Spalding has provided the official game ball to the NBA since 1983
A big change is coming to one of the major sports leagues in the US. The NBA will be switching the producer of the league’s official game ball, which has remained the same since 1983. NBA’s contract with Spalding is about to expire; therefore, Wilson has been chosen as the new producing partner starting in the 2021-2022 season. Casually, next year’s season coincides with the league’s 75th anniversary, according to Yahoo Sports.
Wilson’s new contract with the league will expand beyond the NBA; it also includes the WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League (BAL). According to Yahoo Sports, the decision to part ways with Spalding was mutual between the parts. Previous to this partnership, Wilson was the league’s partner for 37 years.
Under this new contract, Wilson will keep the same type of leather and the same product specifications for the creation of the new official NBA balls. Both the NBA and NBPA are assisting the producing company with the specifications through the creation of a player advisory board, who will offer suggestions. This means that Wilson basketball engineers, product designers and player insights specialists will join forces to work along with the NBPA advisory board. The WNBA will continue using its composite ball.
Wilson is a world-known brand for sports items. It has been the official game ball of the NCAA tournament, and it is also used in most high school games across the country.
