NBA Finals courts to feature Larry O’Brien trophy after 16-year absence
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 2:49 PM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
The Larry O’Brien trophy will return to NBA Finals courts for the first time since 2009 during Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The league decided to paint the trophy on the courts instead of using decals, which were removed due to player safety concerns. NBA officials indicated that discussions on reintegrating the trophy have been ongoing for years, with the implementation of uniform Cup courts aiding the process. Feedback from fans and media contributed to the decision to enhance the on-court presence of the trophy.
- •Larry O’Brien trophy will appear on NBA Finals courts starting June 3, 2026.
- •Decals were removed after the 2009 Finals due to slippery surfaces.
- •Decision to paint trophy comes after addressing player safety concerns.
- •Uniform Cup courts allowed for logistical feasibility of the trophy's return.
- •Fan and media feedback influenced the reinstatement of trophy presentation.
- 2:49 PMYahoo Sports — How the NBA Got Its Trophy Back On Finals Courts
"The trophy hasn’t appeared on the court since the 2009 Finals.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
BasketballNBA•Jun 3, 2026, 2:47 PMYour assignment: Check out The Finals ... thank me later- NBA•Jun 3, 2026, 2:20 PMHow Jeremy Sochan will win a ring either way in Knicks-Spurs title series
- Basketball•Jun 3, 2026, 1:14 PMVictor Wembanyama's tears are ‘worthy’ after stunning road Game 7 win vs. Thunder, says ex-NFL star
- NBA•Jun 3, 2026, 1:08 PMAJ Dybantsa Reveals Which NBA Player He’s Most Excited to Play Against
- NBA•Jun 3, 2026, 1:01 PMWarriors Could Make Strong Free Agency Pitch to LeBron James
- NBA•Jun 3, 2026, 12:03 PM2026 Lakers draft prospects: Rafael Castro
