The official ball of the National Basketball Association (NBA) is the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball. For over 30 years, the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball has been the standard for the NBA, and is the official ball of the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the NBA G League.
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History of the NBA Official Game Ball
The NBA has used a variety of balls in its history. The first ball used by the NBA was the Spalding Top-Flite Outdoor, a leather ball with interlocking panels. This ball was used from the inception of the league in 1946, until the late 1970s.
In the late 1970s, the NBA introduced the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball. This leather ball featured eight panels, eight lace holes, and an orange and blue stripe design. This ball was used for nearly two decades, until the late 1990s.
In the late 1990s, the NBA introduced the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball 2. This synthetic ball featured eight panels, a deep channel design, and a black and red stripe. This ball was used until 2006.
In 2006, the NBA introduced the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball 3. This synthetic ball featured eight panels, a microfiber composite cover, and a black and orange stripe. This ball was used until 2021.
Design of the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball
The design of the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball has evolved over the years, but it has remained largely unchanged since the introduction of the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball 3 in 2006. The ball is made of a microfiber composite cover and features eight panels, eight lace holes, and a black and orange stripe.
The ball is designed to be durable and to provide maximum grip and control for players. The cover is made to provide a consistent bounce, and the eight panels provide a consistent feel for players. The lace holes are designed to provide a secure grip for players, and the black and orange stripe provides a recognizable design.
The size and weight of the ball also remain consistent. The ball is a size 7, and weighs 22 ounces. This size and weight provide consistency for players, and ensure that the ball meets the NBA’s standards.
Technology of the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball
The Spalding NBA Official Game Ball is designed with the latest in basketball technology. The ball is designed with a microfiber composite cover that provides a consistent bounce and a deep channel design that provides a secure grip. The ball also features a pressure-retention valve that helps keep the ball inflated.
The ball is also designed with a moisture-resistant coating that helps keep the ball dry, and a temperature-resistant coating that helps keep the ball at a consistent temperature. The ball is also designed with a vibration-dampening system that helps reduce vibration and improve control.
Conclusion
The Spalding NBA Official Game Ball is the official ball of the NBA, the WNBA, and the NBA G League. The ball has evolved over the years, but it has remained largely unchanged since 2006. The ball is designed with the latest in basketball technology, and is designed to be durable and to provide maximum grip and control for players.