You’ve seen the photos on Instagram. A player holding up a hand that looks like it’s struggling to support the weight of a massive, diamond-encrusted hunk of gold. It's the MLS Cup championship rings, and honestly, they’ve become one of the most fascinating sub-cultures in American soccer. While the rest of the world hands out medals—shiny, flat, and somewhat modest—North American sports demand something you can see from the back row of a stadium.
MLS didn't invent the ring tradition, but they've certainly perfected the storytelling aspect of it. These aren't just jewelry. They are tiny, expensive history books.
The Ridiculous Level of Detail in MLS Cup Championship Rings
If you think these are just generic rings with a logo slapped on them, you're mistaken. Designers like Jostens and Baron Championship Rings spend months working with team owners to hide "Easter eggs" in the metal.
Take the 2022 LAFC ring. It’s got 128 black diamonds on the top. Why 128? Because Gareth Bale scored that legendary, game-saving header in the 128th minute. That’s a level of pettiness and precision I can actually get behind. They even used a black obsidian overlay on the gold base—a first for any major league ring—to make sure it looked as "LA" as possible.
Then you have the Columbus Crew’s 2023 ring. It’s basically a math problem in jewelry form.
- 57 diamonds in the "C" for their 57 regular-season points.
- 18 diamonds on the edges for the 18 home matches they played.
- 29 diamonds on the trophy because there were 29 teams in the league that year.
It’s almost like they’re worried they’ll forget the stats, so they just engraved them onto their fingers.
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What are they actually made of?
Most people assume these are solid 24k gold. They aren't. Pure gold is way too soft for something this heavy; it would bend the second you shook someone's hand. Usually, they use 10-karat white or yellow gold. It’s durable. It’s heavy.
The stones? Those are usually real diamonds, though some teams use "color-enhanced" stones or black onyx to match their team colors. For example, Atlanta United used custom black onyx and garnet stones to create their famous "Five Stripes" look in their 2018 ring.
Who Actually Gets One?
This is where the business side of sports gets kinda interesting. There isn't a hard "rule" from the league about who gets a ring. Basically, it’s up to the club's ownership and how much they’re willing to spend.
Typically, the "A-tier" rings go to the players, coaches, and top-level executives. These are the ones worth tens of thousands of dollars. But many clubs also order "B-tier" or "C-tier" rings for front-office staff, scouts, and even long-time stadium employees. These might look similar but use different materials—maybe silver instead of gold, or cubic zirconia instead of diamonds.
In 2015, the Portland Timbers even did something pretty cool for the "Timbers Army." They created a special fan ring that eventually sold for $5,000 at a charity auction. It shows just how much weight these things carry in the community.
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The Evolution of the Bling
Early MLS rings from the 90s (looking at you, D.C. United) were relatively modest. They looked like something you’d get for graduating high school, just with more sparkle.
But as the league grew, so did the ego of the rings. They’ve gone from subtle bands to massive "dinner plates" that cover half a knuckle. The 2023 Columbus Crew ring has about 4.10 carats of diamonds. That’s not a ring; that’s a weapon.
Why the shift?
It’s about branding. When a player wears that ring to a gala or a public appearance, it’s a billboard for the club’s success. It says "we spent a fortune because winning matters."
Can You Buy One?
Unless you’re a pro athlete or a very lucky staffer, you aren't getting an authentic "issued" ring. However, the secondary market is surprisingly active.
- Replicas: Most teams sell "fan versions" through the manufacturer (like Jostens). These usually cost between $300 and $600 and are made of "Lustrium" or other non-precious alloys.
- Stadium Giveaways: Sometimes teams give away cheap plastic or zinc replicas to the first 10,000 fans at a home opener. You can find these on eBay for $30.
- The Real Deal: Every once in a while, a former player or staff member hits a rough patch and puts their real ring up for auction. If you see an authentic MLS Cup championship ring from a winning year like 2022 or 2023, expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on whose name is on the side.
The "Forza Mo" Factor: Why Sentiment Beats Stones
One of the coolest things about these rings is the "inside shank"—the part that touches your skin. This is where teams put the stuff that’s just for them.
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The LAFC ring has "Forza Mo" and an infinity symbol engraved inside. It’s a tribute to Mo Fascio, a beloved leader of their supporters' group who passed away. It’s a reminder that even though the outside is all about flash and diamonds, the inside is about the people who actually built the club’s culture.
What to Look for If You’re a Collector
If you're hunting for one of these, you have to be careful. The market is flooded with "knockoffs" from overseas that look great in photos but feel like plastic in your hand.
Look for the hallmarks. Real gold rings will have a "10K" or "14K" stamp inside, along with the manufacturer’s mark (Jostens, Baron, etc.). The weight is the biggest giveaway. A real championship ring is heavy enough to be annoying. If it feels light, it’s a fake.
Also, check the spelling. You’d be surprised how many counterfeit rings have typos in the tiny engravings on the side.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Collectors
- Check Team Stores Early: If your team wins the Cup, the window to buy official "fan-grade" replicas is usually very short (often just a few weeks after the ring ceremony).
- Verify the Metal: If you're buying a used ring, always ask for a jewelry appraisal or a "Certificate of Authenticity" from the manufacturer.
- Visit the Hall of Fame: If you just want to see them in person without spending a mortgage payment, the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas, has an incredible collection of championship jewelry on display.