NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that the league may consider bringing back the iconic “The Finals” logo to the courts, following significant fan and media discussion about its absence during this year’s NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The traditional logo, which used to be prominently displayed on the court during Finals games, has not been in use for over a decade. Silver acknowledged the nostalgia and importance of the logo during a charity event, stating, “Maybe there’s a way around it. 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.”
The decision to remove the logo in 2014 was primarily due to concerns over player safety, as the decals were perceived to make the court slippery. Despite its absence, the logo has made occasional appearances, such as on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ court in 2017 and in the COVID-19 bubble court of the 2020 NBA Finals.
The league has gradually reduced other forms of pageantry in the Finals, such as moving Finals patches from the front to the back of player jerseys and eliminating player introductions and the national anthem from broadcasts. However, the demand for the return of the “The Finals” logo suggests a potential shift in the league’s approach to enhancing the ambiance of the NBA Finals. Silver also addressed the contrast between the Finals and the newer in-season NBA Cup tournament, which features custom-painted courts and a prominent trophy at center court. He explained that the Cup’s design allowed for more advanced planning and customization, unlike the Finals, where changes were perceived to potentially affect player safety and superstitions.
With the clear demand for the logo’s return, the NBA is now considering reintroducing it to enhance the special atmosphere of the Finals. Game 2 of the 2025 Finals is scheduled for Sunday in Oklahoma City.