ESPN Reassesses AI Promos After Tony Parker Image Backlash in Game 1
Updated
Updated · Front Office Sports · Jun 4
ESPN Reassesses AI Promos After Tony Parker Image Backlash in Game 1
2 articles · Updated · Front Office Sports · Jun 4
Summary
ESPN said it is evaluating whether to keep using AI-generated in-game promos for Game 2 after a moving Tony Parker portrait from Wednesday’s NBA Finals broadcast drew heavy online mockery.
The network confirmed AI created Parker’s image and two other animated portraits as part of an experiment meant to bring iconic playoff photos to life.
The Parker segment aired at the 6:50 mark of the third quarter, while another AI-altered promo showed Bill Russell in a colorized, lightly animated version of a 1960 Finals photo.
AI-generated sports graphics have spread more widely in recent months, though the backlash echoes other complaints, including Caitlin Clark criticizing an AI-edited team social post last month.