The NBA’s Larry O’Brien Trophy, newly engraved with the names of the reigning champion New York Knicks, was unveiled on Monday and will be on display in the American Museum of Natural History’s “For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence” exhibit.
The trophy sits in a display case in front of the exhibit, with a short note about the Knicks’ title victory, alongside a photo of superstar guard Jalen Brunson and big man Karl-Anthony Towns celebrating with the Larry O’Brien Trophy presented to the team following the victory.
The trophy will be displayed alongside a collection of iconic items from sports history until Jan. 3, 2027. The exhibit has been open to the public since May and was curated by journalist and author Vikki Tobak.
“When we were thinking about what objects would go into this show, one of the lenders we reached out to was the NBA, and they lent us several pieces of history. We asked for the trophy, and they graciously said yes, but after this season,” Tobak told amNewYork. “We were always going to show the trophy, but it was a beautiful coincidence that a New York team won in New York and in a New York museum.”
Prior to the championship, the league sent the museum a basketball-shaped gold fob from former Knicks head coach Red Holzman, who was presented the trophy after leading the franchise to its last championship in 1973. Yet, receiving the Larry O’Brien Trophy following the Knicks’ triumph 53 years later adds another layer to this collection of memorabilia and pop culture.
“After 53 years, I think the whole world is happy for New York. It’s amazing. We had no idea that we would be here today doing this,” Tobak said.
“Sports culture has become pop culture. Athletes have become major pop culture stars. That is a big difference. Larry O’Brien, the former NBA commissioner, was known for securing media rights for the NBA to be shown on television, which was something they were working on. To have the games broadcast live and how far we’ve come, that shows you how much sports mean to pop culture.”
The trophy sits in a display case in front of the exhibit, with a short note about the story of the Knicks’ title victory alongside a photo of superstar guard Jalen Brunson and big man Karl-Anthony Towns holding it.
“It feels unreal to see the Larry O’Brien trophy out here at the American Museum of Natural History. Having public access is special to New York, and we haven’t had this in 53 years, so to be able to see it in person feels special,” creator and lifelong Knicks fan Laurence Marsach told amNewYork.
“The most recent name engraved in the Larry O’Brien trophy is the Knicks, and it makes this extra special. The Knicks brought the city together with incredible positive energy throughout the street, and to be able to offer the chance for New Yorkers and everyone to see the trophy with the freshly engraved Knicks is really special,” American Museum of Natural History President Sean M. Decatur told amNewYork.
Outside of the Knicks, For the Win includes trophies and priceless pieces of New York sports history, including the Liberty’s championship trophy from their 2024 WNBA title win, the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy won by NYCFC in 2021, and the NWSL championship won by Gotham FC in 2023. The collection also displays former Giants defensive end Justin Tuck’s 2008 Super Bowl ring and former Nets superstar Kevin Durant’s 2017 Golden State Warriors championship ring.
The museum also has the NFL’s Vince Lombardi Trophy, which is presented to the Super Bowl winner, alongside MLB’s Commissioner’s Trophy, given to the World Series winner.
“This is a museum that’s always told stories about human culture and accomplishments. Sports have been an important part of human culture and American history, so it’s important to show how people have won precious gems and created these wonderful objects that we celebrate,” Decatur concluded.
