The NBA Finals have undergone several changes over the years, but one of the most noticeable differences in recent seasons has been the absence of physical court decals. Fans have long associated the Finals with on-court logos, particularly the Larry O’Brien Trophy emblem, which once adorned the hardwood. However, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently addressed why the league has transitioned to digital decals instead.
During an appearance on the NBA Countdown pregame show before Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Silver explained that the league stopped using physical decals over a decade ago due to concerns about player safety.
“People don’t realize, they went away a decade ago… They were slippery. We’re back to adding them virtually,” Silver stated.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver on the on-court Finals decals:
“People don’t realize, they went away a decade ago… They were slippery. We’re back to adding them virtually.”
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 12, 2025
The decision was made after players raised concerns about the decals affecting their footing, particularly in high-stakes games where traction and stability are crucial. While the decals were a visual staple of the Finals, the risk of injuries led the NBA to phase them out.
Despite the safety concerns, many fans have expressed disappointment over the lack of physical decals, arguing that they added a distinctive Finals atmosphere. In response, the NBA has attempted to replicate the aesthetic digitally, overlaying virtual decals onto broadcasts. However, the execution has been met with mixed reviews, with some viewers criticizing the low-resolution graphics and awkward placement.
Silver acknowledged the backlash but emphasized that the league is exploring ways to improve the digital presentation.
“I’m nostalgic… 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,” Silver said.
While Silver hinted at the possibility of reintroducing Finals logos in some form, he made it clear that player safety remains the priority. The NBA is considering alternative ways to enhance the Finals branding without compromising the integrity of the playing surface.
