A World Series ring is typically worth $20,000 to $40,000 at the jeweler’s cost, with recent championship rings carrying more than 200 diamonds plus sapphires or rubies in team colors, and teams order several hundred of them. The club pays for the rings, not MLB, and the ring itself is a gift, though players owe income tax on its value. Resale prices for player rings run far higher, often $100,000 or more at auction, because of the name engraved on the side.
What the Ring Is Worth, and to Whom
| Measure | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Cost to make | $20,000 to $40,000 per ring for the player version |
| Materials | 14 karat gold, 200 to 300 diamonds, colored stones for team colors, weighing 60 to 100 grams |
| Rings ordered | Several hundred to more than 1,000, in tiers of quality for players, staff and front office |
| Total team spend | Several million dollars |
| Auction value | $50,000 to several hundred thousand for a player’s ring, depending on the player and year |
Who Gets One
Every player on the roster gets a top tier ring, as do coaches, the manager and the front office. Teams also give lower tier versions, with fewer or cubic zirconia stones, to scouts, minor league staff, clubhouse workers and sometimes season ticket holders and sponsors. Players who were traded away midseason usually still receive one if they spent significant time with the club.
Who Pays
The team covers the cost as a championship expense. MLB has no ring allowance the way the NFL does for Super Bowl rings, so the design and budget are entirely the club’s choice, which is why recent rings have grown larger and more elaborate each year. Rings are presented at a home game early the following season.
Related
MLB playoff shares explained · World Series odds · How much an MLB baseball costs · MLB playoff bracket
Ring details are drawn from team announcements published on MLB.com and manufacturer descriptions from Jostens.