NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Addresses Viewer Dissatisfaction Amid Finals Series

NBA Finals Overview

As the 2025 NBA Finals unfold between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, Commissioner Adam Silver has confronted the backlash surrounding the initial two games of the series. Fans have vented their frustrations online, expressing that the Finals lack the unique atmosphere typically associated with this stage of the competition, feeling more akin to a regular-season matchup.

Fan Concerns

One major point of contention was the absence of special court logos that usually adorn the Finals, featuring the iconic Larry O’Brien trophy. Fans took to social media after Game 1 to voice their disappointment. In response, the NBA implemented virtual logos for Game 2 held at the Paycom Center; however, many viewers criticized the execution of these graphics during the ESPN broadcast.

Commissioner’s Insights

Before Game 3, which will take place in Indiana, Silver participated in an ESPN segment where he shed light on the feedback regarding the court decals. He explained,

“I’ve seen some of the chat on social media about on-court decals. People might not know they were phased out a decade ago due to safety concerns related to slipperiness,”

referring to the past issues raised by former player Kendrick Perkins, who was present on the broadcast. Fans can expect to see virtual representations of these decals going forward, as Silver confirmed they are now being added in this manner instead of physically.

Television Ratings

The commissioner also commented on the notably low television ratings for the first two games of the Finals. Game 1 turned out to be the least viewed first playoff game since Nielsen began tracking in 1988—even when excluding the COVID-affected seasons of 2020 and 2021—averaging only 4.7 ratings and 8.91 million viewers, according to Sports Media Watch. Comparatively, Game 2 saw similarly disappointing numbers, as the Thunder’s decisive victory over the Pacers attracted an average of 8.76 million viewers, making it the second-lowest watched Game 2 since 2007.

Positive Effects on Smaller Markets

Despite the dim ratings, Silver highlighted the positive effect the Finals have had on the smaller markets of Oklahoma City and Indianapolis. The Pacers and Thunder have conquered teams boasting major superstars from bigger cities, including the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves, on their road to the Finals. He remarked on the palpable enthusiasm in both cities, pointing out that,

“It’s an interesting time in society. We have two markets that are completely captured by the Finals. You see signs in every store, and team colors are ubiquitous on the streets. I’ve witnessed this sport for many years, and I don’t recall a time when two markets felt this engaged in a Finals series.”

Future Outlook

Silver was also optimistic about the competition for viewership, explaining that despite the lower absolute numbers, Games 1 and 2 rank as the highest-rated shows in May and June thus far, mainly given that they are outperforming all other programming, barring potential competing sports broadcasts. Following a thrilling Game 4 on Friday night, the Pacers have taken the series lead with a win of 116-107, aiming to expand their advantage before the series returns to Oklahoma City.