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The basketballs used in the NBA have been orange since the late 1950s. However, before this, basketballs were brown. The change was made because the brown balls were hard to see during games. The ABA used red, white, and blue basketballs until they merged with the NBA in 1976. The WNBA uses orange and oatmeal-colored basketballs, which were chosen to help brand the league and because they made the rotation of the shot more visible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of change | Late 1950s |
| Previous colours | Brown, red, white, blue, pink, cream |
| Reason for change | Improved visibility |
| First use | 1958 NCAA Finals |
| Other leagues | ABA used red, white, and blue basketballs until the league merged with the NBA in 1976 |
| WNBA ball colour | Orange and white/oatmeal |
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What You'll Learn
The original basketball colour was brown
The original basketball was constructed with fur leather pieces, which were altered into eight leather bits. This gave the ball a brownish colour. The first basketball was also quite heavy, with a diameter of 32 inches, which was later reduced to 30 inches in 1948.
Over time, improvements were made to the ball, and the National Basketball League adopted this new design as its official ball. However, the colour remained brown, and it wasn't until 1957 that a campaign to change the colour gained traction.
Butler University basketball coach Tony Hinkle is credited with initiating the colour change. He complained that fans and players struggled to see the ball during games due to its darker shades. This issue impacted players' scores and prompted Hinkle to collaborate with Spalding and Bros to develop a more visible ball.
The new orange-coloured basketball was introduced in 1958 during the NCAA championships. The change improved visibility, and soon, major leagues like the NCAA and NBA adopted the new colour. However, not all competitions immediately switched to orange. The ABA, for example, used red, white, and blue basketballs until they merged with the NBA in 1976.
The colour change from brown to orange significantly enhanced the visibility of the ball, addressing the issues raised by Coach Hinkle and improving the overall playing experience for both players and spectators.
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Players struggled to see the brown ball
The game of basketball has come a long way since its inception. The sport has undergone several changes, including the ball's size and material, and, most notably, its colour. The basketball of today is instantly recognisable for its bright orange hue, but before the 1950s, basketballs were typically brown.
The brown basketballs were constructed with fur or leather pieces, stitched together with rubber interiors. However, this darker shade proved to be a challenge for players, who struggled to see the ball on the court, particularly against the wooden backdrop of the court floors. This issue impacted players' performance and scores, leading to a search for a solution.
The authorities decided that a change was needed to address the visibility problem. They opted for a lighter tone, and after some experimentation, orange was chosen as the new colour. This decision was made in 1957, and the new orange basketball was introduced in 1958 during the NCAA championships. The darker ribs or partition lines on the ball were retained for enhanced visibility, creating a strong contrast that made the ball stand out.
The introduction of the orange basketball improved visibility significantly. As a result, major leagues such as the NCAA and NBA quickly adopted the new design. However, not all competitions immediately made the switch. The ABA, one of the prominent basketball leagues in the 1960s and 1970s, continued to use balls with unique colour combinations, including red, white, and blue, until its merger with the NBA in 1976.
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The ABA used red, white and blue balls
The colour of basketballs has evolved over time, with the typical shade being brown in the early days of the sport. However, concerns arose as players and spectators struggled to see the ball on the court due to its darker shade. This prompted a collaboration between Spalding and coach Tony Hinkle, who is credited with initiating the shift to orange basketballs in 1958. While this change was adopted by the NCAA and NBA, the ABA league, or the American Basketball Association, chose a different path.
The ABA's red, white and blue basketballs were not just a stylistic choice but also carried a sense of patriotism and national pride. The colours of the American flag adorned the balls, symbolising the league's strong connection to its country. This colour combination also offered excellent visibility, a crucial factor in the sport's enjoyment and performance. The vibrant shades of red, white and blue made the ball easily distinguishable against the court and enhanced the viewing experience for spectators, especially during televised games.
While the ABA's choice of colours was initially seen as a bold statement, it eventually became a nostalgic reminder of the league's rich history. Even after the merger with the NBA, the red, white and blue basketballs remained a cherished symbol of the ABA's legacy. During special events, such as the Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekends, the NBA pays tribute to the ABA by incorporating the red, white and blue balls as their money ball. This not only adds a touch of nostalgia to the game but also celebrates the contributions of the ABA to the sport's growth and development.
The ABA's use of red, white and blue basketballs showcases the league's willingness to forge its own path and leave a lasting mark on the sport. By embracing a unique colour scheme, the ABA not only addressed the issue of visibility but also created a powerful visual identity that continues to resonate with basketball enthusiasts even today. This distinct colour combination has earned a place in basketball history, reflecting the ABA's influence and enduring impact on the game.
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The WNBA uses orange and oatmeal balls
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been using basketballs painted orange and oatmeal (or white) since its launch in 1996 (or 1997). The WNBA's orange and oatmeal basketballs were chosen from 12 different colours, including black and orange, and light blue.
The WNBA's basketball design is different from the NBA's solid-coloured balls, which are orange. The WNBA's multi-coloured balls have been described as distinctive and helpful for branding the league. The orange and oatmeal colours were also chosen because they made it possible to see the rotation of the shot.
Before the basketball became orange, it was brown. The change was made in 1957 or 1958 because the brown balls were hard to see on the court. The ABA used red, white, and blue basketballs until the league merged with the NBA in 1976.
The WNBA's basketballs are also size 6, while the NBA uses size 7 balls. The WNBA balls measure a minimum of 28.5 inches in circumference and weigh 20 ounces.
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Orange was chosen for improved visibility
The colour of basketballs has evolved over time, with the game's early days seeing the use of brown leather balls. However, this darker shade presented visibility issues for both players and spectators. The ball's colour made it challenging to track during games, affecting gameplay and the overall viewing experience.
In response to these concerns, authorities sought a lighter-toned alternative. This search for improved visibility led to the introduction of the now-iconic orange basketball in the late 1950s. The new colour stood out against the court, making it easier for players and spectators to follow the action.
The debut of the orange basketball occurred during the 1958 NCAA Finals in Louisville, Kentucky. This change was driven by Butler University basketball coach Tony Hinkle, who collaborated with Spalding to address the visibility issues associated with the brown balls. Hinkle is credited with initiating a colour trend that would be adopted by most professional leagues worldwide.
The impact of the colour change extended beyond aesthetics. By enhancing visibility, the orange basketball improved gameplay and the viewing experience for fans, including those watching on television. This factor is particularly significant, considering the growing importance of broadcasting in sports.
While the orange basketball became the standard, it's worth noting that certain leagues, like the WNBA, have since introduced multi-coloured balls, combining orange with other shades like oatmeal or white. These colour combinations further enhance the visibility of the ball's rotation during shots, showcasing how basketball continues to evolve to optimise the sport's visual experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Before basketballs were standardized to be orange, they were brown.
The brown basketballs were harder to see on the court, so authorities decided to change the color to a lighter tone.
Basketballs were changed to orange in 1958 during the NCAA Finals in Louisville, Kentucky.
