What is the Larry O'Brien Trophy
The Larry O'Brien Trophy is the championship trophy of the National Basketball Association (NBA), awarded each season to the team that wins the NBA Finals. Named after former NBA commissioner Larry O'Brien, who served from 1975 to 1984, the trophy has been a symbol of NBA excellence since 1977. Prior to 1977, the NBA champion received the Walter A. Brown Trophy. The Larry O'Brien Trophy is paraded each champion's hometown following the Finals and remains one of professional sports' most recognized prizes.
Design and specifications
Physical description and materials
The trophy stands 24 inches tall and is made of silver alloy with a 24-karat gold overlay. Its design features a basketball rising through a net, supported by a stepped base that incorporates the NBA logo. The words "Larry O'Brien Trophy" are engraved on a ribbon-wrapped column, and the overall form reflects both athletic motion and championship prestige.
Manufacturer and evolution
Commissioned by the NBA during the trophy's introduction in the 1977 Finals, the design was intended to replace the earlier Brown Trophy and provide a lasting emblem for the league's champion. Over the decades, the trophy has undergone only minor refinements, with its construction emphasizing durability, premium materials, and a classic aesthetic that remains iconic in sports.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 inches (61 cm) | NBA official specifications |
| Material | Silver alloy with 24-karat gold overlay | NBA and minting partner documentation |
| Introduced | 1977 NBA Finals | NBA historical records |
| Named for | Larry O'Brien, NBA commissioner (1975–1984) | NBA press releases and biographies |
| Prior trophy | Walter A. Brown Trophy (1949–1976) | NBA historical archives |
History and naming
From Walter A. Brown to Larry O'Brien
The NBA championship trophy was originally named for Walter A. Brown, the Celtics founder and early league leader. In 1977, recognizing Larry O'Brien's influence during a period of league growth and collective bargaining leadership, the NBA renamed the trophy in his honor. The transition marked the start of a new visual identity for the championship that has remained consistent ever since.
Key moments and the 1977 debut
The first O'Brien Trophy was presented at the conclusion of the 1977 NBA Finals, with the Portland Trail Blazers defeating the Philadelphia 76ers. Since then, the trophy has traveled to champions across the United States and, briefly, internationally when Canadian teams have won. Each Finals team receives replica trophies, while the original remains under NBA custody except for select ceremonial appearances.
List of Larry O'Brien Trophy champions
Below is a season-by-season list of the teams that have won the Larry O'Brien Trophy since its introduction. The list reflects the official NBA record of champions and is updated regularly by the league office.
| Season | Champion | Finals opponent | Series result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976–77 | Portland Trail Blazers | Philadelphia 76ers | 4–2 |
| 1977–78 | Washington Bullets | Seattle SuperSonics | 4–3 |
| 1978–79 | Seattle SuperSonics | Washington Bullets | 4–1 |
| 1994–95 | Houston Rockets | Orlando Magic | 4–0 |
| 1999–2000 | Los Angeles Lakers | Indiana Pacers | 4–2 |
| 2005–06 | Miami Heat | Dallas Mavericks | 4–2 |
| 2011–12 | Miami Heat | Oklahoma City Thunder | 4–1 |
| 2014–15 | Golden State Warriors | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4–2 |
| 2019–20 | Los Angeles Lakers | Miami Heat | 4–2 |
| 2023–24 | Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks | 4–1 |
Trophy tour and public appearances
Parades and community events
Following each Finals, the reigning champion organizes a victory parade or public appearance in their home city. The Larry O'Brien Trophy is prominently displayed, allowing fans to celebrate up close. These events reinforce the trophy's role as a communal symbol of excellence and provide an opportunity for younger players and fans to connect with the legacy of the championship.
Security and preservation
Because of its value and symbolism, the trophy is transported and stored with significant security. The NBA works with professional couriers and venue staff to ensure safe handling during public displays. When not on tour, the trophy is maintained in a controlled environment to preserve its silver alloy and gold overlay, protecting it against wear, tarnish, and physical damage.
Cultural significance and legacy
Symbol of basketball excellence
Winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy represents the pinnacle of professional basketball achievement. It is the physical embodiment of a team’s season-long effort, culminating in a series of hard-fought victories. The trophy is frequently referenced in media, ceremonies, and promotional material, underscoring its enduring status as the most prestigious award in the NBA.
Comparison with other sports trophies
Unlike league-specific conference trophies in other sports, the Larry O'Brien Trophy is the sole championship prize for the entire NBA. Its design and name are protected by the league, and only teams that win the Finals are entitled to raise it. This exclusivity, combined with its gold-over-silver composition and storied history, distinguishes it among professional sports trophies worldwide.
- The trophy is named after Larry O'Brien, who served as NBA commissioner from 1975 to 1984.
- It was first awarded at the conclusion of the 1977 NBA Finals.
- The trophy measures 24 inches in height and features a gold-over-silver finish.
- A new trophy is produced each season and remains NBA property.
- Replica trophies are awarded to the champion team and key front-office members.
Wrap-up
The Larry O'Brien Trophy is more than a gleaming championship prize; it is a decades-long emblem of excellence in professional basketball. Since 1977, it has stood as a permanent representation of the NBA Finals winner, linking past champions to future generations. Understanding its history, design, and role within the league adds depth to the moment a team lifts it in victory and fans celebrate across the league.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was Larry O'Brien
Larry O'Brien served as NBA commissioner from 1975 to 1984. Under his leadership, the league navigated landmark labor agreements, expanded its national footprint, and strengthened its media presence. The trophy was renamed in his honor in 1977, recognizing his impact on the modern NBA.
Can fans purchase or own an official Larry O'Brien Trophy
No. The Larry O'Brien Trophy is NBA property and is not sold to the public. The league produces official replica trophies for the championship team, which are smaller and distributed among players, coaches, and front-office personnel.
What happens if the trophy is damaged
The NBA has conservation plans in place to repair or replace the trophy if necessary. Because the trophy is crafted from durable materials and guarded carefully, damage is rare. In the event of loss or severe damage, the league works with authorized manufacturers to produce a replacement that honors the original design.
Are there practice or spare trophies
Yes. The NBA commissions multiple identical replicas each season. These are used for ceremony, display, and travel. The original trophy is typically reserved for headline events and long-term archival display.
How is the trophy transported
Transportation is handled by secure logistics partners with climate-controlled cases and monitored routes. The NBA coordinates closely with city officials and venues to ensure safe passage for the trophy during parades and public appearances.