How Much Does A Super Bowl Ring Cost?

Last Updated on March 11, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

In the world of championship sports jewelry, few trophies carry more prestige and value than the coveted Super Bowl ring. Awarded each year to the players, coaches, executives and staff of the winning Super Bowl team, these rings represent the pinnacle of achievement in American football. But what goes into the manufacturing, design, and valuation of these legendary rings? And what costs are involved in buying, selling, and collecting Super Bowl rings today?

Many intricate factors influence Super Bowl ring costs, from materials and customization to team legacies and player fame. By examining ring production, features, marketplace demand and more, football fans can better understand the substantial financial worth behind this top NFL prize.

How Much Does A Super Bowl Ring Cost?

On average, the cost for a Super Bowl Ring spans from $30,000 to $50,000+ to manufacture each ring. For rare player rings sold at auction, prices exceed $300,000 in some cases.

While the NFL covers up to $5,000 per ring, most championship franchises spend far beyond that creating luxury Super Bowl ring designs to commemorate their victory.

• The average per-ring cost for winning teams is $30,000 to $50,000+ based on size, materials used, and customization details. Teams typically order 150+ rings.
• Recent Super Bowl rings contain 10-15 carats of diamonds and 10-14 karat white or yellow gold. Far more expensive than typical jewelry pieces.
• Teams work closely with ring vendors like Jostens, Tiffany & Co, and Balfour to craft personalized designs with winning team logos, player names, slogans, and removable top pieces that become part of NFL lore. These special embellishments raise manufacturing costs.
• Certain teams have spent over $1 million producing Super Bowl rings for their entire roster and staff, especially for milestone victories like a franchise’s first championship.

According to Bustle, the production cost of Super Bowl rings typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per ring. For example, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2021 ring, designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, was valued at $35,000 and featured 319 diamonds. The NFL contributes $5,000 per ring for the first 150 rings, with the team covering additional costs. On the resale market, rings can fetch higher prices depending on their significance, with some selling for $40,000 to $50,000, and iconic players’ rings like Tom Brady’s potentially reaching $250,000.

On Bolavip, it is reported that Super Bowl rings are estimated to cost between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on the design and number of diamonds used. The NFL provides $5,000 to $7,000 per ring for up to 150 rings, while team owners cover the rest. Rings from notable players or teams can sell for significantly more on secondary markets.

The article on Fast Company highlights that modern Super Bowl rings can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000, with total team expenses exceeding $5 million for a full set of rings. The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Super Bowl rings reportedly cost players $11,000 each, deducted from their paychecks. These rings often feature hundreds of diamonds and intricate designs representing the team’s achievements.

Additionally, Radio Times notes that while the NFL contributes around $5,000 to $7,000 per ring, the actual production costs are much higher due to customizations like team logos and player names. Rings can later gain significant value based on their historical importance or player association.

Lastly, Finance Monthly reports that Super Bowl rings typically cost between $30,000 and $50,000 to produce. Some rings feature over 600 diamonds, such as the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 design with 613 diamonds totaling 16.1 carats. Rings from legendary players or significant games can command premium prices in auctions or private sales.

Certain Super Bowl Rings Are More Valuable

Specific attributes make certain Super Bowl rings considerably more valuable for collectors:

• Team prestige – Rings from historical franchises like the Steelers, Patriots, Cowboys, and 49ers command higher prices.
• Player legacy – Rings owned by Hall of Famers and superstars like Tom Brady or Joe Montana fetch astronomical sums at auction.
• Championship significance – Rings from upset victories, milestone Super Bowls, and first-time franchises winning attract higher bids.
• Design details – Special materials like colored diamonds or gold, flip-tops, secret messages, and movable parts increase value for unique rings.
• Era – Vintage rings from the first 10 Super Bowls are more valuable than modern rings due to lower production numbers and increased historical significance.

Super Bowl Ring Auctions

As pieces of NFL history, genuine Super Bowl rings consistently reach 5 to 6+ figure sales prices at auction:

• Player rings – Tom Brady’s Super Bowl LI ring sold for $344,927 in February 2022, the record for a modern era ring. Other player rings have commanded $100,000 to $300,000+ based on player fame and ring characteristics.
• Non-player rings – Rings awarded to coaches, executives, and support staff typically sell between $10,000 to $50,000 at auction. Significant appreciation over initial $5,000
• Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, SCP Auctions, and Goldin facilitate sales of the rarest Super Bowl rings to wealthy collectors.
• Lesser-known player rings or replica rings made with cheaper materials still sell for $3,000 to $10,000 – expensive keepsakes but more accessible to fans.

Where Can You Buy a Super Bowl Ring?

For fans hoping to own a Super Bowl ring, the options are limited but possible:

• The best place to find authentic rings is at sports memorabilia auctions. Heritage Auctions, SCP Auctions, and Goldin hold annual NFL auctions featuring certified Super Bowl rings.
• Private individual sales between collectors also occur, but rarely. Few players publicly sell their rings due to sentimental value. Building relationships and connections within collecting communities can sometimes lead to special off-market ring acquisition opportunities.
• In the past, team ring ceremonies allowed fans to purchase scaled down replica rings directly from the franchise. However, most teams no longer offer this special purchase option. Past ring replicas sold for around $300 to $500.
• eBay and pawn shops occasionally have rings, but caution is urged. Thoroughly confirming authenticity, materials, and craftsmanship is crucial before purchasing any ring.

Spotting Fake Super Bowl Rings

With such high auction values, Super Bowl rings also attract counterfeiters trying to fool unsuspecting buyers. Warning signs that a ring may be fake:

• Poor quality materials, noticeable misspellings, and improper team logos on the design. Authentic Super Bowl rings meet extraordinarily high craftsmanship standards.
• Missing unique serial number engraved inside the band. All genuine rings contain an individual serial number marking.
• Incorrect team name, player name, or championship year details. Fakes often have the wrong franchise, player, or season info.
• Unrealistically low pricing well below documented market rates. Authentic player rings sell for no less than $10,000 in most cases.

Reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions offer ring authentication services using gemologists, researchers, and experts to protect buyers from wasting money on worthless counterfeit rings.

Also read about the cost of Super Bowl ticket prices.

Primary Collectors Interested

The market of individuals pursuing Super Bowl rings is exclusive and elite:

• Wealthy sports memorabilia collectors seeking centerpieces for their football collections look to procure player rings from all eras, especially rings connected to legends.
• High net worth investors view particularly significant rings as alternative high-value assets when building diversified memorabilia investment portfolios.
• Former NFL players and coaches themselves occasionally re-enter the market to buy back rings from teammates or rings celebrating historic teams and games.
• Avid NFL franchise fans with deep pockets sometimes pursue special player rings directly linked to their favorite team’s legacy.

Expert Analysis

Ken Goldin, Founder of Goldin Auctions provides unique perspective on the Super Bowl ring marketplace:

“NFL legends like Joe Montana and Tom Brady have amassed so many historic rings, other examples from their careers don’t command quite the same multiples as their most important rings. Yet for obscure players, any Super Bowl ring reaches six-figures now based on scarcity regardless of team success.”

Mark Drucker, NFL Memorabilia Appraiser and Broker offers additional insight:

“Craftsmanship quality has improved with modern rings. So vintage 60s and 70s rings have more collectibility for early designs and stories behind them. I always tell buyers to focus more on the historical significance of a ring rather than just the diamonds and gold content.”

Final Words

Manufacturing costs for teams range $30,000 – $50,000+ for recent rings with 10-15 carats of diamonds and gold. For fans, owning any authentic piece of Super Bowl history may be priceless beyond its financial value.

In the end, Super Bowl rings carry deep financial worth, but even greater emotional value for those commemorated in these lavish championship trophies. The rings ultimately represent the pinnacle of dedication across an entire NFL organization. That unmatched lifetime significance will continue translating into equally substantial ring costs and desirability for collectors well into the future.

Answers to Common Questions

Do Super Bowl winners have to pay for their rings?

No. The NFL covers up to $5,000 per ring for up to 150 rings awarded to players, coaches, executives and staff of the Super Bowl winning team. The franchise pays any manufacturing costs beyond the $5,000-per-ring budget if designing a more expensive luxury ring.

Do you get a Super Bowl ring even if you lose?

No. Only members of the winning team receive official Super Bowl rings designed by the franchise. However, losing players will sometimes create their own unofficial runner-up rings to commemorate their Super Bowl appearance.

Is a Super Bowl ring real diamond?

Yes. Authentic Super Bowl rings contain genuine diamonds and precious stones – usually 6-10 carats total per ring. Championship diamonds enhance the rings’ luxury prestige. Some teams incorporate colored sapphire or ruby stones as well for unique designs.