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The NBA game ball is a serious piece of equipment, and the league takes its construction and performance very seriously. The official ball is constructed to meet world-class standards and is made from genuine leather. In 2021, the NBA switched from using Spalding to Wilson as its official game ball supplier, marking a return to the brand that supplied balls for the league's first 37 seasons. The Wilson NBA official game ball is made from the same leather as the previous balls, sourced from the Horween Leather Company in Chicago, one of the oldest tanneries in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Wilson |
| Price | $199.95 |
| Cover Material | Genuine Leather |
| Number of Panels | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
The NBA's basketball manufacturer is Wilson
The Wilson Official NBA Game Ball is constructed with a genuine leather cover, built to meet the world-class standards of the NBA. The leather is designed to loosen up and provide more grip as it is used, initially feeling slick and rough to the touch. Wilson also manufactures game balls for the WNBA and NBA G League, using the same materials, eight-panel configuration, and performance specifications as the NBA balls.
Wilson is committed to growing the game of basketball globally and supporting the league, players, coaches, and fans with advanced, high-performance game basketballs. They offer an extensive range of basketball products, including basketballs, basketball bags, and accessories, to enhance performance on the court and ensure players can perform at their peak. Wilson's Evolution Game Basketball is a preferred high school basketball known for its superior grip and performance.
As the official basketball manufacturer for the NBA, Wilson has a historic partnership with the league. Wilson's General Manager, Kevin Murphy, expressed his passion for the game and the company's commitment to supporting the league and its players. The NBA's President of Global Partnerships, Salvatore LaRocca, also acknowledged the significance of the partnership, stating that it returns the league to its roots as they plan for the future.
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The basketballs are made of genuine leather
The National Basketball Association (NBA) uses basketballs made of genuine leather. Wilson, the official manufacturer, produces these balls to meet the NBA's world-class standards. Each ball is constructed with a leather cover, which initially feels slick and rough to the touch. However, as players use the ball, the leather loosens, providing a better grip.
Wilson's NBA Official Game Basketball is the standard ball used by every team and player in every game. The ball features an eight-panel configuration, similar to its predecessor from Spalding, which was the official manufacturer before Wilson. The transition back to Wilson after 37 years with Spalding is part of the NBA's focus on creating new innovations.
Wilson's basketballs undergo strict quality tests to ensure that only top-quality balls leave production. The higher the tier of the ball, the higher the cost, with the official NBA game ball priced at $199.95. Wilson's long-term partnership with the NBA is built on consistency, as evidenced by their supply of game balls during the league's first 37 years.
The NBA Official Game Basketball is more than just a ball; it represents the inspiration that drives players worldwide. The game ball embodies the competitive action, powerful camaraderie, and incredible athleticism that the NBA stands for. It is a symbol of the hard work and dedication that players put in to reach the world's biggest stage.
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Wilson replaced Spalding as the manufacturer
The NBA's decision to replace Spalding with Wilson as the official ball manufacturer came as a surprise to many. Spalding had been the league's trusted partner for 37 years, since 1984, and its balls were used in various sports leagues, including the Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the Arena Football League. The company even had a history in basketball, having produced balls for the American Football League, which featured a unique design with an eight-panel pattern.
However, in 2021, the NBA announced that it would be switching to Wilson as its official ball manufacturer starting with the 2021-2022 season. This move marked a return to Wilson, as they had been the NBA's original manufacturer. Wilson, based in Chicago, also became the official ball provider for the WNBA, the G League, and the Basketball Africa League.
While the primary reason for the switch was not explicitly stated, sources indicate that it could have been a strategic move by the NBA to repair its relationship with China. In 2019, Daryl Morey, then-general manager of the Houston Rockets, tweeted in support of Hong Kong citizens protesting the Beijing government, causing tension between the league and China. By choosing Wilson, the NBA may have been aiming to ease these tensions and recoup the financial losses incurred during the pause in coverage by Chinese Central Television (CCTV), the state-run broadcaster with exclusive NBA TV rights in China.
The switch to Wilson also brought about a change in the ball's design. Wilson introduced the Evo NXT ball, which gained attention for its unique look, grip, and impact on shooters. However, this new ball received mixed reactions from players, fans, and the media. Some, like NBA stars CJ McCollum and Devin Booker, expressed discomfort and criticism towards the new ball, while others defended it. Despite the initial backlash, the Wilson ball continued to be used in the NBA, marking a new chapter in the league's history.
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The NBA's 75th anniversary season
The 75th Anniversary Team features 76 players due to a tie in the voting. The players selected combined for 158 NBA championships, 62 Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, 48 Finals MVP awards, and 730 All-Star selections. The team includes pioneers and legends who have helped shape, define and redefine the game, representing different eras of the league's history.
The selection of the 75th Anniversary Team was made by a panel of reporters, current and former players, coaches, general managers, and team executives. The panel selected the greatest players in league history, including 50 members of the 50th Anniversary Team and 26 new members from the 1970s to the current era. Two notable additions from the earlier top 50 selections were Bob McAdoo and Dominique Wilkins.
Throughout the 2021-22 season, the league featured NBA 75 Classic Matchups to celebrate the teams, players, coaches, and moments that have defined 75 years of NBA basketball. The NBA also continued its legacy of supporting the communities where the NBA family lives, works, and plays, improving lives through the game of basketball.
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Wilson Advisory Staff members test the basketballs
The Wilson Advisory Staff program has been around for almost 90 years and includes over 10,000 professional athletes, coaches, and advisors. In 2021, Trae Young and Jamal Murray became the first NBA players to join the Wilson Advisory Staff. As official Wilson Advisory Staff members, Young and Murray playtested, provided feedback, and collaborated on Wilson basketball products. Young expressed his excitement about joining the Wilson team, stating that he had been using their basketballs since he was a kid.
In addition to Young and Murray, Wilson also welcomed NBA Skills Coach Chris Brickley to their Advisory Staff in 2021. Brickley, who works year-round with NBA All-Stars, provided pro insights and tested future Wilson basketball products, including a line of high-performance training basketballs made for ball-handling and shooting. He also playtested and gave feedback on upcoming NBA, WNBA, and NCAA basketball gear.
Wilson's partnership with Brickley extended beyond basketball to include unique digital content focused on his deep training knowledge and motivational tactics. This content was exclusively available to members of the Wilson Live Evo Club. Wilson's Global Marketing Director, Amanda Lamb, expressed enthusiasm for Brickley's addition to the team, highlighting his strong knowledge of the game and his ability to contribute fresh insights to their growing basketball Advisory Staff.
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Frequently asked questions
The NBA uses the Wilson Official NBA Game Ball.
The NBA Game Ball is made of genuine leather.
The leather comes from the Horween Leather Company in Chicago, one of the oldest leather tanneries in the United States.
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. manufactures the NBA's official game ball.
