Saturday, October 24, 2026

NBA Finals Logos Added (Digitally) to Court After Backlash

After there was a lot of backlash for the lack of pageantry during the NBA Finals, logos for the Finals and the Larry O’Brien Trophy were digitally imposed on the court in Game 2.

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The NBA heard the complaints loud and clear.

After Front Office Sports and several other outlets and personalities lamented the lack of pageantry in the NBA Finals, including a court that did not include painted logos for the Finals or the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, the long-missing logos have alternated as being digitally imposed on the floor in Game 2. 

Previously, the NBA had decals for the Finals and the Larry O’Brien Trophy on the court, but it removed them more than a decade ago, citing player safety. While there was about a week to get prepared this year, it’s often the case that there’s too short a turnaround for paint to dry on the court before the Finals begin. 

At an NBA Cares charity event in Oklahoma City this week, league commissioner Adam Silver admitted that he missed the trophy being on the court in the Finals. 

“Maybe there’s a way around it,” Silver said, as covered by The Athletic. “To be honest, I hadn’t thought all that much about it until I [saw] it [on social media]. I’m nostalgic, as well, for certain things. And also, I think for a media-driven culture, whether it’s people watching live or seeing those images on social media, it’s nice when you’re looking back on highlights and they stand out because you see that trophy logo or some other indication that it’s a special event. So, we’ll look at it.”

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 12, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to an intercept by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Oxford Bulking Up Police Presence for Lane Kiffin’s Return

Ole Miss coach Pete Golden asked fans to be rowdy but respectful.

Robert Kraft Confirms He Blocked Macklemore From Gillette Shows

The rapper’s performances in New Jersey featured pro-Palestinian messaging.

Stephen A. Smith: McAfee Has a ‘Different Set of Rules’ at ESPN

Smith signed a nine-figure contract with ESPN last year.
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., July 7, 2026.

Clippers Controversy Hangs Over NBA Board of Governors Meeting

Adam Silver is expected to hold a press conference Tuesday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/23/26 – JJ Watt Takes CBS Chair, FIFA Rights Shake-Up, Small-Market World Series

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”

NFL Kickoff Ratings Dip on Wednesday

Viewership surprisingly fell for the NFL’s season opener.
September 14, 2026

NFL Gets Explosive Sunday of Scoring After Sluggish Start

Teams put up 791 points, tying the high mark from 2012.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 12, 2026 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka enters the court ahead of her final match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Geoff Burke
September 14, 2026

Top Tennis Players Pause Public Battle With Grand Slams

It’s not clear which players will be part of the new council.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
September 13, 2026

Zverev Beats Shelton as American Men’s Grand Slam Drought Continues

Zverev won the US Open for his second Grand Slam of 2026.
September 13, 2026

Brewers, Rays Make Playoffs, Complicating MLB Labor Fight

The Brewers and Rays both have below-average payrolls.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 9, 2026 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz fells during his quarter-final match against Ben Shelton of the U.S. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
September 12, 2026

No Quick Fixes Coming for US Open’s Late Nights

While Wimbledon has a curfew, the other three majors don’t want one.
The Herd
Exclusive
September 12, 2026

Colin Cowherd Buys Stake in EPL’s Ipswich

Other Ipswich investors include Marques Colston and Ed Sheeran.