In 2022, the stakes at the Las Vegas Summer League championship game become even higher.
Introduced in 2013, the Summer League championship has taken on greater meaning in recent years, with trophies and t-shirts handed out to the winning team. This year, members of the winning team will receive championship rings, a Summer League first.
As Summer League action got underway, ESPN's Malika Andrews provided a first look at the rings, which are complete with a number of notable details.
For the first time, rings will be handed out to the Summer League champions. We got an exclusive look on NBA Today. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/HovjFNXKFE
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 8, 2022
In a series of three photos, Andrews provided an in-depth look at the ring, which was crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Atop the ring is "2022 NBA Summer League Champions," complete with the official Summer League logo and an abundance of diamonds.
MORE: Complete list of Las Vegas Summer League champions
The first side view of the ring reads "Champions," and features an image of Las Vegas' Thomas & Mack Center, which is the site of the Summer League championship game. The "7.17.22" on the ring represents the championship game being played on July 17, 2022.
The Vegas theme is prominent as the ring's other side reads "Las Vegas" above an image of the Summer League championship trophy and the year 2022.
While the ring is to commemorate Summer League action, it's certainly worthy of a second look. The ring itself compares rather favorably to a Heat championship ring from winning the NBA Finals.
The 2022 NBA Summer League championship will be decided between the Knicks and Trail Blazers on Sunday, July 17. The winner receives the glory and the rings.
How to watch Las Vegas Summer League Championship Game
When: Sunday, July 17
Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app | fuboTV | Sling TV
The Summer League Championship game between the Knicks and Trail Blazers will be played at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 17. In the United States, the game will air on ESPN.
Viewers in the U.S. can also stream the Summer League championship on the ESPN app, fuboTV or Sling TV.
Which teams have won the Summer League Championship?
- 2021 — Sacramento Kings
- 2020 — No Tournament (COVID-19)
- 2019 — Memphis Grizzlies
- 2018 — Portland Trail Blazers
- 2017 — Los Angeles Lakers
- 2016 — Chicago Bulls
- 2015 — San Antonio Spurs
- 2014 — Sacramento Kings
- 2013 — Golden State Warriors
