Color plays an important role in sports. The colors that sports teams choose for their uniforms and logos are more than just aesthetics – they help teams establish their brand and connect with fans. When it comes to selecting color combinations, teams want combos that complement each other, reflect the spirit of the game, and look great on merchandise. So what are the best color combos in sports?
Traditional Color Combos
Many teams stick with classic color pairings that have become iconic in their sport. These include:
| NFL – Green Bay Packers | Green & Yellow |
| NBA – Los Angeles Lakers | Purple & Gold |
| NHL – Toronto Maple Leafs | Blue & White |
| MLB – New York Yankees | Navy Blue & White |
| Soccer – Brazil National Team | Yellow & Green |
These combos work because the colors complement each other well. Green and yellow are vibrant hues from opposite sides of the color wheel. Purple and gold provide regal contrast. Blue and white are crisp, clean complements. Teams build equity and recognition in these classic pairings over decades. Fans come to expect them as part of the team’s identity.
Contrasting Colors
Some teams opt for bold color contrasts that pop, like:
| NFL – Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Red & Pewter |
| NBA – Chicago Bulls | Red & Black |
| MLB – Baltimore Orioles | Black & Orange |
| NHL – Ottawa Senators | Red & Black |
| Soccer – Liverpool FC | Red & White |
The high contrast makes these colors eye-catching and energetic when paired. They also signify the competitive, intense spirit common in these sports. Fans find them bold and exciting.
Team Color Combos
Some organizations own specific colors as part of their team branding. Loyal fans come to expect and identify with these colors. For example:
| NFL – Pittsburgh Steelers | Black & Gold |
| NBA – Boston Celtics | Green & White |
| MLB – Los Angeles Dodgers | Blue & White |
| NHL – Detroit Red Wings | Red & White |
| Soccer – FC Barcelona | Blue & Garnet |
These colors are ingrained as part of the team’s identity. Fans proudly wear them to show their allegiance. They also evoke a sense of history and tradition.
Colors with Meaning
Some organizations choose colors connected to their geographic area or history, like:
| NFL – Seattle Seahawks | Blue & Green |
| NBA – Miami Heat | Red & Black |
| MLB – Arizona Diamondbacks | Sedona Red & Black |
| NHL – San Jose Sharks | Pacific Teal, Burnt Orange, Black |
| Soccer – AS Roma | Bordeaux Red & Yellow |
The Seahawks colors reflect the green Northwest region and blue Pacific ocean. The Heat’s red evokes Miami’s flashy vibe, contrasting with black for intensity. The Diamondbacks’ Sedona red echoes Arizona’s red rock landscape. These connections make fans feel closer to the team and its home.
Visual Impact
Some sports organizations aim for uniforms that look bold in action. Color combos with visual impact include:
| NFL – Denver Broncos | Orange & Blue |
| NBA – Phoenix Suns | Purple & Orange |
| MLB – Houston Astros | Orange & Navy Blue |
| NHL – Vancouver Canucks | Blue & Green |
| Soccer – Netherlands National Team | Bright Orange |
The Broncos orange uniforms pop against green grass. The Suns’ and Astros’ orange and blue combos create energetic, dynamic visuals. The Canucks’ blue-green palette aligns with Vancouver’s colors. The Netherlands’ bright orange stands out on the pitch. These combos make players visible and give teams distinct looks.
Shared Team Colors
Some franchises coordinate colors across their sports teams to foster a sense of unity, such as:
| Pittsburgh | Black & Gold |
| New York | Blue & Orange |
| Los Angeles | Blue, White & Silver |
| Seattle | Blue, Green & Silver |
| Minnesota | Blue & Gold |
Shared colors link these cities’ MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLS teams. It creates consistency and brand cohesion across franchises. Fans also rally around colors representing their broader metro area.
Conclusion
When selecting uniform colors, sports teams consider complementary hues, contrast, tradition, meaning, visual impact, and consistency. Iconic combos like the Lakers’ purple and gold or the Red Wings’ red and white have enduring popularity. Other organizations opt for bolder modern palettes that pop. Shared local colors foster civic pride. Regardless of the approach, color selections aim to resonate with fans, look great in action, and build team identity. With so many factors at play, determining the “best” combos comes down to executing colors that authentically represent the organization and its followers.