Amanda Knapp
Wilson Sporting Goods debuted its 3D-printed, airless basketball prototype during the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The ball, unveiled by Houston Rockets' KJ Martin, was a black lattice-work structure with hexagonal holes, designed to address the issue of basketballs going flat. After receiving feedback, Wilson made improvements and released the first generation of the Airless Gen1 ball in 2025, which sold out despite its $2500 price tag. While it won't be replacing the leather ball anytime soon, the airless basketball represents a significant innovation in the sport's future, with the NBA potentially looking very different by the mid-21st century.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Wilson Airless Gen1 |
| Debut | 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest |
| Release Date | February 16, 2024 |
| Colors | Black, Brown, Natural |
| Size | 7 |
| Price | $2,500 |
| Customization | Small customization panel for numbering |
| Material | 3D-printed polymer |
| Manufacturing | Additive manufacturing |
| Design | Lattice structure with eight panel-like lobes and hexagonal holes |
| Weight and Bounce | Comparable to an inflated basketball |
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What You'll Learn
- Wilson's 3D-printed airless basketball prototype was unveiled at the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk event
- The ball is made from powder, lasers, and polymer, and features hexagonal holes
- The airless basketball is unbreakable and eliminates the need for inflation
- Wilson has vetted the ball with NBA, WNBA, G-League, and NCAA Division I teams
- The Airless Gen1 ball is available in three colours and sold for $2,500
Wilson's 3D-printed airless basketball prototype was unveiled at the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk event
Wilson Sporting Goods Co., the official basketball of the National Basketball Association (NBA), unveiled its 3D-printed airless basketball prototype during the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk event. The prototype was introduced during the first round of the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest by Houston Rockets player, KJ Martin.
The 3D Airless Prototype Basketball was designed to address the common issue of basketballs losing air and deflating over time. Traditional basketballs, regardless of their make, will eventually go flat. To eliminate this problem, Wilson created an airless structure by using a lattice framework—a series of nodes and struts—that was 3D printed using industrial-level additive manufacturing techniques. This manufacturing process intertwines powder and lasers to create a durable ball.
The result is a see-through, one-material, non-leather basketball with hexagonal or honeycomb-shaped holes that provide a natural grip. The ball meets the performance specifications of a regulation basketball in terms of weight, size, and bounce. It is also highly durable, with claims that it is unbreakable.
While the feel of the ball differs from that of a traditional leather basketball, KJ Martin noted that it did not affect his ability to grip, dribble, or perform his usual dunks. He expressed excitement for NBA players and fans to experience the ball themselves. Wilson plans to incorporate feedback from fans and athletes into future iterations of the design.
The 3D-printed airless basketball prototype represents a significant innovation in the sport and showcases Wilson's commitment to pushing the boundaries of basketball equipment design. It also highlights the potential of 3D printing technology in sports equipment manufacturing, offering solutions to common issues while also improving sustainability and customization.
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The ball is made from powder, lasers, and polymer, and features hexagonal holes
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is made from powder, lasers, and polymer, and features hexagonal holes. The ball is created using 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques. The lattice structure, formed by intertwining powder and lasers, gives the ball its unique airless property, preventing it from ever going flat. This lattice is made through industrial-level 3D printing, where the powder forms a bed for the lasers to work upon.
The hexagonal holes are an important feature of the ball's design. These small holes provide natural grip points for players, improving their control over the ball. The holes also contribute to the ball's overall aesthetics, creating a bee-hive-like pattern on the surface. Despite their functionality, the holes are designed to be small enough to prevent fingers from entering the ball, ensuring a comfortable grip.
The polymer used in the ball's construction can be dyed to create different base colours. The Airless Gen1 is available in black, brown, and an off-white natural colour, with the black version described as having an "elusive, sexy" design. The natural colour also serves as an excellent canvas for customization, allowing for further colour experimentation.
The 3D-printed ball meets the performance specifications of a regulation ball in weight, size, and bounce. It is also highly durable, described by Dr. Nadine Lippa, Innovation Manager at Wilson, as "unbreakable." This durability eliminates the worry of the ball popping or going flat, making it ideal for outdoor use.
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The airless basketball is unbreakable and eliminates the need for inflation
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is a 3D-printed, airless basketball that was unveiled by K.J. Martin at the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk event. It is the first airless basketball and eliminates the need for inflation. The ball is made using a lattice structure of polymer with eight panel-like lobes and hexagonal holes, which allow air to pass through, replicating the size, weight, and bounce of an inflated basketball.
The 3D-printed ball comes fully playable and meets the performance specifications of a regulation ball in weight, size, and bounce. It is made from a single material, compared to five materials used in a regular basketball, and features hexagonal or beehive-shaped holes that make it easier to grip. The small holes throughout the ball provide natural grip points for the fingers, while the typical basketball grooves that shooters feel for have been added as an aesthetic touch.
The Airless Gen1 basketball is created using additive manufacturing, which involves building up layers of material to create a three-dimensional object. This manufacturing process allows Wilson to address the common issue of basketballs going flat by eliminating the need for inflation completely. The lattice structure serves as the framework of the ball, providing the necessary support without the need for air.
The Airless Gen1 basketball was initially released in three colors: black, brown, and an off-white natural shade. The base color of the polymer is natural, providing a canvas for dying the balls different colors. The ball's design and color options have been described as "striking" and "elusive, sexy."
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is a significant innovation in the sport of basketball, offering a solution to the issue of flat basketballs and providing a unique, customizable, and durable playing experience.
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Wilson has vetted the ball with NBA, WNBA, G-League, and NCAA Division I teams
In February 2023, Wilson debuted its 3D-printed, airless basketball prototype during the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The ball was vetted by teams in the NBA, WNBA, G-League, and NCAA Division I.
KJ Martin, a 6-foot-7 Houston Rocket, was the first to try out the ball. He noted that the first iteration of the ball was "a little slippery", but that a second version "was easier to control". Martin also predicted that the ball would be perfect for outdoor use, as there would be no risk of it popping.
The 3D-printed ball is made from a lattice of nodes and struts, which serve as its framework. This lattice is created through industrial-level 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, which intertwines powder and lasers. The end product is a see-through, one-material, non-leather basketball with hexagonal holes, which make it easier to grip.
In February 2024, Wilson announced that it would be releasing the Wilson Airless Gen1 ball, a direct evolution of the prototype, to the public. The Airless Gen1 ball will be available in three colours: black, brown, and an off-white natural.
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The Airless Gen1 ball is available in three colours and sold for $2,500
The Airless Gen1 ball, an evolution of the prototype, is available in three colours: black, brown, and an off-white natural. It was released on 16 February during the NBA Crossover activation in Indianapolis as part of the NBA All-Star weekend. The ball is sold for $2,500, which is more than ten times the price of Wilson's official NBA game ball, typically priced at $200. Despite the high price, the Airless Gen1 ball sold out quickly.
The Airless Gen1 is the first retail release of the airless basketball, which was initially unveiled as a prototype by K.J. Martin during the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk event. The prototype was a black lattice-work basketball, while the Gen1 offers a variety of colours to showcase the customisation capabilities of the 3D-printing technology. The base colour of the polymer is natural, which serves as a versatile canvas for dyeing.
The 3D-printed ball is made using additive manufacturing, which intertwines powder and lasers to create a lattice framework of nodes and struts. This technology eliminates the need for inflation, ensuring the ball remains fully playable and retaining the performance specifications of a regulation ball in weight, size, and bounce. The lattice structure features eight panel-like lobes and hexagonal holes that allow air to pass through, providing a natural grip for players.
The Airless Gen1 ball is a limited edition release, with only 75 unique units available during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. Each ball features a small customisation panel, allowing Wilson to print specific details such as numbering. Buyers of the Airless Gen1 ball also receive a carrying case, a display stand, and a customised luggage tag.
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Frequently asked questions
Wilson's Airless Gen1 basketball was released in 2025 and was available to purchase during the NBA All-Star Weekend. However, it is not clear if or when the NBA will replace their official game ball with the airless version.
The basketball is made from a 3D-printed polymer lattice structure with hexagonal holes. The ball is see-through and comes in three colours: brown, natural, and jet black.
The airless basketball has a steep price tag of \$2,500.
The airless basketball was created to address the issue of inflatable balls going flat. The 3D-printed structure eliminates the need for air and provides a more durable alternative to traditional basketballs.
