Helping to bring the National Basketball Association to Canada, heading the Toronto Raptors franchise, and building the Air Canada Centre earned UWindsor alumnus Richard Peddie (BComm 1970, LLD 2001) recognition from the team after its historic 2019 title run: a championship ring.

The championship was the first ever for Canada’s only NBA team and the ring has made history, too — as the largest in the league. It contains 640 diamonds and 17 rubies; its face displays the Toronto skyline and the NORTH chevron.

The rings are entirely Canadian-made and the gold and diamonds are sourced in Canada. The Tecumseh-based manufacturer, Baron Rings, offers replicas and related items to fans.

Peddie became head of the Raptors organization in 1996 and served 14 years as president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment after its 1998 acquisition of the team. He founded and remains active in the Richard Peddie Leadership Initiative at the Odette School of Business.