Tonight, the New York Knicks will receive their championship rings to commemorate their third title in franchise history. The tradition of NBA championship rings dates to the very first season of the league, when inaugural winners Philadelphia Warriors won the 1947 Basketball Association of America championship. Each player was awarded $2,000 and a ring with a diamond chip in it.

The best look at both the 1970 and 1973 Knicks championship rings comes courtesy Walter “Clyde” Frazier Jr., who frequently wears them to this day.

Frazier wearing his two championship rings in 2015.

Here, take a look back at the past Knicks rings, and see how the championship ring has evolved.

1970

The New York Knicks won their first championship in 1970, defeating the Lakers in seven games. Willis Reed was named MVP.

The rings the players received were in line with the championship rings of that era: The 14-karat gold ring had a diamond set over a basketball, “New York Knicks” and “World Champions” on its face, and the recipient’s name and “18 Straight” engraved on the sides.

Cazzie Russell #33 of the New York Knicks grabs a rebound during the NBA Finals.

In 2019, head coach William “Red” Holzman’s 1970 ring was sold at auction, offering a close-up look at the very first Knicks championship ring. Per SCP Auctions, “The exquisite 14-karat gold ring features a real diamond atop a basketball on the face surrounded by ‘New York Knicks’ and ‘World Champions’ in raised relief. The right shank has ‘RED HOLZMAN’ across a banner above an old ‘NBA’ logo with five contested arms. The left shank has ‘KNICKS’ at the top and “1970” at the bottom with a casted image of a basketball engraved ‘18 STRAIGHT’ in the middle. The inside of the band is stamped Balfour 14K. The size 10¾ ring (42 g) shows moderate wear and comes housed in its blue Balfour box.”

The auction added, “Calling this ring rare does not do it justice. No other example from a Knicks player or staff member has been offered before at auction. Includes LOA from the Holzman family.”

1973

Like 1970, the 1973 ring was made from 14-karat gold. It had a stone-set silver basketball on its face, with the recipient’s name, the Knicks logo, the Finals score, the year, and the NBA logo on its sides.

A closer look at Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s 1973 NBA Championship.

Former New York Knick Jerry Lucas auctioned off his 1973 ring, offering a detailed look. Per Grey Flannel Auctions, “This exquisite size 12.5, 14k gold player’s ring, weighing 40 grams, was presented to Jerry Lucas following the Knicks’ 1973 NBA Championship victory. The top panel proudly displays ‘NBA WORLD CHAMPIONS’ in relief, encircling a silver basketball adorned with a roughly .75-carat stone at its center. The right panel features ‘J. LUCAS’ above ‘NY-4, LA-1,’ accompanied by the Knicks logo, the facade of Madison Square Garden, and the word ‘DEFENSE.’ On the left panel, ‘1973’ is etched in relief around the official NBA logo. The inside of the ring is stamped ‘BALFOUR 14K,’ attesting to its authenticity and craftsmanship.”

What could the 2026 ring look like?

The last six years of NBA championship rings could offer some hints: Ornate, laden with gems, and featuring sentimental nods to the winning team.

In recent years, championship rings have become elaborate, highly personalized records of a team’s season. The Lakers’ 2020 ring, for example, used 804 stones and included a removable top; the Nuggets’ 2023 design featured a lever that revealed dates from the franchise’s history; and the Thunder’s 2025 ring had more than 800 gemstones and a removable inner band personalized with each player’s number and signature.

2025

Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder receives his championship ring.

2024

Boston Celtics C. Al Horford’s championship ring.

2023

Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets receives his championship ring.

2022

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors inspects his championship ring.

2021

Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango with oversized championship ring.

2020

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after receiving his 2020 NBA championship ring.

The New York Knicks will receive their rings tonight during the championship ring and banner ceremony at Madison Square Garden at 6:30 p.m. eastern. Their season opener game against the Philadelphia 76ers begins at 7 p.m. eastern.