Michelob ULTRA Puts Real NBA Trophy Gold in Limited-Edition Bottles

Michelob ULTRA’s newest campaign puts trophy gold where fans can actually hold it.

To celebrate the 2025 NBA Finals, the AB InBev brand has teamed up with acclaimed designer Victor Solomon for a limited-edition release of a Michelob ULTRA bottle.

The "2025 NBA Championship Michelob ULTRA Bottle" is not just a tribute to victory; it’s physically made with it.

Best known for his work designing NBA trophies, Solomon elevated the beer bottle into a keepsake.

He crafted a basketball pendant from recycled NBA trophy gold and embedded it into each design. 

“I approached the opportunity with an ambition to literally elevate this bottle to trophy status,” he said.

The design features a gradient white sleeve symbolizing “ascension to excellence,” with a diamond-seamed gold pendant that sits flush against the glass.

The pendant, wrapped in the brand’s signature red ribbon, is meant to be removed and worn, giving fans a literal piece of championship DNA.

“It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity for fans to get their hands on the DNA of the Championship to celebrate in their own way,” Solomon added.

This isn't the first time that the beer brand is collaborating with the NBA.

It recently took over 26 NBA and team storefronts across the U.S., turning them into Michelob ULTRA billboards.

Meanwhile, Michelob ULTRA SVP of Marketing Ricardo Marques said this latest initiative is about more than aesthetics.

“We’re proud that through this collaboration with Victor Solomon and the league, Michelob ULTRA can continue to elevate these special moments in basketball culture.”

Embedding itself into the height of the NBA season, the beer brand strengthens its bond with the people who bring passion and personality to the game.

It’s a move that celebrates the fans, not just the sport, recognizing their role in shaping the experience both on and off the court.

A Trophy for Every Fan

The collaboration debuted with a 60-second film titled “Legacy,” aired during Game One of the NBA Finals.

It pays tribute to iconic eras and franchises by intercutting NBA highlight reels with scenes of Solomon’s artistic process.

These eras include the ‘80s Lakers, ‘90s Bulls, 2000s Spurs, and 2010s Warriors. 

Each of these four teams will receive a premium edition of the bottle, which features a removable, diamond-studded pendant made with actual NBA trophy gold.

The pendant includes 25 diamonds and is designed to resemble a basketball’s surface.

Fifteen lucky fans will also get their hands on a fan version of the bottle.

While slightly different in materials, the gold-plated pendant still offers a collectible-worthy nod to the championship.

Fans can enter to win through Michelob ULTRA’s Superior Access website.

The 2025 @michelobULTRA@NBA Championship Bottle in all its glory. ​

Check out @victorsolomon's superior work of art. pic.twitter.com/uf8Br9yiHe

— Michelob ULTRA (@MichelobULTRA) June 5, 2025

To round off the campaign, ULTRA will unveil a celebratory “Superior” TV commercial honoring the 2025 NBA champions.

The ad will mirror the journey of the team alongside Solomon’s creative process, drawing a parallel between forging a trophy season and designing the ultimate bottle.

Our Take: A Win for the Fans Too?

This campaign isn’t just clever because it’s giving away something valuable.

It’s smart because it taps into how we treat physical objects as proof of belonging.

A pendant made from real trophy gold? That’s more than merch. It’s a symbol of access.

In an era where everything is digital and fleeting, Michelob ULTRA is giving fans something tangible to hold.

That’s a brand marketing strategy rooted not just in storytelling, but in physical memory.

Recently, Michelob ULTRA also launched a spot starring football legend Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. 

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