For the first time since 2009, the Larry O’Brien Trophy will return to center court for the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.
SAN ANTONIO — One of the NBA Finals’ most recognizable traditions is making its return.
The NBA released a first look at the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy logo painted at halfcourt for the 2026 NBA Finals, marking the first time the centerpiece graphic will appear on the hardwood in nearly two decades.
The trophy logo will be painted directly onto the court rather than displayed digitally or through decals, according to ESPN. The move comes after fans voiced frustration during and after Game 1 of last year’s NBA Finals between Oklahoma City and Indiana, noting the absence of traditional Finals branding on the court.
The oversized Larry O’Brien Trophy logo was once a staple of the NBA Finals, serving as a visual symbol of the league’s championship series. Prior to this year, the last Finals court to feature the massive trophy at center court was during the 2009 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic.
The NBA discontinued the practice after the 2009 Finals because of player safety concerns related to the slipperiness of court decals.
By painting the logo directly onto the playing surface, the league is reviving a popular Finals tradition while addressing the concerns that led to its removal.
The return of the trophy logo comes as the San Antonio Spurs prepare to host the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals. Game 1 is scheduled for June 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ABC.
For many fans, the reappearance of the Larry O’Brien Trophy at center court restores a familiar Finals look that had been absent from the NBA’s biggest stage for 17 years.