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.
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.
“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.
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.
Read more: Golden State Warriors’ Co-Owner to Start Fantasy Sports-Style NFT Game
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Rosie Perper
Rosie Perper is the Senior Editor for CoinDesk Learn, focusing on crypto explainers across blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs and DAOs. She has previously worked across breaking news, global finance, tech and culture, and holds a small amount of BTC and ETH.
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Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.
The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.
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