ESPN’s attempt to integrate high-tech solutions into its broadcasts did not go as planned during the NBA Finals. The network has decided to discontinue its experimental AI-generated ‘moving portraits’. These animations made their controversial debut during the series between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
Initial Appearance and Backlash
The AI-generated portraits first appeared in Game 1, during a pause before a commercial break. Intended to be animated versions of classic sports images, the depiction of Spurs legend Tony Parker, in particular, drew criticism. Viewers described the AI’s output as strange and unsettling, noting that it distorted Parker’s facial features, leading to an online uproar.
‘Why use AI when they have the pictures?’ questioned a viewer on social media.
The dissatisfaction wasn’t limited to Parker’s animation. ESPN also applied the same treatment to images of Boston Celtics’ Bill Russell and Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant. As a result, the network decided to omit these animations from the rest of the NBA Finals series following the backlash.
ESPN’s Response
After assessing the feedback, ESPN chose to discontinue the use of these AI animations in their broadcasts for the time being. Network insiders confirmed that AI tools were used for creating the visuals and stated that ESPN is currently evaluating whether to utilize such technology in future broadcasts.