Jostens’ Chris Poitras on OKC’s Championship Necklaces for Players’ Wives
Jostens executive Chris Poitras reveals how the OKC Thunder designed special championship necklaces for players’ wives and partners, honoring the support systems behind their historic season.
Chris Poitras details the design and meaning behind OKC’s championship necklaces gifted to players’ wives. Courtesy of Facebook
One of the leading figures in the world of championship jewelry is Chris Poitras, who also serves as the General Manager and Senior Vice President of Jostens’ Professional Sports Division. His work with championship teams across professional sports has helped define the visual identity of victory itself, including rings, pendants, and commemorative pieces that symbolize legacy.
During his exclusive interview with LandonBuford.com, Poitras discussed an incredibly significant project: the design of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship necklaces by The Championship Collective. Shortly after the team’s ring ceremony, the organization gives it to the wives and partners of players. The gesture captured widespread attention across social media, particularly after Kourtney Kellar Hartenstein commented ‘The best surprise!!’ on WAGTalk’s Instagram, confirming just how memorable the moment was.
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This article takes readers behind the scenes of the design, strategy, and craftsmanship. The cultural significance of the Thunder’s decision reveals what this unprecedented gesture says about the organization’s mindset and the future of championship celebrations.
Honoring the Support System Behind Every Champion
They built championships through teamwork, sacrifice, and relentless commitment from everyone involved, not just the athletes. The emotional and physical demands of a tough season are often guided through by families, partners, and spouses, who play an unseen yet fundamental role. The Thunder’s decision to gift personalized championship necklaces is rooted in this truth. To celebrate every victory, the organization chose to honor the families that stand unwaveringly behind their players.
The Thunder’s collaboration with The Champions Collective and Jostens, according to Poitras, had an emotional dimension recognized from the start. The development of the team’s official championship rings naturally led to discussions about how the organization could identify those who supported the players every day. It meant the necklaces were to send a message, not just an afterthought. The Thunder’s championship was a collective effort, not a personal accomplishment, according to this message. The message is that love, support, sacrifice, and resilience are the roots of every moment of triumph.
Behind the Design: Maintaining the Integrity of a Championship Symbol
Jostens’ goal was to create a piece that would reflect the ring’s soul while being a standalone symbol of partnership and unity. The pendant design replicated the fundamental elements of the championship ring, reflecting the team colors, championship iconography, and the same timeless visual language that Thunder players wear with pride. Players added a customizable backside, allowing them to include a message, date, initials, or a personal inscription meaningful to their partner.
This level of personalization elevated the pendant beyond simple jewelry. It became a keepsake that held emotional value. Poitras emphasized the intentionality of every detail. The necklaces evoked a sense of luxury, symbolism, and deep personal significance due to the craftsmanship involved in their metal composition, stone alignment, and pendant placement on the chain. At the same time, it upholds the same elite standards as the team itself.
A Gesture of Appreciation Rooted in the Thunder’s Culture
This type of gift is rare in professional sports. Team members may give speeches or acknowledgments to families, but physical championship jewelry, explicitly designed for partners, is uncommon and powerful. The Thunder’s decision is a reflection of their organizational identity: a culture founded on gratitude, respect, inclusivity, and shared achievement. Poitras stated that the Thunder leadership aimed to ensure that every player could give this meaningful gift in their own unique way.
The pendants were delivered to players privately after the ring ceremony game for this reason. Each athlete had the opportunity to surprise their partner directly, making the moment intimate, sincere, and unforgettable. The players’ reactions summed up the gesture’s thoughtfulness: they were stunned, grateful, and deeply moved. The partners received their necklaces and were overwhelmed with emotion. It wasn’t just a present—it was confirmation. Evidence that their contributions and sacrifices had an impact.
The Thunder’s Approach Sets a New Standard in Professional Sports
Oklahoma City’s accomplishments extend beyond jewelry. This philosophy emphasizes that a championship belongs to everyone who contributed to its success. The Thunder demonstrated that a shared success can thrive in an industry often centered on individual recognition.
That support systems matter. Those families deserve to be celebrated, too. Poitras pointed out that although Jostens consistently offers suggestions to help teams recognize their entire organization, it takes a forward-thinking franchise to embrace inclusive gestures at this level. Their willingness to innovate is a reflection of their values, leadership, and commitment to holistic excellence. The goal is not solely to win games, but also to establish a culture that makes everyone connected to the team feel appreciated, visible, and valued.
To gain a deeper understanding of the intention, symbolism, and execution of these unique championship necklaces, you can now explore the creative process, organizational thinking, and emotional impact behind the Thunder’s unprecedented gesture by accessing an exclusive Q&A section with Chris Poitras.
How did the idea to gift championship necklaces to the players’ wives and partners first come about?
It was clear from the beginning how important the wives and significant others were to the organization. As The Champions Collective collaborated with the OKC Thunder on the team award rings, we also presented pendants as an option. The Thunder wanted to honor and celebrate each player’s contribution and felt it was essential to also provide them with the pendant as a gift they could share with their closest supporter.
What was the inspiration behind the design and concept of the necklaces?
It really inspired the team to keep the integrity of the ring design for the pendant. As another personal touch to each piece, the players could select the personalization for the backside of the pendant.
How involved were the players or their families in the creative process?
The surprise needed to be complete for both the player and their significant other. Working closely with ownership and key executives, the design of the pendant naturally evolved from the player award ring.
Was there a particular person—perhaps a player, executive, or jeweler—who first proposed celebrating the wives and partners with their own championship jewelry?
We always present ideas to our partners to celebrate the entire organization, and the pendant was an idea that we initially shared with them. The Thunder ownership and executive team recognized the significance of celebrating each player’s contribution. They felt it was essential to provide them with a pendant as a gift they could share.
What message did the Thunder hope to send by including the families in the championship celebration?
The Thunder organization’s values and culture are unparalleled. They understand the dedication and time that the players put in and feel it is essential to recognize the support system around them.
Were the necklaces presented during a private event or as part of the larger ring ceremony? What were their reactions?
The pendants were presented to the players privately on the night of the ring ceremony. Players were blown away and appreciated receiving the personalized pendant in addition to their ring. The Thunder wanted the player to present it to their significant other in their own meaningful way.
In professional sports, these kinds of gestures are rare—what do you think it says about the Thunder’s culture and values as an organization?
It reflects an organization that prioritizes inclusivity and recognition — understanding that a championship is a collective achievement that extends beyond the court.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
