Key facts
- Disney CEO Bob Iger and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro attended Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was also present.
- Commentators referred to the group of executives as a 'murderers' row.'
- ESPN and ABC, owned by Disney, broadcast the NBA Finals.
- The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-95.
Several high-profile media executives, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro, and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, were in attendance at Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was also present. During the broadcast on ABC, commentators Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, and Tim Legler humorously referred to the group of executives as a "murderers' row" and commented on their appearance. The presence of these executives is notable as ESPN and ABC, both owned by The Walt Disney Company, are broadcasting the NBA Finals. The game saw the New York Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 105-95. The Knicks' first appearance in the NBA Finals in over two decades also attracted other celebrity fans like Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Shaquille O'Neal, Timothée Chalamet, and Henrik Lundqvist. Grammy award-winning singer Tori Kelly performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the game. Separately, New York sports figures and public officials, including Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Aaron Boone, Carlos Mendoza, and Mayor Eric Adams, sent a message wishing the Knicks good luck ahead of the NBA Finals.