AI-Generated NBA Finals Ad Stuns Viewers and Shakes Up the Future of Advertising

An AI-Generated NBA Finals Ad: A New Direction for Marketing?

A 30-second ad for Kalshi, an online trading platform, recently grabbed attention by featuring AI-generated video clips portraying quirky characters making NBA Finals predictions. From a pot-bellied partygoer holding a Chihuahua to a bride speeding away on a golf cart, the ad’s unpredictable scenes create a unique visual experience that breaks the mold.

Despite the ad’s complexity, it was created in just two days using AI video tools, bypassing the usual months of production involving actors, crews, and multiple locations. This efficiency challenges traditional advertising timelines and budgets, raising questions about AI’s role in the future of marketing.

Why This AI Ad Works for Kalshi

Kalshi operates as a prediction market, which often draws comparisons to betting platforms and sometimes regulatory scrutiny. The ad’s energetic portrayal of fans shouting picks for NBA Finals outcomes—Oklahoma City versus Indiana—fits the brand’s identity well.

Marketing analyst Debra Aho Williamson explains that while the ad’s message may require a few views to fully grasp, it effectively showcases the excitement of everyday wagers. The AI-produced format amplifies attention, delivering a fresh take on sports betting that would be harder to achieve with traditional filming methods.

Behind the Scenes: How AI Created the Ad

The creative process started with Kalshi providing themes and dialogue snippets, which were then shaped into a script and AI prompts. The ad’s creator used Google’s Veo 3 AI video generator alongside AI copy tools like Gemini and ChatGPT to co-write and refine the script.

This iterative workflow involved generating around 300–400 AI video clips to select 15 usable ones. The clips were then edited together with music to produce the final commercial. While cost-effective, the process still demanded expertise and trial-and-error to achieve the right tone and quality.

Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Ads

Compared to conventional ads that can cost hundreds of thousands and take months to produce, this AI-generated spot cost under $2,000 for AI prompting and was completed in two days. Media placement costs remain, but lower production expenses make experimentation more accessible for marketers.

Williamson points out the advantage of being able to test multiple ad concepts quickly and economically before committing to larger campaigns. This approach opens doors for smaller brands to compete with bigger players by using AI tools for rapid content creation.

The Future of AI in Advertising

Experts agree AI will become a bigger part of advertising, though its impact on jobs remains uncertain. It lowers barriers for smaller brands and offers new ways to personalize ads for different audiences and locations.

However, consumer attitudes toward AI-generated ads are mixed. Studies show younger audiences may be skeptical, with less than half expressing positive feelings about ads made with AI. This suggests marketers need to balance innovation with authenticity to maintain trust.

Marketing students today are learning to use AI as a tool, understanding that proficiency with these technologies will be essential in their careers. Transparency from creators like the Kalshi ad’s producer helps demystify AI and encourages wider adoption.

What’s Next for Kalshi and AI Advertising?

Kalshi plans to continue integrating AI in future campaigns but won’t abandon traditional advertising entirely. As marketing evolves, AI will complement human creativity rather than replace it, allowing brands to connect with audiences in new ways.

For marketers interested in expanding their AI skills, resources like Complete AI Training offer courses covering AI tools and techniques relevant to advertising and content creation.

Key Takeaways for Marketing Professionals

• AI can dramatically cut production time and costs for video ads without sacrificing creativity.
• Effective AI-generated ads still require human input to guide concepts, scripts, and editing.
• Lower costs enable more experimentation, helping brands test multiple ideas quickly.
• Consumer skepticism of AI ads means authenticity remains critical.
• Marketers should develop AI proficiency to stay competitive and innovate efficiently.

AI video ads like Kalshi’s show that technology can transform how marketing content is produced and delivered. While some challenges remain, embracing AI thoughtfully offers clear practical benefits for creating memorable and cost-effective campaigns.