NCAA

Official Websites

• https://www.ncaa.org
• https://www.ncaa.com
• https://www.ncaa.org/playcollegesports

Brand Guidelines

2021

Brand Summary

Mission

• The NCAA brand celebrates college athletes and represents its diverse membership, aiming to capture the passion of college sports, the celebration of achievement, and the value of sportsmanship [^1].

Core Values

• diversity
• achievement
• sportsmanship
• passion for college sports

Target Audience

• College athletes, NCAA members, affiliates, and entities involved in collegiate sports [^2].

Personality Traits

• modern
• inclusive
• celebratory
• passionate

Visual Identity Overview

• The visual identity is anchored by the blue disk logo, complemented by a modern design framework including a defined color palette, typography, and supporting graphic elements. The brand emphasizes clean, readable fonts, consistent logo usage, and a vibrant, diverse color palette [^3].

Categories

Brand Imagery

• Two times the cap height of the “N” determines the safe space around the disk. No logos or words should fall within this safe area.
• All elements should be outside this area.
• Five-sixteenths of an inch diameter is the smallest allowable size for the blue disk.
• MINIMUM DIGITAL SIZE IS 36 PIXELS TALL
• Use the cap height of “N” to measure distance between disk, dividing rule and entity mark.
• Height of entity logo should not exceed the height of the disk unless the design has an element that extends the mass of the logo.

Color Palette

• Providing a current design framework that remains modern in typography, color palette and supporting graphic elements.
• The preferred use of the NCAA logo is the full-color blue disk. The one-color black and reverse logos include limited use and must receive advance approval. ONE COLOR BLACK ONE COLOR REVERSE PMS 2925 White PRIMARY FULL COLOR CMYK; 75-18-0-0 CMYK: 0-0-0-100 CMYK: 0-0-0-0 The blue disk is the primary logo of the NCAA brand. RGB: 0-156-222 RGB: 0-0-0 RGB: 255-255-255 HEX: 009CDE HEX: 000000 HEX: FFFFFF Madeira: 1176 Madeira: 1000 Madeira: 1801
• N C A A WORDMARK SEC ON DARY LOGO \ @ ONE COLOR BLACK ONE COLOR REVERSE SECONDARY FULL COLOR PMS 2925 Black White The NCAA word mark is a secondary logo to be used in place of the blue disk where the NCAA disk is not a viable option. CMYK; 75-18-0-0 CMYK: 0-0-0-100 CMYK: 0-0-0-0 RGB: 0-156-222 RGB: 0-0-0 RGB: 255-255-255 HEX: 009CDE HEX: 000000 HEX: FFFFFF Madeira: 1176 Madeira: 1000 Madeira: 1801
• Do not change the disk’s color.
• The NCAA disk uses a unique blue (PMS 2925} that is reserved primarily for the disk. In limited instances, PMS 2925 can be used in official NCAA logos in addition to the disk and in supporting looks. The PMS 2925 blue should not dominate any palette when it is used along with the disk, and any other blue colors near the disk should ensure the disk stands out. The rest of the NCAA color palette is intended to be used to complement the blue disk in various visual graphic treatments.
• RGB: 0-156-222 HEX: 009CDE Madeira: 1176
• PMS2905 PMS3005 PMS7462 PMS295 RGB: 141-200-232 RGB: 0-119-200 RGB: 0-85-140 HEX: 8DC8E8 HEX: 0077C8 HEX: 00558C HEX: 002855 Madeira: 1092 Madeira: 1297 Madeira: 1376 Madeira: 1242 PMS Cool Gray 1 PMS Cool Gray 5 PMS Cool Gray 10 CMYK 10 7 5 0 RGB: 217-217-214 RGB: 177-179-179 RGB: 99-102-106 HEX: D9D9D6 HEX: 818383 HEX: 63666A Madeira: 1286 Madeira: 1012 Madeira: 1239 PMS 142 PMS 716 CMYK: 0-21-77-0 CMYK: 0-59-100-0 RGB: 241-190-72 RGB: 234-118-0 HEX: F18E48 HEX: EA7600 Madeira: 1172 Madeira: 1278 NOTE: CMYK breakdowns are based on color bridge (Pantone CP) mixtures. RGB and Hex formulas are based on Pantone C colors.
• PMS 484 PMS360 PMS366 PMS 5265 PMS667 PMS270 CMYK: 29-0-64-0 ii RGB: 154-51-36 RGB: 39-93-56 RGB: 108-194-74 RGB: 183-221-121 RGB: 64-58-96 RGB: 124-105-146 RGB: 180-181-223 HEX: 9A3324 HEX: 275D38 HEX: 6CC24A HEX: 87DD79 HEX: 403A60 HEX: 7C6992 HEX: 8485DF Madeira: 1038 Madeira: 1189 Madeira: 1049 Madeira: 1248 Madeira: 1233 Madeira: 1387 Madeira: 1311
• The full spectrum of the NCAA color palette is designed to complement the blue disk color.
• Various color palette ratios can be used to communicate different tones.
• The primary palette colors can be used for communications that align more closely with the NCAA parent brand and convey a more serious tone.
• The secondary palette colors can be used for communications that are more athletics-related and less business-like in tone.

Typography

• Supria Sans is the NCAA’s workhorse font. Its clean and readable character, with versatile weights and widths, makes it the ideal font for communicated information in quick-hit or long-form material.
• This is an Adobe Creative Suite font. All efforts should be made to use this font, but in cases where it is unavailable to those who don’t have Adobe software, Chivo, which is a Google font, can be used as a substitute.
• Mislab Std. is an alternate serif for NCAA type families that can be used in display and textual instances, and complements Supria Sans.
• Charter is the serif option for NCAA type families. It should be used in white papers and in Microsoft Word to create documents. Download free at https://fontesk.com/charter-typeface/.
• DISPLAY TEXT Mislab Std. Extra Bold Italic
• SUBHEADS AND ALTERNATIVE DISPLAY TEXT Supria Sans Black Italic Mislab Std. Bold
• BODY COPY Supria Sans Black Italic Charter (for NCAA staff using Microsoft Word)
• INFOGRAPHIC AND LABELING TEXT Supria Sans Condensed Mislab Std.

Logo Usage

• The preferred use of the NCAA logo is the full-color blue disk. The one-color black and reverse logos include limited use and must receive advance approval.
• The blue disk is the primary logo of the NCAA brand.
• PMS 2925 White PRIMARY FULL COLOR CMYK; 75-18-0-0 CMYK: 0-0-0-100 CMYK: 0-0-0-0 The blue disk is the primary logo of the NCAA brand. RGB: 0-156-222 RGB: 0-0-0 RGB: 255-255-255 HEX: 009CDE HEX: 000000 HEX: FFFFFF Madeira: 1176 Madeira: 1000 Madeira: 1801
• The NCAA word mark is a secondary logo to be used in place of the blue disk where the NCAA disk is not a viable option.
• CMYK; 75-18-0-0 CMYK: 0-0-0-100 CMYK: 0-0-0-0 RGB: 0-156-222 RGB: 0-0-0 RGB: 255-255-255 HEX: 009CDE HEX: 000000 HEX: FFFFFF Madeira: 1176 Madeira: 1000 Madeira: 1801
• Two times the cap height of the “N” determines the safe space around the disk. No logos or words should fall within this safe area.
• All elements should be outside this area.
• Five-sixteenths of an inch diameter is the smallest allowable size for the blue disk.
• MINIMUM DIGITAL SIZE IS 36 PIXELS TALL
• Use the cap height of “N” to measure distance between disk, dividing rule and entity mark.
• Height of entity logo should not exceed the height of the disk unless the design has an element that extends the mass of the logo.
• The registered symbol (R-ball) should always be placed in the same place in relation to the NCAA disk. Use the angle and baseline of the last “A” in NCAA to align the left side and top of the R-ball.
• The size of the blue disk should determine the R-ball scale in relation to the disk. In its final application, the R-ball must be legible.
• PRIMARY VERSION (<6" diameter)
• LARGE FORMAT VERSION {Ideal for signage; >6" diameter)
• Below are preapproved instances when the R-ball can be omitted. Any instances outside the listing below should be discussed with the brand specialist on the NCAA legal affairs staff.
• Do not use the enhanced disk.
• Do not skew, tilt or change the proportions of the disk.
• Do not change the disk’s color.
• Do not place the disk on a low-contrast background.
• Do not place on a distracting or busy background.
• Do not outline or stroke the disk.
• Do not crop the disk in any way.
• Do not use at less than 100% opacity.
• Do not make the disk or NCAA letters transparent.
• Do not add text or elements that impede on the safe space of the disk or imply NCAA affiliation.

Tone And Messaging

• The NCAA brand celebrates college athletes and represents its diverse membership. Key pillars to the design vision include: Providing a current design framework that remains modern in typography, color palette and supporting graphic elements. Capturing the passion of college sports, the celebration of achievement and the value of sportsmanship.
• The primary palette colors can be used for communications that align more closely with the NCAA parent brand and convey a more serious tone.
• The secondary palette colors can be used for communications that are more athletics-related and less business-like in tone.

Brand Values

• The NCAA brand celebrates college athletes and represents its diverse membership. Key pillars to the design vision include: Providing a current design framework that remains modern in typography, color palette and supporting graphic elements. Capturing the passion of college sports, the celebration of achievement and the value of sportsmanship.

Visual Style

• Providing a current design framework that remains modern in typography, color palette and supporting graphic elements.
• The preferred use of the NCAA logo is the full-color blue disk. The one-color black and reverse logos include limited use and must receive advance approval.
• ONE COLOR BLACK ONE COLOR REVERSE PMS 2925 White PRIMARY FULL COLOR CMYK; 75-18-0-0 CMYK: 0-0-0-100 CMYK: 0-0-0-0 The blue disk is the primary logo of the NCAA brand. RGB: 0-156-222 RGB: 0-0-0 RGB: 255-255-255 HEX: 009CDE HEX: 000000 HEX: FFFFFF Madeira: 1176 Madeira: 1000 Madeira: 1801
• The NCAA word mark is a secondary logo to be used in place of the blue disk where the NCAA disk is not a viable option. CMYK; 75-18-0-0 CMYK: 0-0-0-100 CMYK: 0-0-0-0 RGB: 0-156-222 RGB: 0-0-0 RGB: 255-255-255 HEX: 009CDE HEX: 000000 HEX: FFFFFF Madeira: 1176 Madeira: 1000 Madeira: 1801
• Two times the cap height of the “N” determines the safe space around the disk. No logos or words should fall within this safe area.
• All elements should be outside this area.
• Five-sixteenths of an inch diameter is the smallest allowable size for the blue disk.
• MINIMUM DIGITAL SIZE IS 36 PIXELS TALL
• Use the cap height of “N” to measure Use two times the cap height of “N” distance between disk, dividing rule to measure distance between disk and entity logo. I = 3x I = 1x 100% black
• Use the cap height of “N” to measure distance between disk, dividing rule and entity mark. ◄• APPROVED Height of entity logo should not exceed the height of the ENTITY disk unless the design has LOGO an element that extends the mass of the logo. 1◄·c._ ◄• _.,. I = 3x I = 1x 20% black EXAMPLE: 1◄•••• 0 sPoRT science INSTITUTE*
• Do not use the enhanced disk.
• Do not skew, tilt or change the proportions of the disk.
• Do not change the disk’s color.
• Do not place the disk on a low-contrast background.
• Do not place on a distracting or busy background.
• Do not outline or stroke the disk.
• Do not crop the disk in any way.
• Do not use at less than 100% opacity.
• Do not make the disk or NCAA letters transparent.
• Do not add text or elements that impede on the safe space of the disk or imply NCAA affiliation.

Iconography

• The icons library provides a consistent illustration style for NCAA communications that utilizes simple, graphic and linear elements within the NCAA color palette.
• Requests for specific icon needs should be submitted through appropriate NCAA channels.
• Chromatic colors Utilization of official brand color palette, including a 30% tint for variation Round corners Simple geometric shapes to illustrate images Line edges for graphic stylization The icon image should stay within the circle, avoiding the edges

Layout And Composition

• Two times the cap height of the “N” determines the safe space around the disk. No logos or words should fall within this safe area.
• All elements should be outside this area.
• Five-sixteenths of an inch diameter is the smallest allowable size for the blue disk.
• MINIMUM DIGITAL SIZE IS 36 PIXELS TALL
• Use the cap height of “N” to measure distance between disk, dividing rule and entity mark.
• Height of entity logo should not exceed the height of the disk unless the design has an element that extends the mass of the logo.
• Do not use the enhanced disk.
• Do not skew, tilt or change the proportions of the disk.
• Do not change the disk’s color.
• Do not place the disk on a low-contrast background.
• Do not place on a distracting or busy background.
• Do not outline or stroke the disk.
• Do not crop the disk in any way.
• Do not use at less than 100% opacity.
• Do not make the disk or NCAA letters transparent.
• Do not add text or elements that impede on the safe space of the disk or imply NCAA affiliation.

Event Decor

• • Back of house (non-camera facing, venue or otherwise). • Billboards or larger applications where the logo is isolated and not within a composition. • Plotter-cut (vinyl, etc.), die-cut/router-cut/laser­cut (three-dimensional items, etc.) or any other instance where the registered symbol would need to be installed separate from the disk.

Apparel

• • Lanyards when the R-ball would not meet the minimum-size requirement.
• • Embroidery when the R-ball would not meet the minimum-size requirement.

Naming Conventions

• NAMING CONVENTION # 00_LogoName_Iteration_Color Version.file type YEAR Omit if the logo is evergreen LOGO NAME (Title cap words with spaces) Include +Disk Lockup when locked up with the NCAA disk ITERATION COLOR VERSION PRI = Primary Logo 4C = Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black (K)SEC = Secondary Logo H = Horizontal V = Vertical Icon, mark, graphic element, etc. 1C = One color RGB = Red, Green, Blue PMS = Pantone or spot K = Black REV = Reversed FILE TYPE JPG = 300 dpi, RGB, raster PNG = 300 dpi, RGB, transparent background, raster EPS = Vector, CMYK
• FOLDER STRUCTURE Folder name is the name of the logo. Subfolders are named for the specific version of the logo.
• Logo Name Horizontal Color Logo Name_H_4C.eps Logo Name_H_PMS.eps Logo Name_H_RGB.jpg Logo Name_H_RGB.png This subfolder will include these iterations of the logo: • EPS (CMYK), • EPS (spot), • JPG (RGB, 300 dpi) and • PNG (300 dpi, transparent background)
• Logo Name Vertical Black Logo Name_V_K.eps Logo Name_V_K.jpg Logo Name_V_K.png
• NOTE: Reverse or all-white iterations of the logo do not need a jpg file.
• One-color iterations of the logo do not need an eps spot color file.

Print Guidelines

• Five-sixteenths of an inch diameter is the smallest allowable size for the blue disk.
• Two times the cap height of the “N” determines the safe space around the disk. No logos or words should fall within this safe area.
• All elements should be outside this area.
• MINIMUM PRINT SIZE
• Height of entity logo should not exceed the height of the disk unless the design has an element that extends the mass of the logo.
• All logos locked up with the disk should not be used smaller than when the disk is at 5/16 inch in diameter in print or 36 pixels tall in digital application.

Digital Guidelines

• MINIMUM DIGITAL SIZE IS 36 PIXELS TALL
• All logos locked up with the disk should not be used smaller than when the disk is at 5/16 inch in diameter in print or 36 pixels tall in digital application.

2015

Brand Summary

Mission

• The NCAA is a membership-led association committed to protecting the best interests of college athletes, championing quality educational experiences, and supporting athletics participation opportunities. Its core purpose is to govern athletics competition and integrate athletics into higher education so the educational experience of student-athletes is paramount [^1].

Core Values

• student-athlete welfare
• educational excellence
• athletic achievement
• collegiate model
• fair competition

Target Audience

• Collegiate institutions, conferences, affiliated organizations, and student-athletes participating in NCAA-sanctioned sports and championships [^2].

Personality Traits

• professional
• energetic
• consistent
• supportive
• athletic
• tradition-oriented

Visual Identity Overview

• The visual identity centers on the NCAA logo, a blue circular emblem, and a system of regular-season and championship logos featuring sport-specific iconography, custom typography (NCAA Legacy and United), and a consistent color palette (Pantone 300c, Pantone 295c, Pantone 428c). The style guide emphasizes layered visual compositions, gradients, and strict rules for logo usage, color, and typography to ensure brand consistency across signage, décor, and all graphic applications [^3].

Categories

Brand Imagery

• The regular-season sport icons are contained within a horizontal/left-to-right banner shape. The banner should never appear vertically in regular-season rounds. The vertical orientation is reserved solely for championship rounds only. All regular-season icons are available as full-color, grayscale and one-color files.
• These icons are to be used for all branding, marketing and communications pertaining to the overall sport.
• All regular-season vertical marks are available as full-color, full-color on dark backgrounds, grayscale and one-color.
• All regular-season horizontal marks are available as full-color, full-color on dark backgrounds, grayscale and one-color.
• The Championship sport icons are contained within a vertical/top-to-bottom banner shape. The banner should never appear horizontally in championship rounds. The horizontal orientation is reserved solely for regular-season only. All championship icons are available as full-color, grayscale and one-color files.
• Variations of the NCAA Championships logos are not permitted [examples of incorrect uses are shown here). These variations in the design will compromise the integrity and unifying function of the NCAA identity. Elements and parts of the logo should never be separated.
• No logos or elements of any logo are to be altered or rearranged in any way.
• The primary graphic component should always remain a championship banner shape or a visual reference to the same as shown in this style guide. See page 16 for details.
• Only NCAA-approved typography (NCAA Legacy and United) is used in the creation of the foundation graphics. NCAA Legacy is a custom font designed by Joe Bosack & Co. exclusively for NCAA Championships. No alternative fonts are allowed. See page 13 for details.
• The approved color palette and gradation guidelines must be consistently applied and not altered in any way. Any requests for a secondary color palette must be approved by the NCAA Championships and Alliances, Branding and Fan Experience team.
• Final photography choices are at the discretion of the signage and décor designers and producers, but specific guidelines for preliminary rounds and championship rounds must be followed. See page 18 for details.
• The NCAA foundation graphics guidelines consider various orientations, sizes and proportions in their application. See pages 23 to 30 for details.
• Photography used within the foundational look should be current, and treated as monotones using Pantone 300c. For preliminary rounds, the preferred photography should consist of “hands-on” trophy images void of player likeness and sport/divisional identifiers*, as shown below, left. For championship rounds, the preferred photography should consist of images from the previous year’s championship rounds, as seen below, right.
• To achieve the monotone look of the images shown on page 20, first start with a full-color image (fig 4.). Convert the image to grayscale (fig 5.) in Photoshop: Image> Mode> Grayscale. Convert the grayscale image to a monotone (fig 6.) in Photoshop: Image> Mode> 0uotone. In the Type drop-down menu, select Monotone and set the ink color to Pantone 300c.
• Transparency should be set to 25 to 45 percent, dependent upon the density of the image See pages 18 to 19 for photo details

Color Palette

• The NCAA brand blue (PMS 300c) and NCAA Legacy blue (PMS 295C) colors.
• The NCAA brand blue (PMS 300C) and NCAA Legacy blue (PMS 295C) colors
• The approved color palette and gradation guidelines must be consistently applied and not altered in any way. Any requests for a secondary color palette must be approved by the NCAA Championships and Alliances, Branding and Fan Experience team.
• PANTONE 300c R: 0 G: 94 B: 184 C: 99 M: 50 Y: 0 K: 0 Madeira 1177
• PANTONE 295c R: 0 G: 40 B: 85 C: 100 M: 69 Y: 8 K: 54 Madeira 1376
• PANTONE 428c R: 193 G: 198 B: 200 C: 10 M: 4 Y: 4 K: 14 Madeira 1811
• For grayscale marks: Black 100%, Black 60%, Black 35%
• All logos in the system may be used in full-color, grayscale or one-color. One-color variations may only appear in black or Pantone 3OOc.
• Included in the championships foundational look is a gradient effect. In vertical and horizontal applications, the gradient should fade from 100 percent Pantone 295 to zero percent Pantone 295 (fig 1. and fig 2.). In the lower gradient wedge [fig 3.), the gradient should fade from zero percent Pantone 295 to 35 percent Pantone 295.
• In vertical application, the upper gradient should be set to 90 degrees (fig 1.); in horizontal applications the upper gradient should be set to 120 degrees (fig 2.); and in both instances, the lower gradient wedge should be set to -120 degrees [fig 3.).
• Photography used within the foundational look should be current, and treated as monotones using Pantone 300c.
• To achieve the monotone look of the images shown on page 20, first start with a full-color image (fig 4.). Convert the image to grayscale (fig 5.) in Photoshop: Image> Mode> Grayscale. Convert the grayscale image to a monotone (fig 6.) in Photoshop: Image> Mode> 0uotone. In the Type drop-down menu, select Monotone and set the ink color to Pantone 300c.
• In both preliminary and championship rounds, the accent color is Pantone 428c.
• In signage and decor, the background layer is Pantone 300c.

Typography

• Only NCAA-approved typography (NCAA Legacy and United) is used in the creation of the foundation graphics. NCAA Legacy is a custom font designed by Joe Bosack & Co. exclusively for NCAA Championships. No alternative fonts are allowed. See page 13 for details.
• NCAA Legacy is a custom font designed by Joe Bosack & Co. exclusively for NCAA Championships. It is available via NCAA’s Digital Library located at NCAAlogos.com. New users will be required to create a login and password, and submit a request for access to the NCAA digital librarian. Once the digital librarian has granted access, font files may be downloaded and used.
• Developed by House Industries, United Italic is both bold and recognizable. United is well suited for all types of NCAA signage and marketing applications.
• To use the United fonts shown here, you must purchase a license from the copyright holder. To purchase this typeface, visit houseind.com/fonts/unitedcollection.
• The NCAA Legacy font should be used for headline or top-line communications. The United font should be used for subhead applications or for additional communications.
• NCAA Legacy ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1234567890
• United Italic Semi Condensed Black ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ 1234567890
• United Italic Semi Condensed Medium ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ 1234567890
• Do not alter the typography.

Logo Usage

• No logos or elements of any logo are to be altered or rearranged in any way.
• The primary graphic component should always remain a championship banner shape or a visual reference to the same as shown in this style guide. See page 16 for details.
• Only NCAA-approved typography (NCAA Legacy and United) is used in the creation of the foundation graphics. NCAA Legacy is a custom font designed by Joe Bosack & Co. exclusively for NCAA Championships. No alternative fonts are allowed. See page 13 for details.
• The approved color palette and gradation guidelines must be consistently applied and not altered in any way. Any requests for a secondary color palette must be approved by the NCAA Championships and Alliances, Branding and Fan Experience team.
• Variations of the NCAA Championships logos are not permitted [examples of incorrect uses are shown here). These variations in the design will compromise the integrity and unifying function of the NCAA identity. Elements and parts of the logo should never be separated.
• Do not use regular-season icons in championship logo builds.
• Do not use icons independent of the banner containing shape.
• Do not modify placement of the icon.
• Do not alter the logo’s colors.
• Do not alter the typography.
• Do not place the logo over distracting backgrounds.
• Do not distort the logo in any way.
• Do not rotate the logo.
• All logos in the system may be used in full-color, grayscale or one-color. One-color variations may only appear in black or Pantone 3OOc.
• The NCAA Championships Logo System is made up of three visually connected sections: regular-season logos, championship logos and foundation graphics.
• The regular-season sport icons are contained within a horizontal/left-to-right banner shape. The banner should never appear vertically in regular-season rounds. The vertical orientation is reserved solely for championship rounds only. All regular-season icons are available as full-color, grayscale and one-color files.
• The Championship sport icons are contained within a vertical/top-to-bottom banner shape. The banner should never appear horizontally in championship rounds. The horizontal orientation is reserved solely for regular-season only. All championship icons are available as full-color, grayscale and one-color files.
• In vertical applications, the overall width of the piece determines the placement of the accent lines within the banner layer. The distance between the top of the piece and the accent line, and the bottom of the banner and the accent line, should be equal to 8 percent of the overall width. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 2 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In vertical applications, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 8 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In vertical applications, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to 15 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In horizontal applications, the overall height of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 8 percent of the overall height. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 2 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In horizontal applications, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 8 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In horizontal applications, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to LIO percent of the overall height of the piece.
• Applications are considered traditional when their proportions are less than one to two horizontal or two to one vertical. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the overall height of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 6 percent of the overall height. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 1.5 percent of the overall height of the piece. In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the overall width of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 6 percent of the overall width. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 1.5 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 6 percent of the overall width of the piece. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 6 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to 30 percent of the overall width of the piece. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the gradient wedge should be equal to 35 percent of the overall height of the piece.

Visual Style

• No logos or elements of any logo are to be altered or rearranged in any way.
• The primary graphic component should always remain a championship banner shape or a visual reference to the same as shown in this style guide. See page 16 for details.
• Only NCAA-approved typography (NCAA Legacy and United) is used in the creation of the foundation graphics. NCAA Legacy is a custom font designed by Joe Bosack & Co. exclusively for NCAA Championships. No alternative fonts are allowed. See page 13 for details.
• The approved color palette and gradation guidelines must be consistently applied and not altered in any way. Any requests for a secondary color palette must be approved by the NCAA Championships and Alliances, Branding and Fan Experience team.
• All regular-season word marks are available as full-color, full-color on dark backgrounds, and one-color.
• The regular-season sport icons are contained within a horizontal/left-to-right banner shape. The banner should never appear vertically in regular-season rounds. The vertical orientation is reserved solely for championship rounds only. All regular-season icons are available as full-color, grayscale and one-color files.
• All regular-season vertical marks are available as full-color, full-color on dark backgrounds, grayscale and one-color.
• All regular-season horizontal marks are available as full-color, full-color on dark backgrounds, grayscale and one-color.
• The Championship sport icons are contained within a vertical/top-to-bottom banner shape. The banner should never appear horizontally in championship rounds. The horizontal orientation is reserved solely for regular-season only. All championship icons are available as full-color, grayscale and one-color files.
• PANTONE 300c: R: 0 G: 94 B: 184, C: 99 M: 50 Y: 0 K: 0, Madeira 1177; PANTONE 295c: R: 0 G: 40 B: 85, C: 100 M: 69 Y: 8 K: 54, Madeira 1376; PANTONE 428c: R: 193 G: 198 B: 200, C: 10 M: 4 Y: 4 K: 14, Madeira 1811.
• For grayscale marks: Black 100%, Black 60%, Black 35%.
• Variations of the NCAA Championships logos are not permitted [examples of incorrect uses are shown here). These variations in the design will compromise the integrity and unifying function of the NCAA identity. Elements and parts of the logo should never be separated.
• Do not use regular-season icons in championship logo builds.
• Do not use icons independent of the banner containing shape.
• Do not modify placement of the icon.
• Do not alter the logo’s colors.
• Do not alter the typography.
• Do not place the logo over distracting backgrounds.
• Do not distort the logo in any way.
• Do not rotate the logo.
• NCAA Legacy is a custom font designed by Joe Bosack & Co. exclusively for NCAA Championships. It is available via NCAA’s Digital Library located at NCAAlogos.com. New users will be required to create a login and password, and submit a request for access to the NCAA digital librarian. Once the digital librarian has granted access, font files may be downloaded and used.
• Developed by House Industries, United Italic is both bold and recognizable. United is well suited for all types of NCAA signage and marketing applications.
• To use the United fonts shown here, you must purchase a license from the copyright holder. To purchase this typeface, visit houseind.com/fonts/unitedcollection.
• The NCAA Legacy font should be used for headline or top-line communications. The United font should be used for subhead applications or for additional communications.
• All logos in the system may be used in full-color, grayscale or one-color. One-color variations may only appear in black or Pantone 3OOc.
• The primary graphic component of the championships identity foundational look is the vertical banner shape. This shape is reminiscent of championship banners that hang in arenas and athletics facilities at NCAA member schools.
• Included in the championships foundational look is a gradient effect. In vertical and horizontal applications, the gradient should fade from 100 percent Pantone 295 to zero percent Pantone 295 (fig 1. and fig 2.). In the lower gradient wedge [fig 3.), the gradient should fade from zero percent Pantone 295 to 35 percent Pantone 295.
• In vertical application, the upper gradient should be set to 90 degrees (fig 1.); in horizontal applications the upper gradient should be set to 120 degrees (fig 2.); and in both instances, the lower gradient wedge should be set to -120 degrees [fig 3.).
• Photography used within the foundational look should be current, and treated as monotones using Pantone 300c. For preliminary rounds, the preferred photography should consist of “hands-on” trophy images void of player likeness and sport/divisional identifiers*, as shown below, left. For championship rounds, the preferred photography should consist of images from the previous year’s championship rounds, as seen below, right.
• To achieve the monotone look of the images shown on page 20, first start with a full-color image (fig 4.). Convert the image to grayscale (fig 5.) in Photoshop: Image> Mode> Grayscale. Convert the grayscale image to a monotone (fig 6.) in Photoshop: Image> Mode> 0uotone. In the Type drop-down menu, select Monotone and set the ink color to Pantone 300c.
• Applications are considered vertical when the overall proportions of the piece are greater than two to one. In vertical applications, the overall width of the piece determines the placement of the accent lines within the banner layer. The distance between the top of the piece and the accent line, and the bottom of the banner and the accent line, should be equal to 8 percent of the overall width. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 2 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In vertical applications, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 8 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In vertical applications, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to 15 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• Applications are considered horizontal when the overall proportions of the piece are greater than one to two. In horizontal applications, the overall height of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 8 percent of the overall height. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 2 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In horizontal applications, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 8 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In horizontal applications, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to LIO percent of the overall height of the piece.
• Applications are considered traditional when their proportions are less than one to two horizontal or two to one vertical. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the overall height of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 6 percent of the overall height. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 1.5 percent of the overall height of the piece. In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the overall width of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 6 percent of the overall width. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 1.5 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 6 percent of the overall width of the piece. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 6 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to 30 percent of the overall width of the piece. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the gradient wedge should be equal to 35 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• Dependent upon the specific requirements of the piece, the banner layer can be expanded or contracted vertically in vertical applications (Fig 7.) and horizontally in horizontal applications [Fig 8.).
• The style of the 2016-17 NCAA Championships signage and decor was designed as six distinct layers. These layers and overall design provide a range of flexibility and customization within a “design family.” The 2016-17 NCAA Championships look consists of these six layers: 1. Banner Layer 2. Copy Layer 3. Gradient Layer Mirrors the shape of the banner See page 17 for gradient details LI. Photo Layer Transparency should be set to 25 to 45 percent, dependent upon the density of the image See pages 18 to 19 for photo details 5. Background Layer [Pantone 300c) 6. Gradient Wedge
• In horizontal applications, the 2016-17 NCAA Championships look consists of these five layers: 1. Banner Layer 2. Copy Layer 3. Gradient Layer Mirrors the shape of the banner See page 17 for gradient details 4. Background Layer [Pantone 300c] 5. Gradient Wedge
• In both preliminary and championship rounds, the accent color is Pantone 428c.
• In vertical applications, support copy should center on the piece.
• Shapes are adjustable dependent on the application and specific need.
• In horizontal applications, support copy should right justify on the piece.
• In traditional applications, support copy should center on the piece.

Iconography

• The regular-season sport icons are contained within a horizontal/left-to-right banner shape. The banner should never appear vertically in regular-season rounds. The vertical orientation is reserved solely for championship rounds only. All regular-season icons are available as full-color, grayscale and one-color files.
• These icons are to be used for all branding, marketing and communications pertaining to the overall sport.
• All regular-season vertical marks are available as full-color, full-color on dark backgrounds, grayscale and one-color.
• The Championship sport icons are contained within a vertical/top-to-bottom banner shape. The banner should never appear horizontally in championship rounds. The horizontal orientation is reserved solely for regular-season only. All championship icons are available as full-color, grayscale and one-color files.

Layout And Composition

• No logos or elements of any logo are to be altered or rearranged in any way.
• The primary graphic component should always remain a championship banner shape or a visual reference to the same as shown in this style guide. See page 16 for details.
• Only NCAA-approved typography (NCAA Legacy and United) is used in the creation of the foundation graphics. NCAA Legacy is a custom font designed by Joe Bosack & Co. exclusively for NCAA Championships. No alternative fonts are allowed. See page 13 for details.
• The approved color palette and gradation guidelines must be consistently applied and not altered in any way. Any requests for a secondary color palette must be approved by the NCAA Championships and Alliances, Branding and Fan Experience team.
• The NCAA foundation graphics guidelines consider various orientations, sizes and proportions in their application. See pages 23 to 30 for details.
• Variations of the NCAA Championships logos are not permitted [examples of incorrect uses are shown here). These variations in the design will compromise the integrity and unifying function of the NCAA identity. Elements and parts of the logo should never be separated.
• Do not use regular-season icons in championship logo builds.
• Do not use icons independent of the banner containing shape.
• Do not modify placement of the icon.
• Do not alter the logo’s colors.
• Do not alter the typography.
• Do not place the logo over distracting backgrounds.
• Do not distort the logo in any way.
• Do not rotate the logo.
• Applications are considered vertical when the overall proportions of the piece are greater than two to one. In vertical applications, the overall width of the piece determines the placement of the accent lines within the banner layer. The distance between the top of the piece and the accent line, and the bottom of the banner and the accent line, should be equal to 8 percent of the overall width. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 2 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In vertical applications, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 8 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In vertical applications, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to 15 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• Applications are considered horizontal when the overall proportions of the piece are greater than one to two. In horizontal applications, the overall height of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 8 percent of the overall height. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 2 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In horizontal applications, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 8 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In horizontal applications, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to LIO percent of the overall height of the piece.
• Applications are considered traditional when their proportions are less than one to two horizontal or two to one vertical. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the overall height of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 6 percent of the overall height. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 1.5 percent of the overall height of the piece. In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the overall width of the piece determines the placement of the accent line within the banner layer. The distance between the bottom of the banner and the accent line should be equal to 6 percent of the overall width. The thickness of the accent lines should be equal to 1.5 percent of the overall width of the piece.
• In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 6 percent of the overall width of the piece. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the gradient layer should extend beyond the bottom of the banner layer by a distance equal to 6 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• In traditional applications that are taller than they are wide, the height of the right side of the gradient wedge should be equal to 30 percent of the overall width of the piece. In traditional applications that are wider than they are tall, the gradient wedge should be equal to 35 percent of the overall height of the piece.
• Dependent upon the specific requirements of the piece, the banner layer can be expanded or contracted vertically in vertical applications (Fig 7.) and horizontally in horizontal applications [Fig 8.).
• The style of the 2016-17 NCAA Championships signage and decor was designed as six distinct layers. These layers and overall design provide a range of flexibility and customization within a “design family.” The 2016-17 NCAA Championships look consists of these six layers: 1. Banner Layer 2. Copy Layer 3. Gradient Layer Mirrors the shape of the banner See page 17 for gradient details LI. Photo Layer Transparency should be set to 25 to 45 percent, dependent upon the density of the image See pages 18 to 19 for photo details 5. Background Layer [Pantone 300c) 6. Gradient Wedge
• In both preliminary and championship rounds, the accent color is Pantone 428c.
• In vertical applications, support copy should center on the piece.
• Shapes are adjustable dependent on the application and specific need.
• In horizontal applications, support copy should right justify on the piece.
• In traditional applications, support copy should center on the piece.

Signage And Decor Guidelines

• The NCAA Championships foundation graphics establish a memorable, energetic, consistent and supportive visual presentation of the NCAA Championships logos when presented in signage and décor applications. The foundation graphics are created by following specific guidelines for the use of graphic elements in designing and producing NCAA Championships signage and décor. These guidelines are detailed on the following pages of this style guide.
• The foundation graphics are created by following specific guidelines for the use of graphic elements designing and producing NCAA Championships signage and décor. Through the application of these guidelines, it is critical to the overall NCAA brand presentation and the NCAA Championships presentation that: • No logos or elements of any logo are to be altered or rearranged in any way. • The primary graphic component should always remain a championship banner shape or a visual reference to the same as shown in this style guide. See page 16 for details. • Only NCAA-approved typography (NCAA Legacy and United) is used in the creation of the foundation graphics. NCAA Legacy is a custom font designed by Joe Bosack & Co. exclusively for NCAA Championships. No alternative fonts are allowed. See page 13 for details. • The approved color palette and gradation guidelines must be consistently applied and not altered in any way. Any requests for a secondary color palette must be approved by the NCAA Championships and Alliances, Branding and Fan Experience team.
• Final photography choices are at the discretion of the signage and décor designers and producers, but specific guidelines for preliminary rounds and championship rounds must be followed. See page 18 for details.
• The NCAA foundation graphics guidelines consider various orientations, sizes and proportions in their application. See pages 23 to 30 for details.
• The style guide is a key component of the NCAA championship brand management strategy. Every effort should be made to adhere to the guidelines included herein. Through the consistent use of NCAA logos in all graphic applications, the NCAA will continue to build its brand equity.
• While every effort has been made to provide a comprehensive and accurate summary of the NCAA Championships Logo System style, the information in this guide is not intended to supersede, override or affect the interpretation of any of the rights and obligations of the NCAA. Please note that final designs of all applications must be reviewed and approved by NCAA staff before production. In the event this guide requires clarification, the NCAA will provide such interpretation at its sole discretion.
• SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE - Vertical Applications The style of the 2016-17 NCAA Championships signage and decor was designed as six distinct layers. These layers and overall design provide a range of flexibility and customization within a “design family.”
• The 2016-17 NCAA Championships look consists of these six layers: 1. Banner Layer 2. Copy Layer 3. Gradient Layer Mirrors the shape of the banner See page 17 for gradient details 4. Photo Layer Transparency should be set to 25 to 45 percent, dependent upon the density of the image See pages 18 to 19 for photo details 5. Background Layer [Pantone 300c) 6. Gradient Wedge
• SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE -Horizontal Applications The style of the 2016-17 NCAA Championships signage and decor was designed as five distinct layers. These layers and overall design provide a range of flexibility and customization within a “design family.”
• In horizontal applications, the 2016-17 NCAA Championships look consists of these five layers: 1. Banner Layer 2. Copy Layer 3. Gradient Layer Mirrors the shape of the banner See page 17 for gradient details 4. Background Layer [Pantone 300c] 5. Gradient Wedge
• SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE -Traditional Applications The style of the 2016-17 NCAA Championships signage and decor was designed as six distinct layers. These layers and overall design provide a range of flexibility and customization within a “design family.”
• In both preliminary and championship rounds, the accent color is Pantone 428c.
• In vertical applications, support copy should center on the piece.
• Shapes are adjustable dependent on the application and specific need.
• In horizontal applications, support copy should right justify on the piece.
• In traditional applications, support copy should center on the piece.

Trademark And Legal Guidelines

• All uses of NCAA trademarks or logos must be submitted to the NCAA for approval. The most current list of NCAA licensed or owned trademarks is available online at NCAA.org.
• NCAA logos are available for download in print and digital formats through the NCAA Digital Library. To gain access to the library, visit NCAAlogos.com.
• All product designs must be submitted through the NCAA’s licensing program administered by the Collegiate Licensing Company. Inquiries should be directed to David Clendenin, assistant director of corporate licensing, by emailing dclendenin@ncaa.org.
• When working with the NCAA’s marks, use the ® and ™ mark with the first and most prominent use of the marks or symbols.
• The location of the trademark and how it is used is the primary factor in determining if a trademark symbol should be included in text. If the protected logo location is prominent and the primary focus on the page, an ® or ™ in the text is not necessary.
• However, if the logo location is placed lower on the page or is secondary to the message being delivered, an ® or ™ in the text or header (first use only) should be inserted.
• Official trademarked names cannot be changed or abbreviated unless specifically indicated or trademarked. Examples include “Final 4” and “F4.”
• There may be no registration of or use of NCAA marks within Internet domain names unless advance approval from the NCAA is secured and ownership of the URL is maintained by the NCAA. Such use of NCAA marks in Internet directories is prohibited; however, members may use an NCAA mark within a member URL, provided such NCAA mark does not appear in the domain name portion of the URL. For example, members may use the following URL: www.memberx.edu/ncaa.
• The trademark protection language doesn’t have to be prominently displayed and should be included in the form of mouseprint. For any print or digital piece that contains the blue disk, use the following language: NCAA is a trademark of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
• NCAA trademarks benefit from consistent source identification to the public through basic legal language attributing ownership. The legal statement should be used on printed materials of all types for all NCAA trademarks, except where there is agreement by key staff stakeholders that aesthetic or space limitations prevent legal language. The legal statement is not required when the NCAA blue disk logo or the word “NCAA” is used alone and as part of NCAA-produced materials without any of the conditions below: 1. Printed items that display logos of other business entities/organizations (i.e., Corporate Champions/Corporate Partners, network partners, official suppliers, official licensees, local organizing committees and NCAA members). 2. Printed items that are produced to be used by other business entities/organizations, including NCAA members and host institutions. 3. Printed items produced for advertisement/promotional purposes (i.e., magazine and newspaper ads, NCAA souvenir publication ads, posters, newsletters).
• For the blue disk logo and/or secondary (word) mark, please use: NCAA is a trademark of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
• For blue disk/secondary marks used with another NCAA trademark, please use (for example): NCAA and NCAA Championships are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
• For blue disk/secondary marks and another NCAA trademark used with other authorized business entities, please use (for example): NCAA, And Then There Were Four and NCAA Championships are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. All other licenses or trademarks are property of their respective holders.
• For the purposes of providing information about and promoting the location of an NCAA championship, the venue/competition site of any round of NCAA Championships® can be printed, in text only, on all pertinent materials bearing NCAA marks (subject to NCAA approval of the graphics). All uses of NCAA logos must be submitted to the NCAA staff for approval.
• The logo of a commercially named venue cannot be used on any materials bearing NCAA logos or trademarks.
• The venue’s name and information (without use of logos) will also be included on the dedicated website that the NCAA will provide to sell tickets.
• For the purposes of providing information about and promoting the sale of NCAA tickets, the venue/competition site of any round of NCAA Championships is permitted to display (subject to NCAA approval of the graphics) the championship site-specific logo as recognition of the event being held in its facility. The NCAA logo must be in the form of a link to a dedicated web page that will be established and/or assigned by the NCAA championship administrator to sell the NCAA tickets. All uses of NCAA logos must be submitted to the NCAA staff for approval.
• The NCAA championship site-specific logo can be used by the venue to communicate the NCAA event as one of the variety of upcoming events at the facility. The NCAA logo must be used only once and only as a part of a group of other logos of events being held at the venue.
• The one-time logo use is limited to the site’s home web page or event-specific web page.
• The NCAA logo must be placed in a location on the venue’s web page so that there is clear and defined separation between the NCAA logo and any other commercial logos (including that of the commercially named venue). This is because NCAA Corporate Champions/ Corporate Partners and Turner Broadcasting/CBS have graphic exclusivity in the use of NCAA logos and marks.
• Logos of the venue’s or the website’s advertisers/sponsors may not be used on the home/event web page.
• The venue is not permitted to claim to be “the home,” a host or co-host of any session of the NCAA championship.
• The logo provided by the NCAA championship staff cannot be modified in any way.

Additional Properties