Ahead of the season opener against Atlanta United, the Columbus Crew players, staff, and club personnel received their championship rings to celebrate the team’s third MLS Cup, making them the third most winningest team in MLS. 

After enduring challenging matchups, including two 120 matches against Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati and the final against LAFC, Columbus emerged victorious under first-year head coach Wilfried Nancy. 

The Club partnered with Jostens to create the championship ring to celebrate the 2023 season. 

“Jostens is tremendously honored to have been selected by the Columbus Crew to celebrate this chapter in their franchise’s history,” said Chris Poitras, SVP and GM of Jostens Professional Sports Division. 

“The Crew have a distinct logo and colors that are incredibly important to their organization. It was an exciting challenge to bring their look to life, and we are proud to unveil this truly stunning ring.”

About the ring

The crest of the Crew is created with a black stone just under the “C,” which is made of 57 diamonds, symbolizing the Crew’s total regular season points, which made them tie for an all-time franchise record. An additional 139 diamonds are shown on the ring top. Three beveled golden stars are placed along the top of the ring to celebrate the three MLS Cups Columbus has won. “MLS CUP CHAMPIONS” is displayed on the left and right sides of the ring top. 

In addition, nine diamonds shine at the top and bottom of the ring’s top edges, combining 18 diamonds that symbolize the Club’s best 18 MLS home matches played in front of capacity crowds at home in 2023. The bottom left edge of the ring reads “COLUMBUS CREW,” and the right features the 2023 playoff campaign mantra “ALL TOGETHER NOW.” 

The players’ names are on the top left of the ring, with their jersey number below, with the team’s font and made with diamonds. The background of the ring’s left side is the black & gold isometric pattern, which also features on the Club’s VeloCITY kit. 

The MLS Cup trophy is shown in white gold on the right side, featuring 29 diamonds, honoring the League’s First Club and the teams that follow to the present day. The year “2023” is placed on the sides of the MLS Cup, which again is donned by the black & gold brand pattern. 

Moving to the inside of the ring, which lists results and team abbreviations from the 2023 playoffs, are displayed next to the Crew smokestack. The home ground — Lower.com Field — is also honored on the ring’s interior, showing the MLS Cup Final date, 12-9-23. Words that say “IMPOSSIBLE IS AN OPINION” are etched at the bottom of the exterior. 

Approximately 250 diamonds, tallying 4.10 carats, will be worn on the fingers of the 2023 MLS Cup champions, the Columbus Crew. 

“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,” claimed President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. 

“It is also noteworthy to celebrate this achievement and our Club’s history with the coaches, players, and fans at Lower.com Field, where we had so much success throughout the year and ultimately lifted the trophy in December.