PORTLAND, Ore.** – The Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) has taken a bold step into the future with the unveiling of its **brand-new logo** and **comprehensive branding guide**. This exciting transformation aims not only to reflect the evolution of the conference but also to connect with its rich history as it prepares to celebrate its **25th anniversary** in the 2025-26 season.
The Evolution of the GNAC Identity
Since its inception in **2001**, the GNAC has proudly represented NCAA Division II athletics across the **Western United States** and **Canada**. For the first time in over two decades, the league’s identity undergoes a stunning refresh. The former logo, which served the conference for **25 years**, will now make way for a refreshed emblem that embodies the conference’s core values and geographic essence.
Introducing the New Logo
The reimagined logo captures the spirit of the GNAC with striking design elements that resonate with its geographical identity. At the heart of the new emblem is a collection of **six pine trees**, symbolically representing the five states and one Canadian province that host the GNAC’s core institutions. Complemented by a rugged **mountain range** and a **meandering river**, the logo beautifully illustrates the breathtaking landscapes that characterize this region.
Importantly, the **primary colors** of blue and green remain intact, honoring the conference’s deep connection to the **Pacific Ocean** and the vast **national parks** and **forests** that define its landscape.
Understanding the GNAC Geography
| School | Location | Year Founded | GNAC Member Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage, Alaska | 1977 | 2001 |
| Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks, Alaska | 1917 | 2001 |
| Central Washington | Ellensburg, Wash. | 1891 | 2001 |
| Montana State Billings | Billings, Mont. | 1927 | 2007 |
| Northwest Nazarene | Nampa, Idaho | 1913 | 2001 |
| Saint Martin’s | Lacey, Wash. | 1895 | 2001 |
| Seattle Pacific | Seattle, Wash. | 1891 | 2001 |
| Simon Fraser | Burnaby, B.C. | 1965 | 2010 |
| Western Oregon | Monmouth, Ore. | 1856 | 2001 |
| Western Washington | Bellingham, Wash. | 1893 | 2001 |
Women’s Rowing Affiliate Members
| School | Location | Year Founded | GNAC Member Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cal Poly Humboldt | Arcata, Calif. | 1913 | 2019 |
| Central Oklahoma | Edmond, Okla. | 1890 | 2019 |
Recognizing the 25th Anniversary
As part of the **celebration of its 25th anniversary**, from **July 1, 2025**, to **June 30, 2026**, institutions will utilize the *’GNAC 25th Anniversary’* version of the logo across all platforms. This special edition logo will serve as a reminder of the league’s commitment to excellence and unity.
The GNAC Brand Guidelines
The newly released **Brand Guidelines** document is essential for maintaining consistency in the usage of the GNAC logo. It offers detailed instructions on how to appropriately utilize the brand assets, including the exact **color palette**, **font specifications**, and **wordmark details**. Compliance with these guidelines is crucial for preserving the integrity of the brand across various platforms.
For inquiries related to the GNAC brand, please reach out to the **GNAC Associate Commissioner for Communications, Evan O’Kelly**, at [email protected].
As the **Great Northwest Athletic Conference** embarks on this exciting new chapter, one thing is clear: it’s not just about sports; it’s about **community**, **identity**, and the **enduring spirit** of competition across the GNAC landscape.
For more details about the new branding, check out the full GNAC Branding Guidelines and the GNAC Logo Brand Sheet.
