ESPN
During Game 1 of the NBA Finals, ESPN used an AI-generated photo of former San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker in one of its transitions to commercial despite the fact that a real version of the photo already existed. Sports fans immediately ripped the network for the move.
During commercial breaks in broadcast of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, ABC/ESPN aired transition graphics featuring AI-animated versions of archival NBA photos.
ESPN is attempting to save face after widespread backlash to the network using AI-generated graphics during Game 1 of the NBA Finals
A particular graphic of Tony Parker that showed the former Spurs star with an uncanny expression on his face and a finger appearing out of nowhere immediately when viral on social media.
Could ESPN really not find a genuine shot of Tony Parker as they cut to an ad break? Just had to use AI https://t.co/vMmMDmaUsu pic.twitter.com/Rkeysf9h3J
— Jon Healy (@JonHealy) June 4, 2026
Other instances of ESPN’s usage of AI could be found in a Hakeem Olajuwon graphic that featured an NBA Finals patch spontaneously appearing on his jersey, a Kobe Bryant sequence showing unnatural twitching between Kobe and Ron Harper, and Scottie Pippen’s muscles appearing distorted.
So it turns out ABC used AI all throughout Game 1 whenever they went to commercial. Check out this sequence where a modern championship tag spontaneously blooms on the back of Hakeem Olajuwon’s jersey, followed by another where Kobe and Ron Harper twitch awkwardly w each other. pic.twitter.com/FGKA7pHHfG
— Velodus✨ (@velodus) June 4, 2026
Speaking to Front Office Sports, an ESPN spokesperson said they are “evaluating” whether to continue using the technology in Game 2.
“An ESPN spokesperson confirmed to Front Office Sports that AI had been used to create the image—along with two other moving portraits during the broadcast—and the network is “evaluating” whether it will continue to use the technology in Game 2. The concept of ESPN’s promotion was to bring iconic playoff images to life, the spokesperson says, and AI tools were used to create the material. The company views the use of the tech as “an experiment.”
Sportico reporter Jacob Feldman reported that they’ve decided not to use AI during Game 2, which tips off from San Antonio tonight — Friday, June 5 — at 8:30 p.m. EST.
I’m told ESPN won’t be using AI-enhanced moving portraits again in Game 2.
Makes sense—the Parker image in particular wasn’t up to primetime quality.
But broadcasters are going to keep experimenting with generative-AI tools… https://t.co/eGcgcgeqFr
— ✏️Jacob Feldman (@JacobFeldman4) June 5, 2026
The Knicks won Game 1 of the NBA Finals on the road against the Spurs by a score of 105-95. The Spurs, looking to prevent the Knicks from taking a 2-0 series lead back to Madison Square Garden, are 5.5-point favorites heading into Game 2.