NBA Brings Back Iconic Finals Court Logos For Spurs-Knicks Championship Series

Published 1 June 2026 · sports

NBA Brings Back Iconic Finals Court Logos For Spurs-Knicks Championship Series Published By, Last Updated: June 01, 2026, 15:42 IST The NBA has officially brought

NBA Brings Back Iconic Finals Court Logos For Spurs-Knicks Championship Series Published By, Last Updated: June 01, 2026, 15:42 IST The NBA has officially brought back its iconic Finals court logos, including the Larry O’Brien Trophy at center court, ending a 17-year absence ahead of Spurs vs Knicks. Rapid Read (Credit: X) The NBA is bringing back a piece of Finals history. Ahead of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, the league has confirmed the return of the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy logo at center court, along with the classic “The Finals" script branding that once defined basketball’s biggest stage. The announcement arrived quietly through social media on Sunday, but it immediately generated excitement among longtime fans who had spent years calling for the return of the championship court design.

The biggest stage in basketball 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VMaAEHR3LW— NBA (@NBA) June 1, 2026 A Long-Awaited Return The Larry O’Brien Trophy graphic will be painted at midcourt for games played at both the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio and Madison Square Garden in New York. The classic “The Finals" script logo will also return, positioned on either side of the court. This marks the first time since the 2009 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic that the trophy logo will appear at center court. The Finals wordmark itself has been absent since the 2014 championship series between the Spurs and Miami Heat. Why Fans Wanted It Back For many basketball followers, the special court design was part of what made the NBA Finals feel different from every other game. The league first introduced Finals branding on the court in 1989 before expanding the design over the years.

From 2005 to 2009, the championship trophy became a centerpiece of the court, creating some of the most memorable visuals in NBA history. In recent years, fans repeatedly questioned why the NBA created unique courts for events such as the NBA Cup while the Finals, the league’s premier event, lacked distinctive championship markings. Social media campaigns and fan discussions regularly called for the iconic logos to return. A Modern Twist The revived design won’t be an exact replica of the past. According to the NBA, the center-court trophy logo will be integrated into the participating team’s branding, creating a blend of tradition and modern presentation. The timing couldn’t be better. With the Knicks and Spurs meeting in the Finals for the first time since 1999, the return of the iconic court graphics adds another layer of nostalgia to one of the most anticipated championship matchups in recent memory.