Kobe Bryant's 2000 NBA Championship Ring Sells for Nearly $1 Million USD

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has set a new sports memorabilia record. Goldin Auctions has officially sold Bryant's 2000 NBA championship for a final and record price of $927,200 USD. The first championship for Bryant, the ring has broken the previously set record of Bill Russell's 1957 championship ring which sold for $705,000 USD in 2021. Taking to X to announce the record-breaking sale, Goldin has now sold the most expensive NBA title ring.

The ring was gifted by Kobe to his father Joe. Goldin took to X to clarify that this was "the same ring originally cosigned to Goldin by the Bryant Family in 2013 & the new owner (NOT Joe Bryant) is our cosignor." In a statement, Goldin also said, "Obtained directly from the Bryant family, this ring is a true one-of-a-kind, and we can confirm that it is the only championship ring ever given by Kobe to his father." 43 bids were placed on Bryant's ring. The ring features 40 diamonds set on a 14-karat piece and features the No. 8, which he wore in the first half of his career. The side of the ring features the 67-15 record for the Lakers' regular season that year, as well as its 15-8 postseason record. The Lakers won their 2000 title by beating the Indiana Pacers in six games.

The sale of the ring has received much controversy as many sports fans believe that the memorabilia is a part of NBA history. In 2013, Kobe publicly sued his parents for trying to sell too much of his NBA memorabilia. This also included his 2000 NBA Championship ring. At the time, his parents released a statement apologizing, "We regret our actions and statements related to the Kobe Bryant auction memorabilia. We apologize for any misunderstanding and unintended pain we have caused our son and appreciate the financial support he has provided over the years." It was no surprise that his relationship with his parents was strained. Dating back to 2001, Bryant's now-iconic photo of him holding the Larry O'Brien trophy in the locker room looking deep in thought post-championship was revealed to be because he was upset his parents did not attend the finals after disapproving of his marriage to Vanessa Bryant.

Goldin has made a record-breaking sale with the ring and it is unsure who is the new owner. Take a look above and below.