ESPN has a new Finals broadcast problem, and it has nothing to do with the score.
The network is reportedly evaluating its use of AI-generated promotional images after a moving portrait of Tony Parker drew backlash during Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The image, used as part of ESPN's in-game materials, went viral because viewers believed Parker's appearance had been artificially altered.
According to Front Office Sports, an ESPN spokesperson confirmed that AI was used to create the Parker image, along with two other moving portraits during the broadcast. The network is now evaluating whether it will continue using that technology in Game 2.
That makes this more than a one-off awkward graphic. ESPN used AI in a highly visible Finals setting, the audience noticed, and the reaction was strong enough for the network to publicly reassess the approach.
The NBA Finals are supposed to make legends look larger than life. In this case, the Tony Parker promo landed differently: as a reminder that fans are still not automatically comfortable with AI-generated sports nostalgia, especially when it changes the face of a recognizable former player.
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