love Philadelphia’s logo due to the script and dog itself. The purple color scheme remains undefeated, but that script “Philly” with the cartoon dog in motion laid on top is perfect. Even the Maryland logo, as simple as it is, truly feels like something that existed decades before the league but is designed well enough to hold up in the modern day. Utah and Denver maintain that 1940s cartoon feel but in the best way possible. Carolina plays into the American traditional tattoo aesthetic, and it works, especially for the Chaos brand. California has a blend of a later 1970s feel, especially when paired with the bear’s sick shades and smirk.
My only gripe comes with the Cannons’ logo, which was unveiled last year for the 2023 throwback weekend. At the time, it was one of the best in the bunch. However, when compared to the consistent design elements of all of the other seven logos, it stands out like a sore thumb. This is mostly due to the stroke and thickness that were used. Conceptually, the logo still works but should have been slightly updated to match the consistency of the rest of the logo set.
Overall, this is a home run from the Premier Lacrosse League. The 2024 PLL throwback logos honestly have a case to be the best design aspect the league has ever done. It’s a shame that this level of perfection did not carry over to the uniforms themselves, but I am happy they got the logos right. Hopefully, the league listens to fan reception and keeps these in rotation for years to come.
