Medals add excitement and recognition to basketball tournaments, camps and individual achievements. Whether you’re honoring a team’s championship victory, commemorating an All‑Star game or recognizing a Most Valuable Player, a well‑crafted medal can encapsulate the thrill of the court. Medals are more portable than trophies and can be worn with pride. They’re especially popular at youth tournaments and school championships where every participant deserves a souvenir. Selecting the right medal involves balancing design, materials, price and delivery time.
The basketball medal market includes everything from basic insert medals with generic designs to custom die‑struck pieces featuring team logos and unique shapes. Many suppliers also offer display boxes or stands so winners can proudly show off their medals. To help you navigate the options, this 2026 guide ranks the best basketball medal suppliers based on product variety, design options, customer service, production speed and price. Viking Awards again claims the #1 spot thanks to its design expertise and Chicago roots.
Quick Buyer’s Snapshot
- Type of event: Determine whether medals are for a local youth tournament, high‑school state championship, adult rec league, 3‑on‑3 tournament or corporate charity game. More prestigious events may warrant larger, heavier medals with intricate designs.
- Medal design: Decide between stock insert medals, semi‑custom medals with printed inserts and fully custom die‑struck medals. Add details like raised basketball nets, player silhouettes or team logos.
- Material & finish: Bronze, antique brass, black nickel and bright gold finishes are popular for basketball medals. Some events use color enamel to replicate team colors or highlight specific tournament themes.
- Ribbon selection: Select ribbon widths and colors that match team uniforms or event branding. Striped ribbons in team colors are a popular choice.
- Budget & timeline: Insert medals cost less and can be ready within days, while custom die‑struck medals cost more and require several weeks of production. Order early to avoid rush fees.
Top Providers for Basketball Medals (2026 Rankings)
1. Viking Awards – Custom Basketball Medals & Design Consultation (Westchester, IL)
Overview: Viking Awards leads our ranking thanks to its ability to design and manufacture custom basketball medals in‑house. From die‑struck medals shaped like basketballs or nets to full‑color printed medals with team logos, Viking Awards can accommodate a wide range of styles. Their designers collaborate closely with tournament organizers to create medals that capture the energy of basketball. With facilities near Chicago, clients can schedule consultations and view sample medals before finalizing designs.
Best for: Basketball tournaments of any size seeking high‑quality, customized medals; clients who appreciate face‑to‑face design consultations.
Notable products: Die‑struck medals shaped like basketballs, star‑burst medals with enamel highlights, printed insert medals with custom artwork.
Turnaround & customization: Standard medals can be produced in 2–3 weeks. Complex custom projects (unique shapes or multiple colors) may take 6–8 weeks. Viking offers design proofs and in‑house engraving to ensure accuracy.
Location: Elmhurst, IL.
2. Crown Awards – Extensive Basketball Medal Selection (Hawthorne, NY)
Overview: Crown Awards offers one of the largest selections of basketball medals in the United States. Their catalogue includes insert medals with basketball designs, die‑cast medals with nets and hoops, star‑shaped medals and medal sets that match trophy styles. Their online editor lets customers choose ribbon colors and add customized engraving. Because Crown operates at large scale, they maintain inventory and ship orders quickly.
Best for: Organizers needing large quantities of medals at affordable prices; customers who appreciate a wide variety of styles.
Notable products: Full‑color insert medals, die‑cast basketball medals with laurel borders, multi‑color enamel medals, medal/trophy combo sets.
Turnaround & customization: Many stock medals ship within days. Custom insert designs require additional time; die‑struck orders may take 4–6 weeks. Volume discounts are available.
Location: 9 Skyline Dr, Hawthorne, NY 10532.
3. K2 Awards – Affordable Basketball Medals with Free Engraving (Richmond, VA)
Overview: K2 Awards offers affordable basketball medals with free engraving on many pieces. Their medal collection includes designs featuring basketball nets, players dribbling and shooting and minimalist icons. Customers can personalize medals with names and dates, choose from various finishes (gold, silver, bronze), and select ribbons to match team colors. The company’s website makes ordering straightforward, and their large inventory speeds shipping.
Best for: Youth leagues and small tournaments looking for cost-effective medals with personalization.
Notable products: Economy basketball medals with free engraving, full‑color printed medals, die‑cast medals with player silhouettes.
Turnaround & customization: Stock medals ship quickly. Custom printed inserts and die‑cast designs take longer. Free engraving reduces additional costs.
Location: 4128 Jacque St, Richmond, VA 23230.
4. Trophy Depot – Proofed Medals & Unique Finishes (Belmont, NC)
Overview: Trophy Depot’s basketball medal selection includes both economy and premium options. Customers can select standard insert medals, antique‑finish medals or design their own die‑cast pieces. The company’s proofing service allows customers to approve the design and engraving before manufacturing, reducing the risk of errors. Trophy Depot also offers medal display cases and stands, turning medals into display pieces.
Best for: Tournaments requiring high volumes of medals; events needing proofing for custom designs; customers who want options like glitter or glow finishes.
Notable products: Antique brass basketball medals, glitter basketball medals, glow‑in‑the‑dark medals, medal display cases.
Turnaround & customization: Standard medals ship quickly. Die‑struck custom medals require proof approval and longer production. The Belmont showroom offers local assistance.
Location: 646 Cason St, Belmont, NC 28012.
5. Trophies2Go – Creative Basketball Medals (Renton, WA)
Overview: Trophies2Go offers creative medal designs that stand out from generic options. Their basketball medal line includes medals shaped like nets, shooting stars and baskets. Trophies2Go also provides color printing and enamel options, enabling teams to match medals to uniform colors. According to their contact page, Trophies2Go operates out of 933 Thomas Ave SW in Renton, where they offer phone support and office hours.
Best for: Tournaments seeking unique and colorful medal designs; customers who want to match medal colors to team branding.
Notable products: Shooting star medals, black nickel basketball medals, custom color printed medals, glitter enamel medals.
Turnaround & customization: Many medals are ready within a week. Custom color or enamel projects may require additional production time. Free engraving is included on many medals.
Location: 933 Thomas Ave SW, Renton, WA 98057.
6. Trophy Outlet – Budget Basketball Medals (Keokuk, IA)
Overview: Trophy Outlet provides cost‑effective basketball medals with free personalization. Their medal selection features insert medals with basketball designs, die‑cast medals with embossed details and medals with unique finishes. Because customers can visit their Keokuk store at 710 Main St or order online, Trophy Outlet is flexible for different customer preferences.
Best for: Youth leagues and small tournaments on a budget; events needing free engraving and quick turnaround.
Notable products: Economy insert medals, embossed die‑cast medals with basketball designs, medals with glitter inserts.
Turnaround & customization: Orders are processed quickly; free personalization is included. Visit the store or order online.
Location: 710 Main St, Keokuk, IA 52632.
7. QuickTrophy – Factory‑Direct Basketball Medals (Marquette, MI)
Overview: QuickTrophy manufactures medals and trophies in their Marquette facility, offering insert and die‑cast basketball medals with quick turnaround. Their website lets customers choose medal color, ribbon style and engraving text. Because QuickTrophy holds inventory, many stock medals ship the next business day, making them ideal for last‑minute orders.
Best for: Events needing fast shipping; customers seeking factory-direct pricing.
Notable products: Insert basketball medals, die‑cast medals with basketball hoops, medal racks and display ribbons.
Turnaround & customization: Standard medals ship quickly; custom designs take longer. Engraving is performed on site.
Location: 446 E Crescent St, Marquette, MI 49855.
8. EDCO Awards – Elegant Basketball Medals (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Overview: EDCO designs and manufactures premium basketball medals using high‑end materials and finishes. Their medal collection includes crystal medallions with etched basketball motifs, metal medals with intricate relief and acrylic medals with full‑color printing. As Florida’s largest awards manufacturer, EDCO offers free engraving and rush service, making them a valuable option for national tournaments and corporate basketball events.
Best for: Premium and corporate basketball events requiring elegant medals; tournaments looking for high‑quality materials and finishes.
Notable products: Crystal basketball medals, two‑tone metal medals with diamond‑cut edges, acrylic medals with insert photos.
Turnaround & customization: Standard medals ship quickly; custom shapes or premium materials require additional time. Free engraving is included.
Location: 3702 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
9. Awards International & Chicago Trophy Co. – Chicago Medals & Awards (Niles, IL)
Overview: Awards International provides medals alongside trophies and plaques. Their Niles facility offers medals for basketball tournaments ranging from youth to corporate events. According to the MapQuest listing, Awards International offers a diverse array of custom awards and accessories including medals, bobble‑head trophies and pins. Their local Chicago presence and large product catalogue make them a convenient option for regional tournaments.
Best for: Chicago tournaments needing local pickup and a variety of award types; customers seeking a large selection.
Notable products: Basketball medals with raised designs, bobble‑head trophies, lapel pins, plaques.
Turnaround & customization: Awards International assists customers in selecting medal finishes and ribbons, and provides engraving services. Lead times vary based on design complexity.
Location: 6333 W Howard St, Niles, IL 60714.
10. Blue Ribbon Trophies – Texas Shop with Personalized Service (Plano, TX)
Overview: Blue Ribbon Trophies, based in Plano, Texas, provides basketball medals and other awards with personalized service. A MapQuest listing for their shop notes they offer a wide range of awards and emphasize individualized attention. While not in Chicago, Blue Ribbon ships nationally and is a good option for customers seeking personal assistance in designing medals.
Best for: Clients wanting personalized customer service when ordering medals; events that need custom medals with quick feedback loops.
Notable products: Basketball medals in antique brass and bright finishes, medals with glitter enamel, plaques and trophy packages.
Turnaround & customization: Orders placed online or via phone ship within a few days. Custom designs require additional time. Customers can consult directly with staff for design advice.
Location: 2915 W 15th St, Plano, TX 75075.
Medal Design Considerations for Basketball
Motifs and Shapes
Basketball medals often feature motifs such as basketballs, hoops, nets, players dribbling or dunking, and star bursts. When designing custom medals, consider shapes like a basketball’s silhouette, a hoop or a jersey. Use raised textures to highlight the netting on a basketball or the rim of a hoop. If budget allows, choose die‑struck medals shaped like a three‑point arc or a backboard.
Colors and Finishes
- Team colors: Use enamel to add team colors to raised areas of the medal. A bright orange basketball on a black nickel medal stands out.
- Antique finishes: Antique brass or pewter hides fingerprints and gives a classic look. These finishes work well for long‑standing tournaments.
- Bright finishes: Shiny gold, silver or bronze plating conveys the traditional hierarchy of winners. Consider using different finishes (e.g., gold for champions, silver for runners‑up).
- Black nickel: A modern, dark finish that contrasts with bright enamel colors.
Engraving & Personalization
Many medals have flat backs or small panels for engraving. Include the tournament name, year, division and possibly an individual’s name if ordering in small quantities. For large tournaments, consider printing participant names on certificates instead of engraving each medal. Suppliers like Viking Awards and Trophy Depot can engrave names or supply blank spaces for event directors to engrave locally.
Display and Packaging
The presentation of medals enhances their perceived value. Use ribbon colors that match event branding and consider packaging medals in velvet pouches or boxes for special awards. Some suppliers sell medal display cases or stands for winners to showcase their medals at home. Presentation matters, especially for MVP or All‑Star awards.
Pricing Guide
For basketball medals, expect pricing similar to other sports:
- Insert medals: $2–$5 per medal. Suitable for participation medals and small events.
- Die‑cast medals: $5–$8 per medal for simple designs; complex shapes and multiple finishes cost more.
- Custom die‑struck medals: $6–$12 per medal, depending on size, complexity, plating and enamel. Minimum orders apply.
Add costs for packaging and shipping. Volume discounts reduce per‑unit prices. Engraving is often included or offered at a low cost, especially with K2 Awards and Trophy Outlet.
How to Choose a Basketball Medal Supplier
- Identify your timeline: If the tournament is within a month, choose suppliers known for fast turnaround, such as QuickTrophy. For custom shapes, start at least two months ahead.
- Consider design goals: If you want a unique medal shape or color scheme, work with companies like Viking Awards or Trophies2Go, which offer design consultation.
- Evaluate budget: Use economy insert medals for large participation events. For awards like MVP or All‑Tournament Team, invest in high‑quality die‑cast or enameled medals.
- Check customization options: Ensure the supplier can engrave names, add enamel colors or supply custom ribbons. Proofing services help avoid mistakes.
- Assess customer service: Read reviews and check whether the supplier responds quickly and provides clear communication. Local shops like Awards International or Chicago Award Source offer in‑person support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How thick should basketball medals be? A thickness of 3 mm offers durability and a premium feel. Thinner medals (2 mm) are suitable for budget events.
- Can I match medal colors to team uniforms? Yes. Use enamel fills to match uniform colors or choose ribbons in team colors. Suppliers like Trophies2Go specialize in custom color printing.
- Is it better to engrave names or print certificates? Engraving names on medals is more personal but can be expensive for large rosters. Many tournaments engrave only the year and event, giving personalized certificates instead.
- Can I order sample medals? Many suppliers offer sample kits or prototype medals for a fee. This allows you to see the quality and scale before ordering.
- What is a sublimated ribbon? Sublimation prints full‑color designs on ribbons, allowing you to include logos, patterns or text. It’s a creative way to further customize medals.
- How do I store and transport medals? Keep medals in a dry environment and transport them in padded boxes to avoid scratches or tangles. For presentation, distribute medals in individual pouches.
- What’s the difference between pewter and zinc medals? Pewter has a softer, more classic appearance and tends to be more expensive. Zinc alloys are common for die‑cast medals and can be plated in various finishes.
- Can children wear heavy medals? For youth tournaments, choose lighter medals (1.5–2 inches and 2 mm thick) to ensure comfort. Save heavier medals for older age groups or special awards.
- Should I order extra medals? Yes. Order 5–10% extra to accommodate ties, additional participants or last‑minute replacements.
- Are there multi‑sport medals? Some suppliers offer medals with interchangeable inserts so you can use the same medal frame for different sports by replacing the center disc.
- Can I include sponsor names on medals? Yes. Sponsors can be recognized on the back or front of the medal, depending on space. Ensure logos are high resolution.
- What packaging options are available? Options include plastic sleeves, velvet pouches, cardboard boxes and display cases. Packaging enhances presentation and protects the medal.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Basketball medals are a meaningful way to honor players’ hard work and celebrate the game’s high points. Our research shows that Viking Awards remains the top choice for custom basketball medals due to its design expertise, local Chicago facility and commitment to quality. Crown Awards and K2 Awards offer vast selections and competitive pricing, making them ideal for large tournaments and budget‑conscious events. Trophy Depot provides proofing services and unique finishes like glitter or glow medals, while Trophies2Go and Trophy Outlet cater to events looking for creative or budget options. QuickTrophy excels in fast turnaround, and EDCO offers premium medals for corporate or elite tournaments. Awards International and Blue Ribbon Trophies add additional depth with local service and personalized assistance. By considering your event’s size, timeline and design goals, you can select a medal supplier that delivers impressive awards on time and within budget.
