NBA, failing to escape notice, your poor-quality digital logos stand out prominently.
The NBA Finals kicked off last week without the familiar sight of the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy or a finals script on the court. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, yearning for the warmth and grandeur that comes with the Finals.
In an attempt to placate the clamoring fans, the NBA opted for a creative solution: digitally slapping a pixelated Finals logo onto the court for the at-home viewing audience. However, the low-resolution logo was swiftly lambasted by fans, serving as a glaring reminder of just how crucial sports logos are for supporters.
One tweet read: "NBA Finals should be special. You could at least put the logo back on the court," while another commented, "Adam Silver and ESPN putting a 480p ClipArt Finals logo on the court - what an embarrassment, the league used to have an aura."
As fans mercilessly roasted the pixels, the Game 2 broadcast hit screens with two blurry Larry O'Brien trophies superimposed onto the court. The response was a mixed bag - while appreciation was given for the effort, the execution was so abysmal it couldn't be ignored. "This is so budget," one fan declared, another added, "What a joke, the league used to have style."
Quick to respond to the backlash, the fumble-fingered Larry O'Brien trophies were replaced by a less visually jarring alternative. Although not quite the resplendent Finals branding fans were accustomed to, the change was welcomed by most.
According to a Sports Illustrated report, league commissioner Adam Silver attributed the logo redaction to safety concerns surrounding increased "slipperiness" on the court. While the digital solution was, in theory, clever, the sloppy execution left fans bemused. Despite the questionable quality of the clip art, it's evident that the NBA is listening to fans' pleas, hopefully paving the way for a better solution in future games.
For more NBA news, check out Angel Reese's intricate new Reebok logo or Tyrese Haliburton's stylish new brand identity.
Bonus Insight: Interestingly, the NBA had not used physical court decals since 2009, with safety considerations and a desire for a cleaner playing surface playing significant roles in the decision to eliminate them. The league's response to fan feedback underscores the importance of maintaining tradition while also embracing innovation in the realm of sports presentation.
[1] https://twitter.com/ojonesradioshow/status/1302191568741739524[2] https://www.si.com/nba/2025/06/09/nba-finals-logo-at-home-viewers-slipperiness-adam-silver
- The lack of finals branding, specifically the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy and finals script, was sorely missed on the NBA Finals court.
- Despite the NBA's creation of a low-resolution Finals logo for at-home viewers, fans were quick to criticize its quality, emphasizing the significance of sports logos for supporters.
- The lackluster execution of the digital logos and trophies sparked criticism from fans, with comments like "This is so budget" and "What a joke, the league used to have style."
- The replacement of the questionable digital logos with a less visually jarring alternative was welcome by most fans, suggesting that the NBA is starting to heed fan feedback.
- As traditions are valued and innovation is embraced in sports presentation, it's evident that maintaining a balance between the two is crucial, as seen in the league's response to fan backlash regarding the court logos.
