The University of Notre Dame Athletics Department has launched its third sport-specific Leprechaun mark, this time for basketball, following the earlier releases for football and hockey earlier this year. This initiative aims to create unique identifications for each varsity sport under the Fighting Irish banner.
The new logo was crafted in-house by Fighting Irish Media, drawing inspiration from current and former student-athletes. The design process involved extensive input from both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, focusing on elements such as photography, basketball fundamentals, and distinctive dribbling styles.
The Leprechaun logo has a storied history, making its debut on the cover of the November 20, 1964, issue of Time magazine, which featured then-first-year head football coach Ara Parseghian. This initial image laid the groundwork for what would become an enduring symbol for Irish athletic fans, commonly seen on apparel, memorabilia, and various merchandise.
Serving as a secondary spirit mark, the Notre Dame Leprechaun epitomizes the determination and fighting spirit of the university’s athletic programs. Its significance has grown since it was first designed in the early 1960s, and it is recognized globally as a representation of Notre Dame athletics.
Looking ahead, the athletics department plans to continue unveiling more team-specific Leprechaun marks during the 2025-26 school year and future seasons. In collaboration with Under Armour, new athletic apparel featuring the Basketball Leprechaun is now available, offering fans a fresh way to showcase their support for Fighting Irish basketball.
