The official basketball of the National Basketball Association (NBA) is made by the sporting goods manufacturer Spalding. This iconic basketball brand has been the official ball of the NBA since 1983 and is a favorite of players, coaches and fans around the world. It is known for its quality, craftsmanship and durability, making it the perfect basketball for the rigors of professional basketball.
History of the NBA Official Ball
The official NBA ball was first made by the sporting goods company Spalding in 1983. This was the same year that the NBA adopted the three-point shot. The ball was designed by Spalding in partnership with the NBA and was designed to meet the needs of the professional game. It was made from a premium composite leather and featured the NBA logo prominently.
Since its introduction, the official NBA ball has gone through several iterations. The current version is known as the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball and is made from a full-grain leather cover with a deep-channel construction. The cover is constructed with two layers of polyurethane, and the bladder is made of premium rubber. The ball is also hand-stitched, which helps to ensure that it will maintain its shape and integrity over time.
Design Specifications and Quality Control
The official NBA ball is designed according to a set of specifications that are laid out by the league. These specifications include the size, weight, and other characteristics that make the ball suitable for professional basketball. The ball must meet certain standards in order to be considered “official” and must also pass a rigorous quality control process.
The size of the NBA official ball is between 29.5 and 30 inches in circumference and must weigh between 20 and 22 ounces. It must also have a pressure of between 7.5 and 8.5 psi. All of these specifications are monitored by the NBA and Spalding to ensure that the ball meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
The quality control process for the NBA official ball is also very stringent. Each ball is carefully inspected to ensure that it meets all of the league’s specifications. The balls are tested for air pressure, bounce, and other characteristics. If the ball does not meet the standards, it is discarded and another one is made.
Final Thoughts
The official NBA ball is made by the sporting goods manufacturer Spalding. This iconic brand has been the official ball of the NBA since 1983 and is a favorite of players, coaches and fans around the world. It is known for its quality, craftsmanship and durability, making it the perfect basketball for the rigors of professional basketball. All of the NBA’s specifications are carefully monitored and enforced by Spalding and the league, ensuring that the ball meets the highest standards of quality and performance.