When the Oklahoma City Thunder finally captured their NBA Championship, the celebration went far beyond the champagne and confetti on the court. Behind every player’s grueling season were the families, partners, and spouses who endured the late nights, long road trips, and immense pressure.
Recognizing this, the Thunder made a groundbreaking decision to honor them with custom championship necklaces, a gesture as heartfelt and significant as the rings themselves.
How Did the Thunder Honor the Families Behind the Title?
This unique tribute was brought to life by The Championship Collective and Jostens, a company renowned for creating some of the most iconic hardware in professional sports. According to Chris Poitras, the general manager and Senior Vice President of Jostens’ Professional Sports Division, the idea originated directly from the Thunder organization during the design process for the team’s official championship rings.
From the very first conversations, the team’s leadership made it clear how much they valued the support systems in place for their players. “It was clear from the beginning how important the wives and significant others were to the organization,” Poitras explained. As the collaboration progressed, Jostens proposed creating elegant pendants as a wearable alternative to the rings. The Thunder immediately embraced the concept.
“They wanted to honor and celebrate each player’s contribution and felt it was essential to also provide them with the pendant as a gift they could share with their closest supporter,” Poitras added.
This decision transformed the victory into a shared celebration, formally acknowledging that championships are built not just by athletes, but also by the families who stand with them.
What Made the Necklaces a Perfect Tribute?
To ensure a seamless connection to the team’s victory, the design of the necklaces was directly inspired by the players’ championship rings. Maintaining the design integrity was a top priority for both Jostens and the Thunder, as the pendants needed to feel both prestigious and deeply connected to the championship story. As a result, each pendant mirrors the detailed craftsmanship and symbolism of the rings.
However, the most personal touch came on the back of the pendant. Players were allowed to customize it with a private message, initials, or a symbol explicitly designed for their partner. This intimate detail transformed a piece of championship memorabilia into a personal note, crafted in gold, which anchors its emotional weight and makes it a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the project was the secrecy surrounding it. Poitras confirmed that the players and their loved ones were kept entirely in the dark. While the ring design process was a natural part of winning, the pendant initiative was a closely guarded secret, with only the team owner and a few select executives involved in the process.
The result was a breathtaking moment during the Thunder’s championship celebration. When the players saw the customized necklaces for the first time, they realized the organization had not only recognized their on-court achievements but also honored the sacrifices made by the people who made their success possible. The surprise amplified the gesture’s impact, creating a powerful and emotional reveal.
In a league where championship rings are the ultimate prize, the Thunder’s decision to extend this honor to families speaks volumes about the culture of gratitude and inclusivity they are building. The collaboration between The Championship Collective and Jostens did more than commemorate a victory. They helped create a new tradition, one that sends a clear message: teams earn championships, but families live them.
