For over 40 years, the Larry O’Brien Trophy has stood as the ultimate prize in basketball. Awarded to the NBA Finals champion, this iconic trophy replaced the Walter A. Brown Trophy, which was presented to winners from 1947 to 1976.
A carving of a basketball going into the basket, the structure was designed by Tiffany & Co. from the beginning, a tradition that continues today. Here’s a look at the ultimate prize in the sport and its approximate value.
How Much is the Larry O’Brien Trophy Worth?
In a symbolic sense, there’s no way to put a true value on the hardware given to the NBA Finals winner. But in terms of monetary value, there is a close estimate.
Standing nearly two feet tall and weighing 16 pounds, the trophy is made of sterling silver with a 24-karat gold overlay. It’s worth around $13,500, according to a study by USA Today.
The exact cost, though, is unknown, as Tiffany & Co. doesn’t reveal the official number. They first made the trophy for the 1977-78 season after the NBA-ABA merger, as the league looked to mark a new era with a new title.
#LVxNBA @LouisVuitton and the NBA announced a global partnership that includes an exclusive travel case for The Larry O’Brien Trophy. pic.twitter.com/KITSsGmYYR
— NBA (@NBA) January 23, 2020
Each year, Tiffany & Co. creates a new trophy. The winning team is engraved on the base, and the previous version is retired to the NBA Hall of Fame.
The league has also added a stylish twist. The trophy now comes in a custom travel case made by Louis Vuitton, handcrafted in the Maison’s historic Asnières workshop.
Since the trophy was introduced, 17 different teams have won it, with the Los Angeles Lakers holding the most with 11 titles.
This year, an 18th team will be added, no matter the outcome of the Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. The game tips off June 22 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will be the 20th Game 7 in Finals history.
The Thunder, though, have lifted the trophy before. Back when they were the Seattle SuperSonics, they beat the Washington Bullets 4-1 in just their second season.
Tiffany & Co. also creates other iconic sports trophies, including the PGA Championship, the World Series trophy, and the Vince Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the Super Bowl champion each year. As always, the trophy ceremony for this year’s Finals will be a moment of jubilation for the winning side, and heartbreak for the losers.
