What Basketball Does the NBA Use?
The NBA used the Spalding basketball as it’s official game ball from 1983 to 2020. After the 2020 season, the NBA will start using the Wilson Basketball.
The official Spalding game ball is a size 7 basketball that’s 29.5 inches and was the official game ball for the NBA for decades.
It’s also made of genuine leather and has one of the best feels of any basketball.
Spalding NBA Official Game Ball
Features:
- Official size: Size 7, 29.5”
- Official game ball of the NBA
- Amazing grip that feels second nature
Learn more about the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball here –> https://amzn.to/3rlicFr
Disclosure: Links on this page may be affiliate links and may give us a commission to run the site with no extra cost to you.
History of Spalding
The Spalding brand is a sporting goods company founded by Albert Spalding in 1876.
Spalding initially started making baseballs and balls from other sports but eventually focused more on producing basketballs, where it became the official ball supplier for the NBA in 1983.
Why did the NBA Switch From Spalding to Wilson?
Wilson was originally the NBA’s first main ball supplier and after working with Spalding for three decades, they decided to go back to their roots.
Here’s what Salvatore LaRocca, the NBA’s NBA president of global partnerships said in a statement:
“This partnership with Wilson returns us to our roots as we plan for the future. We were partners for 37 seasons dating back to when Wilson manufactured the first official NBA basketballs in 1946, and we look forward to growing the game of basketball together.“
Kevin Murphy, GM of Wilson basketball division echoed the same sentiments:
“Our commitment to growing the game of basketball on the global stage is at the heart of Wilson and our new partnership with the NBA. Our passion for this game and the league runs incredibly deep, as does our history with it. And as we start this new chapter in the game, our focus and energy will be on supporting the league and the players, coaches and fans with the most advanced, high-performance game basketballs possible.”
Source: CNBC
Here’s some popular Wilson basketballs:
Wilson NCAA Basketball Replica
Features:
- Official size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inches
- Replica of the NCAA Game Ball
- Moisture absorbing material offers superior grip ability designed for indoor/outdoor play
Check out the Wilson NCAA Replica Basketball here –> https://amzn.to/36IfAtj
Wilson Evolution
Features:
- Official size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inches
- Premium Evo microfiber composite cover provides a grip that players love and durability to last all-season and beyond
- NFHS approved: approved for play by the national federation of state high school associations (NFHS)
Check out the Wilson Evolution Basketball here –> https://amzn.to/2YL5Da2
History of Wilson
Wilson Sporting Goods was founded by Thomas E. Wilson in 1913 and became of a subsidiary of of the Finnish group Amer Sports.
Wilson became the official NBA ball supplier in 1946, in a partnership that would last 37 years until it was replaced by Spalding.
The NBA decided to end it’s partnership with Spalding and use Wilson as the maker of its official game balls after the 2020 season.
Click HERE to See How Much A Good Basketball Cost
For more posts, check out:
Which is Better: Wilson or Spalding Basketball?
How Long Do Outdoor Basketballs Last?
Can You Play Basketball With Gloves?
Increase Your Vertical Jump | Learn How To Dunk
Why Are Air Jordans So Popular?
When Did Nike Make NBA Jerseys?
Why Are There Ads On NBA Jerseys?
Why Did The NBA Ban Ninja Headbands?
What is a Weighted Basketball Used For?