Ten years ago today, on June 16, 2015, the Golden State Warriors achieved a monumental feat, triumphing over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to secure their first championship in 40 years. This victory wasn’t just a championship; it was the birth of a dynasty, ushering in an era of unprecedented success that would forever alter the landscape of the NBA. The return to The Bay, with the Larry O’Brien trophy in tow, marked the beginning of a celebration that reverberated throughout Northern California and across the basketball world. A decade later, to commemorate this pivotal moment in sports history, Michelob Ultra, a brand synonymous with celebrating active lifestyles and victory, unveiled something truly unique and reflective of the Warriors’ enduring legacy.
The 2015 championship was a watershed moment for the Warriors and the NBA. Led by a nascent superstar in Stephen Curry, the league’s MVP, alongside a burgeoning cast of talents like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the eventual Finals MVP Andre Iguodala, the Warriors played a revolutionary style of basketball. Their fast-paced, free-flowing offense, predicated on relentless three-point shooting and pinpoint passing, shattered conventional wisdom and paved the way for the modern NBA. The ‘Strength in Numbers’ mantra resonated deeply with fans, as a collective effort, rather than individual heroics, propelled them to glory. This championship was not merely a win; it was a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences and ignited a passion for the game in a new generation of fans.
Fast forward to June 19, 2025, exactly ten years since that iconic triumph. The Warriors, though now navigating a different phase of their dynastic cycle, remain an indelible part of NBA history. Recognizing the enduring impact of that 2015 victory, Michelob Ultra, the official global beer sponsor of the NBA, sought to create a commemoration that was as unique and pioneering as the team itself. They partnered with renowned artist and designer Victor Solomon to craft a limited-edition commemorative item that transcended traditional merchandise.
Victor Solomon is no stranger to the world of basketball artistry. He is the creative mind behind many of the NBA’s most iconic trophies, including the newly redesigned NBA Finals MVP trophy, the Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP trophy, and the Western Conference and Eastern Conference championship trophies. His work often blurs the lines between fine art, sports, and luxury, infusing basketball’s legacy with exquisite craftsmanship.
For the 10th anniversary of the Warriors’ 2015 championship, Michelob Ultra and Solomon collaborated to create a one-of-a-kind Michelob Ultra bottle infused with recycled gold from actual NBA championship trophies. This wasn’t merely a decorative bottle; it was a physical piece of basketball history, embodying the very essence of victory and legacy.
The design of this commemorative bottle was meticulously conceived to elevate it to the status of a trophy itself. Solomon explained his ambition was to “literally elevate this bottle to trophy status.” He built the design from the ground up:
- Dimensional Pattern on the Base: Inspired by Solomon’s own fine-art stained glass basketball backboards, the bottle’s base featured a unique dimensional pattern, adding tactile depth and an artistic flair.
- White Gradient: A white gradient was incorporated at the top of the bottle, symbolizing the “ascension to excellence” – a nod to the Warriors’ climb to the pinnacle of the NBA.
- Basketball-Inspired Pendant: The most striking feature was a wearable basketball-inspired pendant. This pendant was fabricated from recycled gold sourced directly from actual NBA trophy remnants. This ingenious touch meant that each bottle contained a literal piece of championship history. The pendant was specially formed to sit flush on the bottle’s surface, secured by Michelob Ultra’s signature ribbon.
The concept was brilliant in its execution. It allowed fans and collectors to own not just a commemorative item, but a tangible fragment of the very trophies that symbolized the Warriors’ historic triumph. This fusion of artistry, sustainability (through recycling trophy gold), and sports legacy made it truly unprecedented in sports marketing.
Michelob Ultra didn’t limit this unique creation to just the 2015 Warriors. In a broader campaign tied to the 2025 NBA Finals, they unveiled this 2025 championship bottle design through a 60-second film titled “Legacy.” This film honored not only the Golden State Warriors of the 2010s but also other legendary NBA dynasties such as the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, the 1990s Chicago Bulls, and the 2000s San Antonio Spurs. The commercial seamlessly blended iconic moments from these teams’ championship runs with glimpses of Solomon’s meticulous design process for the new bottle.
While the primary, gold-infused bottles were gifted to legendary NBA teams and the soon-to-be-crowned 2025 NBA Champions, Michelob Ultra also extended the celebration to fans. They created an exclusive fan edition of Solomon’s 2025 bottle design. These fan editions featured a similar wearable basketball pendant, though gold-plated and adorned with synthetic stones instead of recycled trophy gold, offering fans an opportunity to “get their hands on the DNA of the Championship” and celebrate their dedication. Fifteen lucky fans had the chance to win one of these unique collector’s items through Michelob Ultra’s Superior Access website, turning a brand commemoration into an interactive and highly coveted fan experience.
The initiative underscored Michelob Ultra’s commitment as a global beer sponsor of the NBA, aiming to create “unforgettable moments of celebration” for fans. By associating their product with such a profound moment in basketball history, and by doing so in such an innovative and artistically driven way, Michelob Ultra cemented its brand image as one that truly understands and celebrates the pinnacle of athletic achievement and the emotional connection fans have to their teams.
Ten years ago today, the Golden State Warriors returned to The Bay as champions, igniting a decade of unparalleled basketball. Today, Michelob Ultra’s unique commemorative bottle, infused with the very essence of victory and designed with artistic precision, serves as a fitting tribute to that transformative moment and the enduring legacy it created.
