The NBA Finals will once again feature the Larry O’Brien Trophy at center court, bringing back a court design associated with previous championship series.
The placement of the trophy logo at midcourt recalls the look used in earlier Finals matchups, particularly during an era when the championship branding was more prominently displayed on the playing surface. The return of the design gives this year’s Finals a familiar visual connection to past title series.
A nod to past Finals presentations
For many fans, the center-court trophy mark is tied to memorable NBA Finals moments from the 2000s, when the league’s championship stage often carried a distinct court identity. Its return adds a recognizable element to the presentation while keeping the focus on the teams competing for the title.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy remains the league’s ultimate prize, awarded annually to the NBA champion. Placing its image at center court reinforces the significance of the Finals as the final stage of the season.