When the Super Bowl LX (60) logo was unveiled in early 2025, it instantly caught attention — and not just for its bright colors and modern composition. The design for the 2026 Super Bowl, to be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, sparked two major controversies that divided fans, designers, and even local residents.
The Two Biggest Controversies Behind the Super Bowl LX Logo
Let’s break down what’s behind the debate over this year’s most talked-about NFL logo.
1. The Color Theory — “Does the Logo Predict the Super Bowl Teams?”
2. The Geography Debate — “That’s Not Santa Clara!”
1. The Color Theory — “Does the Logo Predict the Super Bowl Teams?”
NFL fans love patterns, and one of the internet’s favorite conspiracy theories is that Super Bowl logos secretly reveal which teams will make it to the big game — all through their color schemes.
The idea gained traction after several uncanny coincidences:
- The Super Bowl LVII logo featured red and green tones, and the matchup ended up being Kansas City Chiefs (red) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (green).
- Other years followed similar color patterns, fueling the notion that the logo somehow “leaks” the finalists months in advance.
The Super Bowl LX logo added more fuel to that fire. Instead of sticking to one or two dominant colors, it features a full CMYK-style palette — purple, blue, green, orange, and gold — a rainbow of hues that some fans say was deliberately designed to throw theorists off.
According to ESPN and Wikipedia, the NFL intentionally adopted a multi-color approach to “dissuade conspiracy theories” about color prediction. Still, fans online keep making guesses: some point to purple (Baltimore Ravens) and blue (Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions) as possible clues.
Realistically, it’s all coincidence. But as social media speculation continues, the so-called “color theory” remains one of the most viral talking points about any Super Bowl logo in recent memory.
2. The Geography Debate — “That’s Not Santa Clara!”
The second controversy is less mystical — and more geographical.
The Super Bowl LX logo proudly displays the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s skyline, and coastal sequoias — all stunning icons of Northern California. The problem? The game won’t be played in San Francisco. It’ll be held in Santa Clara, roughly 45 miles (70 km) south, in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Local fans immediately called it out online:
“Why is the Golden Gate Bridge on the logo when the Super Bowl isn’t even near San Francisco?”
It’s a fair point. But from a branding standpoint, the NFL considers the “Bay Area” — including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Santa Clara — as a single regional identity.
Using world-famous landmarks like the Golden Gate helps the event connect with global audiences who instantly recognize the symbol. Designers often lean on that kind of visual shorthand to communicate location and prestige, even if it sacrifices a bit of geographical precision.
Still, critics argue that this approach undermines local authenticity, treating San Francisco as a “marketing backdrop” rather than reflecting Santa Clara’s actual character.
Design Takeaway — A Beautiful but Controversial Logo
Love it or hate it, the Super Bowl LX logo has accomplished what every great piece of sports branding aims for: it started a conversation.
Between the color-prediction memes and the Bay Area geography debate, this logo highlights how NFL design is never just about aesthetics — it’s about identity, fan culture, and storytelling.
For most viewers, the colorful, city-inspired mark celebrates the diversity and energy of California. For others, it’s another example of corporate branding glossing over local details.
Either way, the Super Bowl LX logo has already secured its place as one of the most talked-about visual identities in recent NFL history.
Watch: The Real Story Behind the Super Bowl LX Logo Controversy:
Fun Fact
Levi’s Stadium, host of Super Bowl LX, also held Super Bowl 50 back in 2016 — another logo that stirred design debate, with its bold gold “50” referencing California’s nickname, the Golden State.