Does Louis Vuitton Make the NBA Trophy?

There has been a longstanding rumor that Louis Vuitton, the French luxury fashion house, is responsible for the design and creation of the NBA championship trophy. However, this rumor is entirely false.

The NBA Trophy: A Brief History
The NBA trophy is officially called the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy, and it has been awarded to the winning team of the NBA finals since 1978. The trophy is named after former NBA commissioner Larry O’Brien, who served from 1975 to 1984.

The Origins of the Rumor

The rumor that Louis Vuitton designed and makes the NBA trophy likely started because of a collaboration between the two brands in 2012. Louis Vuitton created a custom travel case for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, which was used to transport it during the championship celebrations.

The Truth Behind the Rumor:

While Louis Vuitton did create a travel case for the trophy, they did not have any involvement in designing or manufacturing the actual trophy itself. The Larry O’Brien Trophy was designed by Tiffany & Co., an American luxury jewelry and specialty retailer.

About Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. has a long history of creating ornate trophies and awards. In addition to designing and producing various sports trophies such as those for Major League Baseball and The National Football League, they also create awards for prestigious events such as The Academy Awards.

The Making of The NBA Trophy:

The Larry O’Brien Trophy stands two feet tall and weighs approximately 14.5 pounds. It is made primarily of sterling silver with 24-karat gold overlay, and features an intricately designed basketball on top.

  • The process of creating this iconic piece takes over three months.
  • Each trophy is handmade by skilled craftsmen at Tiffany & Co.’s Rhode Island workshop.
  • The basketball on top of the trophy is made of 18-karat gold.
  • The trophy is valued at approximately $13,500.

In conclusion, while Louis Vuitton did create a luxury travel case for the NBA championship trophy, they did not design or manufacture the trophy itself. The Larry O’Brien Trophy was designed and produced by Tiffany & Co., a company with a long history of creating ornate and prestigious awards. It is an iconic symbol of success in the world of basketball, and its intricate design and detailed craftsmanship make it a true work of art.