As the 2025 NBA Finals continue to draw global attention, a surprising off-court topic has emerged as a focal point of discussion: the presentation quality of the broadcast on ABC—specifically, the absence of on-court decals that fans have come to expect during the league’s biggest event.
Traditionally, the NBA Finals have featured either physical decals—such as the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy at center court—or digitally rendered graphics that elevate the visual experience and signify the gravity of the moment. This year, however, viewers noticed a stark difference: no visible Finals-themed branding on the court, either physical or virtual.
Adam Silver Addresses the Controversy
Ahead of Game 3 on Wednesday night, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver directly addressed the criticism during a segment on NBA Countdown. He explained that physical decals were phased out nearly a decade ago due to safety concerns.
“I’ve seen some of the chatter on social media about on-court decals,” Silver said. “People don’t realize, they went away a decade ago. Because there were claims… they were slippery when we had the decals on the court. So we’re back to adding them virtually.”
While Silver’s comments clarify the safety-driven decision behind eliminating physical decals, fans and media personalities alike argue that the real issue isn’t just safety—it’s presentation. Many believe that ABC and the NBA have failed to deliver a Finals atmosphere that feels appropriately distinct and elevated from a standard regular season game.
Fans Want More Than Just Gameplay—They Want the Moment
The lack of on-court branding has sparked a larger debate: is the NBA doing enough to visually differentiate its marquee event from any other nationally televised game? Viewers have taken to social media to express their disappointment, noting that the Finals should feel special—not just in stakes, but in every aspect of the broadcast.
While Silver emphasized the use of virtual graphics, many fans feel they were either too minimal or poorly integrated into the Game 1 and Game 2 broadcasts, contributing to an underwhelming visual experience.
A Missed Opportunity for Storytelling and Branding
In an era where presentation is storytelling, visuals matter. Finals logos, court designs, and broadcast graphics play a critical role in defining how fans remember iconic moments. By downplaying this aspect, critics argue, the NBA and ABC may be missing an opportunity to enhance the viewing experience and cement the significance of each Finals game.
What’s Next for the NBA Finals Experience?
While safety concerns have rightfully removed physical decals from the floor, fans are calling on the league and its broadcast partners to reinvest in the virtual experience—through sharper visuals, immersive graphics, and intentional branding that brings the Finals to life.
In a league driven by stars, storylines, and spectacle, the 2025 NBA Finals deserve a visual identity that rises to the occasion. Whether future broadcasts will adapt remains to be seen.
