NBA Plans Return of Larry O'Brien Trophy Logos to Finals Courts After Fan Backlash

The NBA is reinstating the tradition of painting the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy and the Finals script logo on the home team's court for the NBA Finals, starting in 2026. This move responds to fan and media criticism over the lack of identifiable Finals court insignias during recent seasons, notably the 2024 Finals, where the court resembled a regular season game without any special markings. Previously, these logos were applied as decals but were discontinued over player safety concerns due to slipperiness. The league plans to paint the logos directly onto the floor to maintain player traction and safety, addressing past issues. Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the importance of these visuals for enhancing the Finals' prestige and media appeal, emphasizing their role in making the event feel special and memorable. This change aligns with a broader effort by the NBA and broadcast partners to enhance the spectacle and presentation of the Finals, including NBC's relaunch of NBA coverage with enhanced branding and production values.