Spurs and Knicks launch NBA Finals in San Antonio with new midcourt trophy logo

The NBA announced that the Larry O’Brien Trophy logo will be painted at midcourt for the upcoming Finals at both the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio and Madison Square Garden in New York, marking the first use of the trophy logo at midcourt since the 2009 series. The league said the design also integrates each team’s branding, addressing fan complaints about the lack of a dedicated Finals court.

The 80th title series begins Wednesday as the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks. The Spurs are chasing their sixth championship, their first since 2014, while the Knicks aim for their third, the first since 1973. Star French rookie Victor Wembanyama, touted as the "best player in the world," and Eastern Conference Finals MVP Jalen Brunson are among the headline players. Most starters are experiencing the Finals for the first time, with only Harrison Barnes and Mikal Bridges having prior Finals starts. Practices on the new‑logo floor and player interviews highlighted the novelty of the stage for both clubs.