The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier professional basketball league in the United States. As such, the NBA takes its choice of ball very seriously, and the brand of basketball used in league play is an important factor for players, fans, and league officials alike. With that in mind, what brand of basketballs does the NBA use?
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Official NBA Basketballs
The official ball used during NBA games is the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball. This ball is produced by the Spalding sporting goods company and is specifically designed for the NBA. It features an exclusive cover material, an exclusive Spalding patented grip panel design, and a deep channel design for enhanced control. The ball is also approved by the NBA and FIBA, the international basketball governing body, for use in official games.
History of Spalding as the NBA’s Official Basketball
Spalding has been the official basketball of the NBA since 1983, when the company replaced Adidas as the league’s official supplier. Over the years, the ball has evolved in design and technology to meet the needs of the NBA and its players. In 2006, the NBA adopted the first fully synthetic leather basketball, which was produced by Spalding. This was followed in 2007 by the first official ball to feature a microfiber composite cover, which provided a softer feel and improved grip.
Why the NBA Chooses Spalding
The NBA chooses Spalding as its official basketball for a number of reasons. The ball is designed specifically for the NBA, with an exclusive cover material, patented grip panel design, and deep-channel design that provide enhanced control. It is also approved by the NBA and FIBA, the international basketball governing body, for use in official games. Additionally, the ball is tested and approved by the NBA’s Playtest Panel, which includes both players and referees, for use in official games. Finally, Spalding is a trusted and well-known name in the sporting goods industry, and the NBA has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with the company.
Spalding NBA Replica Basketballs
In addition to the official NBA basketballs, Spalding also produces a line of replica balls for the NBA. These balls are designed to look and feel like the official game ball, but are not approved for official use in NBA games. They are available in both size 7 (29.5 inches in circumference) and size 6 (28.5 inches in circumference) and feature the NBA logo and a deep-channel design for enhanced control.
Conclusion
The NBA has a long-standing relationship with the Spalding sporting goods company and has used the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball as its official basketball since 1983. The ball is designed specifically for the NBA and is approved by both the NBA and FIBA, the international basketball governing body. Additionally, the ball is tested and approved by the NBA’s Playtest Panel, which includes both players and referees, for use in official games. Finally, Spalding also produces a line of replica balls for the NBA, which are designed to look and feel like the official game ball, but are not approved for official use in NBA games.