Larry O’Brien Trophy: history and value
The history of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, its value, and the individuals responsible for its creation and safekeeping
The Larry O’Brien Trophy is the most coveted trophy in the world of basketball, the trophy represents excellence, hard work, and dedication. The trophy’s history, value, and the individuals responsible for its creation and safekeeping are all fascinating aspects that contribute to its mystique.
What is the Larry O’Brien Trophy?
The Larry O’Brien Trophy is the ultimate prize in professional basketball, awarded annually to the team that wins the NBA Finals. Named after former NBA commissioner Larry O’Brien, the trophy has become a symbol of excellence and achievement in the sport of basketball.
Many legendary teams have lifted this trophy, most notably the Lakers and Celtics who are and teams to have won the most NBA Championships in history.
History of the Larry O’Brien Trophy
The Larry O’Brien Trophy was first awarded in 1978, replacing the Walter A. Brown Trophy, which had been awarded to the NBA champions since the league’s inception in 1949. The new trophy was designed by Tiffany & Co. and made its debut during the 1977-78 NBA season.
The trophy was named in honor of Larry O’Brien, who served as commissioner of the NBA from 1975 to 1984. During his tenure, O’Brien oversaw the merger between the NBA and the American Basketball Association, as well as the growth of the league into a major sports organization.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy was first awarded in 1978, replacing the previous championship trophy, the Walter A. Brown Trophy. The new trophy was designed by Tiffany & Co., an American luxury goods company famous for creating prestigious awards and trophies for various sports events.
The decision to create a new championship trophy was made in the mid-1970s when the NBA underwent major changes, including the merger with the American Basketball Association (ABA). The league wanted a new trophy that would reflect the changing times and signify the growth and evolution of professional basketball.
The trophy was named after Larry O’Brien, who served as the NBA commissioner from 1975 to 1984. O’Brien was instrumental in overseeing the merger between the NBA and the ABA, which brought together some of the best players in basketball and helped to elevate the sport to new heights.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy made its debut during the 1977-78 NBA season and has since become an iconic symbol of excellence and achievement in professional basketball. Each year, a new trophy is created and presented to the championship team, while the previous year’s trophy is retired to the NBA Hall of Fame.
Over the years, the design of the trophy has remained largely unchanged, with its distinctive ball-and-net motif and graceful lines symbolizing the beauty and athleticism of the sport and becoming one of the most recognizable and prestigious awards in all of sports.
How much is a Larry O’Brien Trophy worth?
The Larry O’Brien Trophy was created by Tiffany & Co. and it is made of sterling silver and stands two feet tall, weighing in at approximately 14.5 pounds. Its estimated value is around $13,500.
Tiffany & Co. has a long history of creating trophies and awards for major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, the World Series, and the PGA Championship.
Who keeps the Larry O’Brien trophy?
As for the safekeeping of the trophy, it is the responsibility of the winning team to keep it secure during their championship reign. However, the NBA does provide guidelines for the care and transportation of the trophy, which includes keeping it in a secure location and transporting it in a specially designed case.