It’s the trophy that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates are desperate to get his hands on this summer.
The NBA season is now reaching it’s conclusion with game six of the NBA Championship Final between Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers set to get underway on Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Leading by three games to two, the Thunder are now just one win away from lifting the 2025 NBA Championship trophy having eradicated the Pacers 2-1 lead thanks to some huge performances from 2025 MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammate Jalen Williams.
While the Pacers can take to a game seven with a win, the 2025 NBA Championship will conclude with a Thunder win this evening, and the famous Larry O’Brien trophy will be presented to Mark Daigneault team.
Here’s everything you need to know about the history of the Larry O’Brien Trophy given the winners of the NBA Championship and the rings awarded to the victorious team, including its history and worth:
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics hoists the Larry O'Brien trophy after winning the NBA Championship in 2024.placeholder image
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics hoists the Larry O'Brien trophy after winning the NBA Championship in 2024. | Getty Images
What is the NBA Championship trophy made out of?
Known officially as the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy, it was introduced in 1977 and is primarily made of sterling silver, with an added 24-karat gold vermeil overlay. The trophy is two foot tall in height, and is reported to weight around 14.5 lbs. It’s design shows a basketball going into a net, and it’s materials and design are made to reflect its prestige. The trophy is made by Tiffany & Co., a world renowned jeweller formed in New York City in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany.
Why is it called the Larry O'Brien trophy?
The trophy’s name was coined in honour of former NBA Commissioner Larry O’Brien, who held the role from 1975 until 1984. It was official named the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 1984, prior to that, it was named simple the NBA Championship Trophy. It was renamed in order to recognize his significant contributions to the league, his efforts in growing the game overseas and the major TV deals he was able to broker.
Born in 1917 in Massachusetts, America, O’Brien was also heavily involved in American politics, serving more than two decades as one of the United States Democratic Party's leading electoral strategists. He was also a Postmaster General in the cabinet of President Lyndon Johnson, and latterly chair of the Democratic National Committee.
How much is the NBA Championship trophy worth?
According to Dunkest.com, the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy has an estimated worth of between $13,500 to $14,000, the cost of the trophy is reflected in it’s materials, design, and crafting process which takes approximately six-month. The symbolic value of the trophy to it’s franchise, players and - of course - winner exceed its worth, though.
Are NBA Championship rings made of solid gold?
The NBA Championship rings, awarded to each player for winning the NBA Championship Finals, are not made of solid gold due to weight and practicality. However, each ring is customer designed and vary by year, with the designs typically crafted from gold alloys, using materials such as 10-karat or 14-karat gold combined with other metals for durability. On occasion, the rings feature silver, or white gold, with diamonds or other gemstones included in the design.
Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets shows his championship ring before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena on October 24, 2023.placeholder image
Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets shows his championship ring before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena on October 24, 2023. | Getty Images
How much are NBA Championship rings worth?
The value of NBA Championship rings can vary, due to the fact the design is varied annually. According to Dunkest.com, the average production cost can range between $30,000 to $150,000, though some individual NBA Championship rings have been sold for far more. For example, the title winner Toronto Raptors rings, made in 2019, included 650 diamonds and 16 rubies and had a huge value of over $150,000 each for the top-tier versions.
The highest valued ring of all time belonged to LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. His 2000 NBA Championships LA Lakers ring, which was gifted to his father, sold for a record $927,000 in 2024.