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A new global platform celebrates the creatives behind sports branding, campaigns, and fan experiences
➡️ Entry Details
By: Angela Redding | angela redding design | April 8, 2026
Graphic Design USA has opened submissions for its first Sports Graphic Design Awards. The annual competition honors standout work across identity, marketing, digital, broadcast, apparel, and environmental design. Entries are open through April 13, 2026. Winners will be announced in May.
Designers Behind Team Identities
Sports design plays a big role in today’s creative work, but the designers behind team identities and campaigns often go unrecognized. GDUSA wants to change that with a special platform.
The timing is important. Streaming now makes up almost half of TV viewing in the U.S., prompting sports brands to reach audiences on more screens and in various formats. Meanwhile, teams and venues are focusing on big visuals, like rebranding and engaging stadium graphics. As automation increases, sports design remains crucial for its need for clear thinking, quick execution, and emotional impact.
“Sports design has to work instantly across every platform,” said Gordon Kaye. “It demands more human insight, not less.”
Who Can Enter
The competition is open worldwide to:
• Agencies
• In-house teams
• Studios
• Independent designers
Work from professional, collegiate, esports, and amateur levels is eligible.
Categories
Six core categories define the awards:
• Team and Event Brand Identity
• Marketing and Promotional Design
• Digital, Streaming, and Broadcast Graphics
• Apparel and Merchandise Graphics
• Environmental and Experiential Graphics
• Digital Products and Fan Experience
How It Is Judged
Projects go through two rounds. Judges score based on:
• Impact
• Creativity
• Originality
Each category selects a winner. Overall honors include Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Meet the Jury
he 2026 jury includes leading names in sports and identity design:
• Sagi Haviv – Partner & Designer, Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv
• Nick Matarese – Founder, The Barn Creative
• Nate Evans – Graphic Designer, Oklahoma City Thunder
• Jaden Roberts-Thomas – Graphic Designer, San Diego Wave Futbol
How to apply
Submit your work before April 13 and secure your place in the first class of honorees.
Submission Window: March 9 Now – April 13, 2026
Enter: gdusa.secure-platform.com/sports_design
Contact: awards@gdusa.com
-ard
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