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Spalding NBA Official Game Ball

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description Spalding NBA Official Game Ball Overview

The Spalding NBA Official Game Ball was the standard basketball used in National Basketball Association competitions for nearly four decades. Manufactured by the sporting goods company Spalding, the ball was constructed from full-grain leather and featured the league's specific dimensions and color scheme. The partnership between the NBA and Spalding lasted from 1983 until 2021, when the league transitioned to using balls made by Wilson.

help Spalding NBA Official Game Ball FAQ

Was the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball used in NBA games?

Yes. Spalding supplied the NBA's official game ball for nearly four decades, from 1983 through the 2018-19 season.

What is the Spalding NBA game ball made from?

The traditional NBA game ball used full-grain leather with the league's eight-panel design. The leather develops a broken-in feel through use, unlike many cheaper composite indoor balls.

What replaced the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball?

Wilson became the NBA's official game-ball supplier starting with the 2021-22 season. Spalding therefore represents the earlier NBA ball era rather than the current official ball.

Is the Spalding NBA game ball suitable for outdoor courts?

The full-grain leather version was intended for indoor hardwood courts. Outdoor asphalt and concrete can wear down the leather quickly, so an outdoor composite ball is a better choice for regular street play.

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