Michelob ULTRA Turns New York Knicks Championship Court Into 2,026 Limited-Edition Bottle Openers

Michelob ULTRA is turning a piece of the New York Knicks’ 2026 championship run into a collectible fans can actually hold, creating a limited series of bottle openers made from hardwood taken from the official NBA Finals court. Dubbed the Knicks Championship Opener, the collectible was created as the Knicks prepare to raise their first championship banner in 53 years. Michelob ULTRA, the Official Beer Sponsor of both the NBA and the New York Knicks, produced 2,026 of the limited-edition openers to commemorate the team’s 2026 title.

The openers are more than simply Knicks-branded merchandise. Michelob ULTRA says pieces of the actual Finals hardwood were transformed into the commemorative collectibles, giving each one a direct physical connection to the court used during the championship series.

The first pieces went to some of the people who helped create the atmosphere around the Knicks’ playoff run. Knicks legends Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and John Wallace visited New York City bars to hand-deliver the bottle openers to bartenders, along with tickets for the upcoming season. Michelob ULTRA documented the surprise deliveries in a new film titled Michelob ULTRA Presents: Knicks Championship Opener feat. Earl Monroe and John Wallace.

John Wallace, New York Knicks legend said: “It means everything to team up with Michelob ULTRA and celebrate those behind the bar, because they don’t get as much recognition and were just as an integral part of everything that was going on in New York. This past summer was such an incredible time to be a New Yorker, and we’re hoping for that same feeling again this year.”

Fans will also have an opportunity to get one of the 2,026 pieces. Beginning October 19, eligible fans can participate through Michelob ULTRA’s Superior Access platform by commenting with #ULTRACourtside and #Sweepstakes on the brand’s dedicated Instagram post. The sweepstakes runs through October 26 and is open to U.S. residents age 21 and older, with no purchase necessary.

The hardwood openers are only one part of Michelob ULTRA’s Knicks championship celebration. The company has also released limited-edition commemorative packaging featuring the Knicks logo and Larry O’Brien Trophy. Michelob ULTRA’s familiar red banner has been redesigned as a Knicks championship banner on the special packaging. The championship design is appearing on 25-ounce cans and 16-ounce aluminum bottles at select stores throughout the greater New York City area for a limited time. Unlike the bottle openers, the packaging is being offered through normal retail channels rather than through the Superior Access promotion.

Michelob ULTRA is also launching a “Raise One Up” campaign timed to the Knicks raising their championship banner at Madison Square Garden. A new film recounting the team’s title run will debut on NBC during the Knicks’ opening game broadcast, while championship-themed advertising featuring the special cans will appear around Madison Square Garden, Penn Station and Times Square.