Sparkling with 250 diamonds weighing a total of 4.10 carats, the Columbus Crew's 2023 MLS Cup ring celebrates the team's third championship and tells the story of an inspiring playoff campaign and a franchise steeped in soccer tradition.
The Crew’s journey to the MLS Cup was one of determination, resilience, tenacity and emotion. After multiple hard-fought matches leading up to a final showdown with defending champion LAFC, the Black & Gold emerged victorious and became one of only three clubs with three MLS titles (2008, 2020 and 2023).
“Like earning a championship, this ring is timeless and represents the meaningful moments, emotions and most importantly people who worked together to accomplish this exceptional goal, including our supporters,” said president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko.
Designed by Jostens, the 10-karat yellow gold ring features the Columbus Crew crest rendered in diamonds against a striking black background crafted from a custom-cut onyx. The 57 diamonds in the crest are symbolic of the club’s regular season point total — a number that tied an all-time franchise record.
The three beveled golden stars sitting just above the crest are a nod to the Crew’s three MLS Cups.
To the left and right of the crest is the phrase “MLS CUP CHAMPIONS” rendered in raised gold capital letters against a black background.
To honor a fanbase that helped create a tremendous home field advantage throughout the year, Jostens added a row of nine diamonds to the top and bottom of the ring top edges. When combined the 18 diamonds represent the club-best 18 MLS home matches played in front of capacity crowds at Lower.com Field in 2023.
The left side of the ring shows the player's name in raised gold letters against the backdrop of the iconic black-and-gold isometric brand pattern that’s also featured on the Crew’s VeloCITY jersey. Just below the player's name is a jersey number rendered in diamonds. Above the name are the words COLUMBUS CREW in raised gold letters on a black background.
The right side of the ring shows the 2023 “ALL TOGETHER NOW” mantra, as well as the championship year in raised gold lettering. The 29 diamonds that make up the MLS Cup pays homage to the club's status as MLS' "First Club," which is now embarking on its 29th season. Twenty-nine is also the number of franchises currently in the MLS. (The inaugural season included 10 teams). The background of the ring's right side also utilizes the isometric brand pattern.
The story of the season continues on the inside of the ring. This is where the results from the 2023 playoffs and abbreviations of the Crew's opponents are displayed next to the Crew smokestack.
The inner palm of the ring displays the date of the MLS Cup, 12-9-23, and the exterior palm features the phrase, “IMPOSSIBLE IS AN OPINION,” which is a quote shared by head coach Wilfried Nancy that deeply resonated with the team, supporters and the city.
“We appreciate Jostens’ care, thoughtfulness and craftsmanship to help design a ring that is fitting for the Crew’s incredible story in 2023 and winning our Club’s third MLS championship,” said Crew Vice President of Soccer Administration & Operations Jaime McMillan. “As MLS’ First Club, it was important to our team that this ring properly reflected our history, season and city, and Jostens did a fantastic job of incorporating those elements into an elegant presentation.”
Credits: Images courtesy of Jostens.