12 Forgotten Sports Trophies That Were Retired or Replaced
A look at sports trophies that once held prestige but have since been replaced or retired.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Over time, even the most coveted sports trophies can fade into obscurity. Some were redesigned to match modern aesthetics, while others disappeared due to changes in the sport itself. This list highlights 12 trophies that once symbolized greatness but have since been retired or replaced. Their stories serve as reminders of how sports traditions evolve.
1. The Challenge Cup (Early NHL Trophy)
Dan Perez on Wikimedia Commons
Before the Stanley Cup became hockey’s ultimate prize, the Challenge Cup determined NHL champions. This trophy was retired as the league expanded and formalized its championship system. While few remember it today, it paved the way for one of the most iconic trophies in sports.
2. The Intercontinental Cup
BugWarp on Wikimedia Commons
Once the deciding trophy for the world’s best soccer club, the Intercontinental Cup was replaced by the FIFA Club World Cup in 2005. Though it no longer determines global supremacy, its winners remain part of soccer history.
3. The America’s Cup Original Trophy
Peter Trimming on Wikimedia Commons
Yachting’s America’s Cup has a long history, and its original trophy has been retired in favor of a modernized version. The competition remains prestigious, but the first trophy is a piece of maritime history now tucked away.
4. The BCS National Championship Trophy
Matt Velazquez on Wikimedia Commons
College football fans were once obsessed over the crystal football given to BCS champions. With the introduction of the College Football Playoff, this iconic trophy became a thing of the past. Though gone, it still sparks debate among fans of the old system.
5. The NBA Finals First-Ever Trophy
Staff Sgt. Crystal Housman on Wikimedia Commons
Before the Larry O’Brien Trophy became the NBA’s top prize, an earlier trophy was awarded to champions. As the league grew in popularity, it needed a more modern and marketable symbol of excellence. The first trophy, though forgotten, was part of basketball’s early years.
6. The Walker Cup (Golf)
Moth3121 on Wikimedia Commons
This historic golf trophy was awarded in early amateur competitions but was eventually phased out. The sport evolved with more prestigious trophies, leaving the Walker Cup as a relic of golf’s past. Today, it is remembered as a symbol of early golf excellence.
7. The Coupe des Nations (Cycling)
Prades on Wikimedia Commons
Once a prestigious prize in cycling, this trophy was retired as the sport’s competitions were restructured. Though no longer awarded, it played a role in shaping international cycling events. Its legacy still lingers among dedicated cycling enthusiasts.
8. The FA Charity Shield (Renamed Community Shield)
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
English football’s Charity Shield was a cherished prize before being rebranded as the Community Shield. Though its purpose remained the same, its original name and form are now history. Fans still associate it with classic football showdowns.
9. The Jules Rimet Trophy (Original FIFA World Cup)
Abel Lafleur on Wikimedia Commons
The first FIFA World Cup trophy, named after FIFA’s former president, was awarded from 1930 to 1970. After Brazil’s third win, they kept it permanently, but it was later stolen and never recovered. The World Cup trophy was redesigned, and the original is now a mystery.
10. The Wightman Cup (Women’s Tennis)
Associated Press on Wikimedia Commons
This trophy was once the pinnacle of the women’s tennis rivalry between the U.S. and Britain. After decades of competition, it was discontinued in 1989 due to dwindling interest. Though retired, it represents an era when women’s team tennis was fiercely competitive.
11. The Dewar Trophy (Early Auto Racing)
Thomas W. Cahill on Wikimedia Commons
One of the earliest auto racing awards, the Dewar Trophy recognized technological innovation in motorsports. As racing evolved, the trophy faded into history but remains a symbol of automotive progress. Today, it is more of a collector’s item than a prize.
12. The Thomas Dewar Cup (Rugby)
Thomas W. Cahill on Wikimedia Commons
This rugby trophy was once awarded to standout teams but eventually became obsolete. Changes in tournament structures and league formats led to its retirement. Though forgotten, it holds a place in rugby’s rich history.