The Sacramento Kings' new alternative court design for the 2017-18 season was released and it looks a tremendous amount like it was inspired by the iconic lion sigil of House Lannister from George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones. According to NBA.com, the "new black court, reflects the design elements of the team’s global marks, including new logos specific to India and China. As part of the franchise’s mission, the team strives to make basketball the premier sport of the 21st century beyond traditional borders." Perhaps these borders include our very own reality and a jump into the fantasy world of Game of Thrones.
But the sigil of House Lannister isn't the only thing the Kings' alternate logo is similar too. It goes much deeper. A twitter user pointed out the resemblance it has to the Chelsea F.C. soccer team's logo while another brought it back further, connecting it to Great Britain's Earl Cadogan.
But then again, lions are pretty popular animals that have been used time and again on banners, flags and logos. Coincidence or a smart marketing move that makes reference to one of the hottest television shows out? You be the judge.
