NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently addressed the growing negative feedback surrounding the first two games of the 2025 NBA Finals, which feature a matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Fans have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the lack of unique features that differentiate the Finals from regular-season games.
One significant point of contention has been the absence of the traditional Finals on-court logos, which usually showcase the Larry O’Brien trophy. The atmosphere of the Finals, which fans expect to feel distinct, has seemed muted this year, leading to disappointment among basketball enthusiasts.
In response to the outcry, during a segment on ESPN before Game 3, Silver explained that the league had opted for virtual representations of the Finals logos instead of physical decals on the court. He pointed out that these physical decals were phased out a decade ago due to safety concerns, highlighting that players had previously complained about the decals making the court slippery. “People don’t realize they went away a decade ago because there were claims that they were slippery,” Silver noted, emphasizing that the league is focusing on virtual enhancements instead.
Despite these adjustments, viewers remained unsatisfied with the on-screen graphics during the ESPN broadcast of Game 2, which took place at Paycom Center. The dissatisfaction continued to underscore a perception that the series had not yet lived up to its potential.
Adding to the concerns, the NBA has faced low ratings for both games thus far in the series. The first game recorded the least-watched performance in the Nielsen meter era, since 1988, outside of the COVID-19-impacted seasons. It averaged a 4.7 rating and attracted 8.91 million viewers on ABC, reflecting an 18% drop in ratings and a 19% decline in viewership compared to previous years. The Thunder’s Game 2 win by a score of 123-107 also didn’t significantly improve audience numbers, drawing almost identical figures to the opener and landing as the second-least watched Game 2 since 2007.
Despite the troubling numbers, Silver remained optimistic about the significance of this matchup for smaller markets like Oklahoma City and Indianapolis. He noted that both teams had succeeded by defeating larger-market franchises that are often home to bigger stars—specifically mentioning the Pacers’ victory over the New York Knicks and the Thunder’s win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Silver remarked on the unique atmosphere in both cities during the Finals, stating, “I’ve been doing this for a long time; I don’t remember it being two markets that feel so dominant to have these games.”
Furthermore, Silver highlighted that games one and two have recorded the highest ratings for programs in May and June thus far this year, suggesting that interest in the Finals still holds considerable weight in societal viewership. “If something beats us, it’ll be another sports program,” he said, providing context for the current television landscape. “Twenty years ago, we often didn’t win the night when the Finals were on, but the absolute rating is lower now.”
As the series progressed to Indiana for Game 3, the Pacers secured a victory with a score of 116-107, taking a series lead. The impressive performance has positioned them favorably before Friday’s Game 4, where they could extend their lead to 3-1 before heading back to Oklahoma City.
In essence, the 2025 NBA Finals, despite criticism for its presentation, reflect the potential of captivating seasons for teams from smaller markets while raising discussions about how the league engages its audience, both in person and through broadcast media. As the series continues, both the players on the court and the league officials have an opportunity to address the concerns voiced by fans, aiming to reinvigorate the viewing experience and capture the excitement surrounding one of basketball’s most significant stages.
Determining how to balance this feedback with a commitment to safety and modern broadcasting technology presents an ongoing challenge for the NBA. Nevertheless, the league appears to be listening and adapting, seeking to ensure that the Finals remains a marquee event that resonates with basketball fans across the country.
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