The 8 irritating 2025 NBA playoff ads that won't stop airing, ranked
The 8 irritating 2025 NBA playoff ads that won't stop airing, ranked
On some level, I understand why a league like the NBA would want to keep a tight rotation of commercials for the playoffs. In the same fashion that a head coach of an NBA team keeps a tight playoff rotation, you want your best players (commercials) getting as many minutes as possible to maximize your chances at winning (getting revenue).
That doesn't excuse the fact that the NBA has somehow managed to piece together the most annoying possible commercial rotation for the playoffs ... for the second straight year! And the worst part is, if I weren't writing this article, I wouldn't have even been sure about what products were being sold to me in these ads.
So, while making me gradually lose my mind, are they having the intended effect of making money for these companies? I have my doubts about that.
Let's take a look at the heart of the NBA's 2025 playoff commercial package and rank them by how irritating, frustrating, and utterly grating they all are.
8. Charles Barkley and "ChuckGPT" for FanDuel
I guess I find this one technically less objectionable than the others on this list because Barkley is a magnetic personality. At least he's entertaining. At least he's got charisma. And when you watch this ad the first few times, it is actually kinda funny.
But integrating some Barkley-centered generative AI that is somehow accurate about everything concerning the Chuckster? Are we sure that's an accurate portrayal of generative AI? Sure.
7. Draymond Green finds a loose ball for Kia
This commercial actually debuted in 2024, but that hasn't stopped the NBA or Kia from drilling it into our heads during this postseason. It's not even really all that annoying compared to some of the top choices above. Still, I tire of watching Draymond Green stare at and confront a wolf. What does that have to do with a car? Someone explain it to me like I'm five. Don't worry, I'll wait.
6. Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" used as THE tentpole song
Look, I understand. I know Aerosmith is an incredibly popular band. But whose idea was it to make one of the most famous songs of a group that peaked roughly half a century ago the seeming theme song of these entire NBA playoffs? Who is this for? Does the NBA even care about catering to a younger audience anymore? Are we really leaning into nostalgia that much? It's so silly and cringe to me.
I didn't include a specific video example because there are just so many different versions with different NBA stars.
5. Wingstop's "Million Dollar Baby"
Again, here we have another older ad that didn't debut during this postseason. Which, at this point, I wish the NBA hadn't recycled it. So, let's be clear. Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby" song is a banger. It is decidedly NOT a banger when I have to hear it seemingly countless times during every playoff game. This commercial has ruined the song for me. I need a cleanse from it.
4. The Thunder accidentally wore the same outfit for AT&T
At this stage, it's apparent that the Oklahoma City Thunder and AT&T might usually make one of the year's most irritating commercials if they get together in the spring. One year after the disaster of "What a Pro Wants," we have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren mistakenly not coordinating the same outfit together. And you guessed it, they were "Thunderstruck" about it.
If only they had AT&T, this wouldn't have happened, apparently? Mhmm.
3. Will Ferrell "Pay Your Own Way"
I love Will Ferrell. I still use PayPal on occasion. I do not love them together here with Ferrell singing a high-pitched parody of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way." And I particularly dislike how this commercial features various people getting frustrated about Ferrell's singing, as if it were a tacit acknowledgement of how annoying people find this commercial in real life. Is that supposed to be funny? How meta.
2. The NBA's Villanova Guys finding a way to connect
(Exasperated, gathering the words)
WE GET IT. THEY WERE TEAMMATES IN COLLEGE AND IN THE NBA AND NOW THEY'RE NOT. STOP USING THE CORNY CHARLIE PUTH SONG FROM A VIN DIESEL MOVIE. SO FUNNY.
(Exhales) Gah. OK, I feel better.
1. Jalen Green is apparently the biggest and the largest
This commercial in itself isn't necessarily the most annoying, even though I'd love to not hear BigXthaPlug's "The Largest" for a while after this. It's more about the timing and who's featured.
For the life of me, I cannot believe that Jalen Green, an overrated shot-chucker propped up by some corners of NBA media because he was a No. 2 overall pick, got this prominent of a spot for the playoffs. Who did Wingstop think Green was when they booked him for this ad? Do some people really think Green is a "star," instead of a flashy offensive black hole?
I've learned so much during these playoffs.
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