MLS Unveils Redesigned Championship Trophy Named For Anschutz

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The redesigned MLS Cup trophy created by Tiffany & Co. was unveiled yesterday in N.Y. and was renamed the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy, in honor of AEG Chair Phil Anschutz. The trophy was renamed following a recommendation by Revolution Owner Robert Kraft at the last MLS BOG meeting. Kraft felt that something should be done to honor and recognize Anschutz, who owned six MLS teams at one time. MLS Commissioner Don Garber reached out to Alan Rothenberg, who the original MLS Cup trophy was named in honor of, and asked for his permission to make the change. Garber said another MLS award will be named in honor of Rothenberg, an announcement of which will be made in the coming weeks. Garber: "Alan understands the role Phil Anschutz played in the league today. (Rothenberg) will be recognized in a way honoring the role he played in founding the league" (Tripp Mickle, SportsBusiness Journal). The new trophy features 11 facets on the front and back, symbolizing the 22 players that participate in a soccer match. The bottom of the trophy features a map of North America, with a star identifying the location of each MLS market (THE DAILY). But ESPN's Tony Kornheiser said of the trophy, "It looks like a blender" ("PTI," ESPN, 10/29).

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