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What Is the ‘Larry O’Brien Trophy’ in Sports?

what-is-the-larry-obrien-trophy

This is the big one for pro basketball. The “Larry O’Brien Trophy” is the official championship trophy awarded every year to the team that wins the NBA Finals.

Think of it as the NBA’s version of the Super Bowl’s Lombardi Trophy or the NHL’s Stanley Cup.

Key Facts About the Trophy

  • Who It’s Named After: It’s named in honor of Larry O’Brien, who was the third commissioner of the NBA (from 1975 to 1984). He was a crucial figure who oversaw the ABA-NBA merger, the adoption of the three-point shot, and the introduction of the salary cap.
  • What It Looks Like: It’s a 2-foot-tall, 29-pound trophy made of sterling silver and 24-karat gold. It’s famously (and recently redesigned by) Tiffany & Co. and features a regulation-size basketball appearing to fall into a net.
  • A New One Every Year: Unlike the Stanley Cup (which is a single trophy that gets passed around), a brand new Larry O’Brien Trophy is created each year for the championship team to keep permanently.