As the Indiana Pacers go head-to-head with the Oklahoma City Thunder, fans have notably missed seeing the classic NBA Finals logo on the court this season more than usual. Historically, NBA Finals games showcased a prominent “Finals” script logo on the court, but this design was discontinued about a decade ago. Following discussions on social media about the distinct feeling of this year’s Finals, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the topic and hinted at a possible resolution.
Silver mentioned at an NBA Cares charity event that finding a way to bring back such elements might be possible. He admitted he hadn’t paid much attention to the social media buzz before but recognized the significance of the logo as it stands out in highlight reels and broadcasts.
The official Finals logo was removed from courts starting in 2014 due to concerns about player safety, specifically the slipperiness caused by the decals. Though the full logo ceased regular use, smaller versions appeared sporadically, such as on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ court in 2017 and during the 2020 Finals held in the COVID-19 bubble.
Over the years, the NBA has scaled back other traditional pageantry aspects. For example, the Finals patch moved from the front to the back of player jerseys, and broadcasts no longer include player introductions or national anthems. The Finals logo still exists but only in a small format on the padding beneath the basket. Besides some extra advertisements and score graphics, the presentation resembles a regular season game.
Many fans are also observing the league’s clear initiative to promote the new NBA Cup tournament with its uniquely painted courts and major trophies at center courts, giving these games a distinctive identity. Silver explained the planning benefits of the Cup, noting it allows for a specially designed neutral court for its championship, which teams customize. He reiterated that one major reason for removing the Finals logo was its slipperiness and the changes courts underwent for finals games.
The decision now lies with NBA court officials, as there is evident fan desire for the logo’s return. Meanwhile, Game 2 of the 2025 Finals is set for Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Fan Take: Bringing back the iconic Finals logo could rekindle the unique atmosphere and tradition that make the NBA Finals feel special compared to regular season games. For basketball fans, this move would celebrate the sport’s history while enhancing the visual and emotional experience of the league’s most important series.
