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The official basketball used in the NBA is the Wilson ball, which replaced the Spalding ball in 2021. The Wilson ball is made from 100% genuine leather and is the same size as all NBA game balls at 29.5. The NBA has strict requirements for its basketballs, which must be broken in before use and have a PSI of between 8 and 8.5.
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What You'll Learn
The official NBA basketball is made from 100% genuine leather
The leather basketballs are known for their superior grip and consistent bounce compared to synthetic alternatives. However, they require a break-in period, as they initially feel slick and rough to the touch. Over time, playing with the basketball will loosen up the leather, providing a better grip. Dribbling drills and repeated use will speed up the break-in process, and the ball will darken in colour as it becomes ready for gameplay.
The official NBA basketball has a size of 29.5 inches, which is the standard size used in all NBA games. It is important to maintain the leather by cleaning and conditioning it regularly, as it can be damaged or dirtied easily if used outdoors.
The NBA has a history of using leather basketballs, with the league's first 37 years featuring Wilson as the manufacturer, followed by Spalding taking over the contract in 1983. In recent years, the NBA has experimented with different materials, such as microfiber composites, but ultimately returned to the traditional leather model due to player feedback.
The official NBA basketball is a symbol of the league's rich history and commitment to providing the best equipment for its players, ensuring an optimal playing experience and performance.
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The basketball is manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods
The official basketball of the NBA is the Wilson NBA Official Game Ball, manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods. Wilson has been making basketballs for every occasion, both indoor and outdoor. The Wilson Official NBA Game Ball is made from 100% genuine Horween leather, which is known for its superior grip and performance. The leather cover will initially feel slick and rough to the touch, but playing with the basketball will loosen up the leather, giving the ball more grip. The ball will also darken as it becomes ready for gameplay.
The Wilson NBA Official Game Ball is the standard size of 29.5 inches, the same size used in all NBA games. It is built to meet the world-class standards of the NBA and is used by every team and player in every game. The ball features official NBA branding coupled with the iconic Wilson script.
Wilson also offers a range of other basketballs, including the Evolution Game Basketball, the Evo NXT basketball, and the NCAA Legend VTX. The Evolution Game Basketball is the preferred high school basketball in the country and provides superior grip and performance. The Evo NXT basketball has Extended Range Tech, which redistributes the ball's weight, making it easier to shoot from long range. The NCAA Legend VTX is an indoor/outdoor basketball made of durable materials to withstand the weather and repeated use.
Wilson Sporting Goods is the home of the official basketball of the NBA, the WNBA, and the NCAA. The company offers an extensive range of products, including basketballs, basketball bags, and accessories, designed to enhance performance on the court and ensure every player can perform at their peak. Wilson's basketballs are known for their superior grip and performance, providing a competitive advantage for players of all levels.
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The basketball is 29.5 inches in circumference
The official basketball used in the NBA is the Wilson ball. It is made from 100% genuine leather and has no raised panels, which makes shooting easier as players can get a better grip on the ball. The Wilson NBA Official Game Ball has a circumference of 29.5 inches, the standard size used in all NBA games.
The leather cover of the Wilson ball will initially feel slick and rough to the touch. However, the more the basketball is used, the more the leather will loosen up, providing a better grip over time. Dribbling drills and repeated play will speed up this break-in process, and the ball will darken in colour as it becomes ready for gameplay. The break-in period can take several months, and the leather must be maintained by cleaning and conditioning it regularly.
The NBA has strict requirements for the balls used in its games. The balls must be inflated to a pressure of between 8 and 8.5 PSI. They also have specific requirements for the construction of the ball, with new channel construction suited to player preference. The balls feature official NBA branding, coupled with the iconic Wilson script.
The NBA has been using Wilson balls since 2021, when they replaced the previous supplier, Spalding. Wilson also supplies the basketballs for the NBA's G League and WNBA. The switch back to Wilson came after the NBA faced criticism for a brief switch to a composite material ball, which some players said cut their fingers.
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The basketball is designed with player preference in mind
The leather cover of the ball will loosen up over time, providing a better grip for players. This is a crucial aspect of the design, as a secure grip enables players to dribble, pass, and shoot more effectively. The grip offered by the leather ball surpasses that of synthetic or composite balls, which are commonly used in lower-level competitions. The leather ball's grip is further enhanced by its construction, which features pro seams designed according to player preferences.
The size of the official NBA ball is also standardized at 29.5 inches, ensuring consistency across the league. This size is larger than the standard soccer ball, which was used in the first-ever basketball game. The weight of the ball is another important consideration, with players preferring a slightly underinflated ball around 8 PSI for its softer feel and easier handling.
The ball's design also takes into account the players' safety. In the past, the NBA faced criticism for introducing a composite ball that caused friction and cut players' fingers. As a result, the league reverted to an all-leather model, prioritizing player safety and comfort. This incident highlights the NBA's attention to player feedback and its willingness to make adjustments to ensure the ball meets their preferences and performance needs.
The official NBA ball, therefore, represents a carefully designed piece of equipment that takes into account the preferences and needs of the players. From the choice of material to the size and weight, every aspect of the ball's design aims to provide players with the best possible experience on the court. The break-in period, though requiring some adjustment, ultimately contributes to a ball that is highly regarded by players for its superior grip and performance.
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The basketball is heavier than 20 oz
The official basketball used in the NBA is heavier than 20 oz. In fact, the NBA's official basketball, the Wilson ball, is made from genuine leather and has an official size of 29.5 inches, which is the same size used in all NBA games. This is larger than the 1948 molded version of the early basketball, which had a circumference of 30 inches.
The weight of the NBA basketball is not the only factor that affects its performance. The ball's grip and bounce are also important considerations. For example, the NBA basketball's grip improves as the leather breaks in and becomes less slick over time. This break-in period can take several months, during which the ball may feel harsh or rough to the touch. The ball will also darken in color as it gets closer to being ready for gameplay.
The bounce of the basketball is another key factor. A well-broken-in ball will have a more consistent bounce, which is important for players' performance. The dribbling drills used during the break-in period can also help improve the ball's bounce. The correct PSI for the ball is between 8 and 8.5, which contributes to achieving the optimal bounce.
The NBA basketball's weight, grip, and bounce are all important factors that contribute to the overall performance and feel of the ball. While the weight of the ball is indeed heavier than 20 oz, the break-in process and the resulting improvements in grip and bounce also play a significant role in the ball's performance for NBA players.
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Frequently asked questions
The official basketball used in the NBA is the Wilson ball.
The official size of the basketball used in the NBA is 29.5 inches.
The official weight of the basketball used in the NBA is between 8 and 8.5 PSI.
The official basketball used in the NBA is made of leather.
To break in an official NBA basketball, you need to play with it. The more you play with the ball, the more it will loosen up and develop a better grip.
